Influence of medium chain fatty acids on selected microbes and on in vitro ruminal fermentation of air-exposed corn silage.

Several medium chain fatty acids and different chemical forms of these acids were evaluated in vitro as treatments of aerobically-exposed corn silage against spoilage and pathogenic microbes and for effects on rumen fermentation. Treatments were control (no additive), myristate (MY), laurate (LA), monolaurin (MLA), methyl ester laurate (MELA), a blend of mono-, di- and triglycerides of laurate (BLA), and monocaprylate (MC). After 24 h of aerobic incubation (37°C), yeast and mold growth were not influenced (P > 0.05) by treatments, while the net growth of lactic acid bacteria was decreased, albeit slightly, compared to that by untreated controls (P < 0.01) by all treatments of the air-exposed corn silage. Compared with controls, wild-type enterococci were decreased (P < 0.01) in MLA, MELA, and BLA. Staphylococcus aureus was reduced (P < 0.01) with MLA, MELA, BLA, and MC. Total aerobes showed reductions (P < 0.01) with MLA, BLA, and MC. Listeria monocytogenes numbers were reduced (P < 0.01) with MELA. Anaerobic incubation (24 h; 39°C) of ruminal fluid (10 mL) with 0.2 g air-exposed and MCFA-treated corn silage revealed higher hydrogen accumulations (P < 0.01) with MLA and MC over the control treatment. Methane was decreased (P < 0.01) solely by MLA. There was an increase (P < 0.01) of acetate with MELA and MC; of propionate with MELA or by BLA; and of butyrate with MLA, MELA, BLA, and MC. Total VFA, hexose fermented, and ammonia were increased (P < 0.01) with MELA, BLA, and MC. The acetate:propionate ratio was increased (P < 0.01) with MC. The results showed that treatment of air-exposed corn silage with esterified MCFA had no effect on yeasts and molds but prevented propagation or reduced populations of some unwanted and potentially desirable bacteria. Modest methane reduction was seen during in vitro incubation of rumen fluid suspensions with MLA-treated silage and ammonia accumulations were increased in esterified MCFA-treated silage. Little, if any, other detrimental effects on beneficial ruminal fermentation characteristics were observed.

Influence of metabolizable protein and methionine supplementation on growth-performance of Holstein steer calves during the initial 112-d feedlot growing phase.

The objective was to examine the effects of metabolizable protein (MP) and ruminal-protected methionine supplementation on growth performance of Holstein steer calves during the initial feedlot growing phase (112 d). One hundred eighty Holstein steer calves (122 ±â€…7 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 30 pens (6 steers per pen). Five treatments were applied: 1) control, a diet based on steam-flaked corn containing urea and dry distillers grains plus solubles as supplemental N sources with no amino acid addition; 2) control diet plus blood meal supplementation; 3) diet from treatment 2, with 0.064% Smartamine M (70% methionine; Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) supplementation; 4) diet from treatment 2 with 0.096% Smartamine M supplementation; 5) diet from treatment 2 with 0.128% Smartamine M supplementation. All diets were formulated to exceed the estimated MP requirements. The estimated metabolizable lysine, as well as methionine, was deficient in the control diet. Blood meal was added to the control diet to meet estimated lysine requirements (diet 2), the other diets had increasing concentrations of supplemental methionine. Supplemental MP enhanced (10%, P < 0.02) interim and overall 112-d average daily gain (ADG). Additional effects of supplemental methionine on ADG were not appreciable (P > 0.10). Supplemental MP did not affect (P > 0.10) dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 56-d period; however, it tended to increase (P = 0.08) DMI during the subsequent 56-d period. Overall, supplemental MP or methionine had no appreciable effect (P > 0.10) on DMI. Supplemental MP improved (P < 0.01) gain efficiency and estimated dietary net energy (NE) values during the initial 56-d period (11 and 7%, respectively) and overall (7 and 4%, respectively). Supplemental MP did not affect (P > 0.10) gain efficiency during the second 56-d period, although it tended to enhance (P = 0.08) estimated dietary NE. Supplemental methionine did not appreciably affect (P > 0.10) gain efficiency or estimated dietary NE. Therefore, adding MP to cover the estimated limiting amino acid supply in diets may enhance the gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. However, amino acid addition supplementation beyond the requirements may not produce extra productive performance of steer calves.

Uso de Levaduras Activas en Nutrición de Camarón

RESUMEN La acuacultura de camarón es una industria que usa harina de pescado en las dietas, el cual es un ingrediente difícil de obtener a bajo costo y es cada vez más escaso. Es importante encontrar estrategias que ayuden a la nutrición del camarón mediante el uso de ingredientes alternativos que reemplacen o complementen a la harina de pescado y ayuden a desarrollar una industria más amigable para el medio ambiente. Las levaduras se pueden añadir a las dietas para los organismos acuáticos y son un producto microbiano generado por sistemas biotecnológicos o un subproducto de las industrias agroalimentarias. Este estudio determinó el uso potencial de levaduras activas (Candida insectorum, C. parapsilosis, C. sake, C. utilis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Rhodosporidium paludigenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, y Yarrowia lipolytica) en camarones juveniles y postlarvas de Litopenaeus schmitt, Fenneropenaeus indicus y L. vannamei. Los resultados muestran que las levaduras activas pueden ser empleadas a diferentes dosis como un sustituto parcial de la harina de pescado y/o harina de soya e incorporarse a dietas de camarones juveniles o usarse directamente en dietas para postlarvas. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar estudios que determinen las estrategias más eficientes para que la levadura activa sea ingerida por el camarón.

ABSTRACT Shrimp aquaculture is an industry that uses fishmeal in diets, which is an ingredient difficult to obtain at low cost and increasingly scarce. It is important to find strategies that help shrimp nutrition by using alternative ingredients that replace or complement fishmeal and help develop a more environmentally friendly industry. Yeasts can be added to diets for aquatic organisms and are microbial products generated by biotechnological systems or a by-product from agri-food industries. This study determined the potential use of active yeasts (Candida insectorum, C. parapsilosis, C. sake, C. utilis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Rhodosporidium paludigenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Yarrowia lipolytica) in juvenile and postlarvae shrimp of Litopenaeus schmitt, Fenneropenaeus indicus, and L. vannamei. The results show that active yeasts can be used at different doses, as partial substitute for a fishmeal-soybean meal and incorporated into diets for juvenile shrimp or used directly in diets for postlarvae. However, it is necessary to carry out studies to determine the most efficient strategies for the active yeast to be ingested by shrimp.

Effects of Hops Treatment on Nitrogen Retention, Volatile Fatty Acid Accumulations, and Select Microbial Populations of Composting Poultry Litter Intended for Use as a Ruminant Feedstuff.

Poultry litter is a valuable crude protein feedstuff for ruminants, but it must be treated to kill pathogens before feeding. Composting effectively kills pathogens, but it risks losing ammonia to volatilization or leaching during degradation of uric acid and urea. Hops bitter acids also exert antimicrobial activity against certain pathogenic and nitrogen-degrading microbes. Consequently, the present studies were conducted to test if adding bitter acid-rich hop preparations to simulated poultry litter composts may improve nitrogen retention while simultaneously improving pathogen killing. Results from an initial study, testing doses of Chinook or Galena hops preparations designed to each deliver 79 ppm hops ß-acid, revealed that, after nine days simulated composting of wood chip litter, ammonia concentrations were 14% lower (p < 0.05) in Chinook-treated composts than untreated composts (13.4 ± 1.06 µmol/g). Conversely, urea concentrations were 55% lower (p < 0.05) in Galena-treated than untreated composts (6.2 ± 1.72 µmol/g). Uric acid accumulations were unaffected by hops treatments in this study but were higher (p < 0.05) after three days than after zero, six, or nine days of composting. In follow-up studies, Chinook or Galena hops treatments (delivering 2042 or 6126 ppm of ß-acid, respectively) for simulated composts (14 days) of wood chip litter alone or mixed 3:1 with ground Bluestem hay (Andropogon gerardii) revealed that these higher dosages had little effect on ammonia, urea, or uric acid accumulations when compared to untreated composts. Volatile fatty acid accumulations measured in these later studies were affected by the hops treatments, with butyrate accumulations being lower after 14 days in hops-treated composts than in untreated compost. In all studies, beneficial effects of Galena or Chinook hops treatments were not observed on the antimicrobial activity of the simulated composts, with composting by itself decreasing (p < 0.05) counts of select microbial populations by more than 2.5 log10 colony forming units/g compost dry matter. Thus, while hops treatments had little effect on pathogen control or nitrogen retention within the composted litter, they did lessen accumulations of butyrate, which may prevent adverse effects of this fatty acid on palatability of litter fed to ruminants.

Effects in air-exposed corn silage of medium chain fatty acids on select spoilage microbes, zoonotic pathogens, and in vitro rumen fermentation.

Medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) treatment (0.75% C6, hexanoic; C8, octanoic; C10, decanoic; or equal proportion mixtures of C6:C8:C10:C12 or C8:C10/g; C12 = dodecanoic acid) of aerobically-exposed corn silage on spoilage and pathogenic microbes and rumen fermentation were evaluated in vitro. After 24 h aerobic incubation (37 °C), microbial enumeration revealed 3 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/g fewer (P = 0.03) wild-type yeast and molds in C8:C10-treated silage than controls. Compared with controls, wild-type enterococci decreased (P < 0.01) in all treatments except the C6:C8:C10:C12 mixture; lactic acid bacteria were decreased (P < 0.01) in all treatments except C6 and the C6:C8:C10:C12 mixture. Total aerobes and inoculated Staphylococcus aureus or Listeria monocytogenes were unaffected by treatment (P > 0.05). Anaerobic incubation (24 h at 39 °C) of ruminal fluid (10 mL) with 0.02 g overnight air-exposed MCFA-treated corn silage revealed higher hydrogen accumulations (P = 0.03) with the C8:C10 mixture than controls. Methane, acetate, propionate, butyrate, or estimates of fermented hexose were unaffected. Acetate:propionate ratios were higher (P < 0.01) and fermentation efficiencies were marginally lower (P < 0.01) with C8- or C8:C10-treated silage than controls. Further research is warranted to optimize treatments to target unwanted microbes without adversely affecting beneficial microbes.

Relationship between the Composition of Lipids in Forages and the Concentration of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Cow's Milk: A Review.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), has been shown to have protective effects against various diseases, such as obesity, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer. This fatty acid in ruminants results from two processes, biohydrogenation, which takes place in the rumen, and de novo synthesis, carried out in the mammary gland, and it has linoleic and α-linolenic acids as its precursors. The amounts of precursors in the diets of animals are related to the amounts of CLA in milk. In the literature review, it was found that the milk of cows fed fresh forage has a higher amount of CLA because they have a higher amount of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid compared to other foods used in the diets of cows. The amount of CLA precursors in pastures can be increased through agronomic practices, such as nitrogen fertilization, and regrowth age. It is also a technique used to increase the amount of CLA in milk to obtain a greater benefit regarding its nutritional value.

Influence of arrival weight of Holstein steers of similar age on feedlot growth performance, dietary energetics, and carcass characteristics.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of arrival weight on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age. Material and Methods: Three hundred calf-fed Holstein steers (age 113 ± 1-day) were distributed in a completely randomly unbalanced design and divided into five categories (105, 112, 117, 123, and 129 kg) of shrunk initial weight (SIW). Calves were weighed on days 1, 112, 224, and 361. Calves were fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. Growth performance and dietary energy were evaluated for each period and the study as a whole (1-361-day). Results: During the rearing period, average daily gain (ADG) increased (linearly effect, p < 0.01) with increasing birth weight. Birthweight was positively associated (p < 0.05) with feedlot arrival weight (R 2 = 0.47) and final harvest weight (R 2 = 0.36). Overall ADG increased (p < 0.01) with increasing SIW. Dry matter intake increased linearly during the first 224-day but quadratically during the last 137 days. Overall, there was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of SIW on gain-to-feed and observed-to-expected dietary NE, with lower efficiencies (4%) for steers in both the lightest and heaviest SIW. Hot carcass weight, Longissimus muscle area, marbling score, and fat thickness increased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.03) as SIW increased, whereas kidney-pelvic-heart fat and yield-grade were unaffected. Conclusions: The initial arrival weight influences the growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers of similar age. The effect is more pronounced in the lighter (<112 kg) steers.

Influence of supplemental condensed tannins on initial 112-d feedlot growth-performance and characteristics of digestion of calf-fed Holstein steers.

In experiment 1, 150 calf-fed Holstein steers (119 ± 6 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of level of supplemental condensed tannin (0, 14, and 28 g/kg diet DM) in a conventional steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment effects on growth performance during the initial 56-d period. However, during the subsequent 56-d period, supplemental condensed tannin tended to increase average daily gain (ADG; linear effect, P = 0.09). The increase in ADG was consistent with the tendency for increased dry matter intake (DMI; linear effect, P = 0.08). Hence, differences in gain efficiency during the second 56-d period were not appreciably affected (P = 0.80). Supplemental condensed tannin did not affect overall (112-d) ADG, DMI, gain efficiency, or dietary NE. In a second experiment, six Holstein steers (179.4 ± 7.9 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion. Treatments were the same as in Trial 1. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal OM digestion and tended to decrease (linear effect, P = 0.06) ruminal feed N degradation. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal pH, but did not affect (P > 0.20) ruminal molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and estimated methane production. In current study, supplemental tannin had marginal effects on overall growth performance of calf-fed Holstein steers, but reduced ruminal, postruminal, and total tract nitrogen digestion.

Efecto de Candida norvegensis sobre la degradabilidad ruminal de rastrojo de maíz y el crecimiento de corderos / Effect of Candida norvegensis on ruminal degradation of corn stover and on growth performance of lambs

Resumen Los probióticos favorecen el desarrollo de microorganismos benéficos en el rumen, lo que incrementa la digestibilidad de los nutrientes y mejora el desempeño productivo de los rumiantes; con esto, se tiene la posibilidad de utilizar ingredientes como el rastrojo de maíz de relativo bajo valor nutritivo, pero altamente disponible en algunos lugares a bajo precio. Convencionalmente, se utilizan como probióticos las levaduras Saccharomyces, aunque existen reportes sobre el uso de cepas autóctonas, como Candida norvegensis. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos del probiótico de Candida norvegensis en la degradabilidad ruminal in situ de rastrojo de maíz y en el comportamiento productivo de ovinos en crecimiento. La levadura Candida norvegensis (cepa Levazoot 15) [0 g (T1) y 5 g (T2)] se usó para determinar la degradación ruminal in situ (DRMS), del rastrojo de maíz, en 3 vacas canuladas ruminalmente por medio de la técnica de la bolsa de poliéster. No hubo efecto de la levadura (P > 0.05) para la fracción (a), (b) y (a+b); pero la degradabilidad efectiva al 1 %/h y 5 %/h de recambio ruminal fue mayor para T2 (P < 0.05). En un segundo experimento, 32 corderos se asignaron al azar a corrales individuales por 105 d para evaluar 4 dietas que difirieron en la proporción de concentrado/ forraje: T1 = 75:25, T2 = 75:25, T3 = 50:50, y T4 = 25:75. A excepción de T1, las dietas fueron suplementadas con Candida norvegensis, a razón de 15 mL/kg de peso vivo, equivalente a 5 g/d de levadura en base seca. Los ovinos en la dieta con 75 % de concentrado más la levadura (T2) presentaron mayor ganancia de peso, y mejor conversión alimenticia (P < 0.05). Se concluye que Candida norvegensis mostró efectos benéficos en la degradabilidad ruminal y en el desarrollo de corderos.

Abstract Probiotics assist in the development of beneficial microorganisms in the rumen that increase digestibility of nutrients and improves the productive performance of ruminants; it also has the possibility of using ingredients as corn stover of relatively low nutritional value, but available in some places at low prices. Saccharomyces yeasts are conventionally used as pro biotics and there are reports that use native strains such as Candida norvegensis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the probiotic of Candida norvegensis on the in situ ruminal dry matter degradability of corn stover and on the productive performance of growing lambs. In the first experiment, the yeast Candida norvegensis (strain Levazoot 15) [0 g (T1)] and 5 g (T2) was used to determine the in situ ruminal dry matter degradation (RDMD) of the corn stover in 3 cows with cannulas in the rumen, which was determined by the polyester bag technique. There was no effect of yeast (P > 0.05) on fraction (a), (b) and (a+b). However, the effective degradability at 1 %/h and 5 %/h of ruminal turnover was higher in T2 (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, 32 lambs were randomly assigned to individual pens for 105 d to evaluate 4 diets that differed in the proportion of concentrate: forage: T1 = 75: 25, T2 = 75:25; T3 = 50: 50, and T4 = 25: 75. With the exception of T1, the diets were supplemented with Candida norvegensis at 15 mL/kg of live weight, equivalent to 5 g/d of yeast in dry matter basis. The lambs in the diet with 75 % of concentrate plus the yeast (T2) showed greater weight gain and best feed conversion (P < 0.05). It is concluded that Candida norvegensis showed beneficial effects on ruminal degradability and on the growth of lambs.

Nitro-treatment of composted poultry litter; effects on Salmonella, E. coli and nitrogen metabolism.

Poultry litter is a potentially valuable crude protein feedstuff for ruminants but must be treated to kill pathogens before being fed. Composting kills pathogens but risks losses of nitrogen due to volatilization or leaching as ammonia. Treatment of poultry litter with ethyl nitroacetate, 3-nitro-1-propionate, ethyl 2-nitropropionate (at 27 µmol/g), decreased numbers of experimentally-inoculated Salmonella Typhimurium (>1.0 log10 compared to controls, 4.2 ± 0.2 log10 CFU/g) but not endogenous Escherichia coli early during simulated composting. By day 9 of simulated composting, Salmonella and E. coli were decreased to non-detectable levels regardless of treatment. Some nitro-treatments preserved uric acid and prevented ammonia accumulation, with 18% more uric acid remaining and 17-24% less ammonia accumulating in some nitro-treated litter than in untreated litter (18.1 ± 3.8 µmol/g and 3.4 ± 1.4 µmol/g, respectively). Results indicate that nitro-treatment may help preserve uric acid in composted litter while aiding Salmonella control.

Influence of sodium chlorate, ferulic acid, and essential oils on Escherichia coli and porcine fecal microbiota.

The influence of sodium chlorate (SC), ferulic acid (FA), and essential oils (EO) was examined on the survivability of two porcine diarrhetic enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains (F18 and K88) and populations of porcine fecal bacteria. Fecal bacterial populations were examined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and identification by 16S gene sequencing. The treatments were control (no additives), 10 mM SC, 2.5 mg FA /mL, a 1.5% vol/vol solution of an EO mixture as well as mixtures of EO + SC, EO + FA, and FA + SC at each of the aforementioned concentrations. EO were a commercial blend of oregano oil and cinnamon oil with water and citric acid. Freshly collected porcine feces in half-strength Mueller Hinton broth was inoculated with E. coli F18 (Trial 1) or E. coli K88 (Trial 2). The fecal-E. coli suspensions were transferred to crimp top tubes preloaded with the treatment compounds. Quantitative enumeration was at 0, 6, and 24 h. All treatments reduced (P < 0.05) the counts of E. coli F18 at 6 and 24 h. With the exception of similarity coefficient (%SC), all the other treatments reduced (P < 0.05) the K88 counts at 24 h. The most effective treatments to reduce the F18 and K88 CFU numbers were those containing EO. Results of DGGE revealed that Dice percentage similarity coefficients (%SC) of bacterial profiles among treatment groups varied from 81.3% to 100%SC. The results of gene sequencing showed that, except for SC at 24 h, all the other treatments reduced the counts of the family Enterobacteriaceae, while Lactobacillaceae and Ruminococcaceae increased and Clostridiaceae decreased in all treatments. In conclusion, all treatments were effective in reducing the ETEC, but EO mixture was the most effective. The porcine microbial communities may be influenced by the studied treatments.

Effects of thymol and carvacrol, alone or in combination, on fermentation and microbial diversity during in vitro culture of bovine rumen microbes.

Two essential oils (EO), thymol and carvacrol, were used in six ratio (100:00, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 00:100) combinations of both EO and in a dose of 0.2 g L-1 in bovine ruminal culture medium, 24-h cultures, to evaluate effects on total gas production (TGP), methane production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro culture population dynamics of methanogenic and total bacteria. Total DNA extracted from ruminal microorganisms was subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine effects on bacterial populations. The effect of EO on TGP and IVDMD were assessed by comparison to untreated control cultures. In general, methane production by the microbial populations appeared to be higher with treatments containing the highest concentration of thymol than with treatments containing more carvacrol resulting in a tendency for greater methane-inhibiting activity achieved as the thymol concentration in the thymol:carvacrol mixtures decreased linearly. The population of total bacteria with a 74.5% Dice similarity coefficient for comparison of DGGE band patterns indicating shifts in bacterial constituents as EO ratios changed. No effects on TGP, IVDMD while only slight shifts in the methanogenic populations were seen with an overall 91.5% Dice similarity coefficient.

Effect of energy density and virginiamycin supplementation in diets on growth performance and digestive function of finishing steers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was determined the influence of virginiamycin supplementation on growth-performance and characteristics of digestion of cattle with decreasing dietary net energy value of the diet for maintenance (NEm) from 2.22 to 2.10 Mcal/kg. METHODS: Eighty crossbred beef steers (298.2±6.3 kg) were used in a 152-d performance evaluation consisting of a 28-d adaptation period followed by a 124-d growing-finishing period. During the 124-d period steers were fed either a lesser energy dense (LED, 2.10 Mcal/kg NEm) or higher energy dense (HED, 2.22 Mcal/kg NEm) diet. Diets were fed with or without 28 mg/kg (dry matter [DM] basis) virginiamycin in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Four Holstein steers (170.4±5.6 kg) with cannulas in the rumen (3.8 cm internal diameter) and proximal duodenum were used in 4×4 Latin square experiment to study treatment effects on characteristics of digestion. RESULTS: Neither diet energy density nor virginiamycin affected average daily gain (p>0.10). As expected, dry matter intake and gain efficiency were greater (p<0.01) for LED- than for HED-fed steers. Virginiamycin did not affect estimated net energy value of the LED diet. Virginiamycin increased estimated NE of the HED diet. During daylight hours when the temperature humidity index averaged 81.3±2.7, virginiamycin decreased (p<0.05) ruminal temperature. Virginiamycin did not influence (p>0.10) ruminal or total tract digestion. Ruminal (p = 0.02) and total tract digestion (p<0.01) of organic matter, and digestible energy (p<0.01) were greater for HED vs LED. Ruminal microbial efficiency was lower (p<0.01) for HED vs LED diets. CONCLUSION: The positive effect of virginiamycin on growth performance of cattle is due to increased efficiency of energy utilization, as effects of virginiamycin on characteristics of digestion were not appreciable. Under conditions of high ambient temperature virginiamycin may reduce body temperature.

Short chain nitrocompounds as a treatment of layer hen manure and litter; effects on in vitro survivability of Salmonella, generic E. coli and nitrogen metabolism.

The current study was conducted to assess the bactericidal effectiveness of several nitrocompounds against pathogens in layer hen manure and litter. Evidence from an initial study indicated that treatment of layer hen manure with 12 mM nitroethane decreased populations of generic E. coli and total coliforms by 0.7 and 2.2 log10 colony forming units (CFU) g-1, respectively, after 24 h aerobic incubation at ambient temperature when compared to untreated populations. Salmonella concentrations were unaffected by nitroethane in this study. In a follow-up experiment, treatment of 6-month-old layer hen litter (mixed with 0.4 mL water g-1) with 44 mM 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitropropanol or ethyl nitroacetate decreased an inoculated Salmonella typhimurium strain from its initial concentration (3 log10 CFU g-1) by 0.7 to 1.7 log10 CFU g-1 after 6 h incubation at 37°C in covered containers. After 24 h incubation, populations of the inoculated S. Typhmiurium in litter treated with 44 mM 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitropropanol, ethyl nitroacetate or nitroethane were decreased more than 3.2 log10 CFU g-1 compared to populations in untreated control litter. Treatment of litter with 44 mM 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitropropanol, ethyl nitroacetate decreased rates of ammonia accumulation more than 70% compared to untreated controls (0.167 µmol mL-1 h-1) and loses of uric acid (< 1 µmol mL-1) were observed only in litter treated with 44 mM 2-nitropropanol, indicating that some of these nitrocompounds may help prevent loss of nitrogen in treated litter. Results warrant further research to determine if these nitrocompounds can be developed into an environmentally sustainable and safe strategy to eliminate pathogens from poultry litter, while preserving its nitrogen content as a nutritionally valuable crude protein source for ruminants.

Influence of methionine supplementation of growing diets enriched with lysine on feedlot performance and characteristics of digestion in Holstein steer calves.

OBJECTIVE: Two trials were conducted in order to examine the effects of level of supplemental methionine on productive performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration, and digestive function. METHODS: Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing urea as the only source of supplemental nitrogen supplemented with no supplemental amino acid (control), or control plus 1.01% lysine and 0.032%, 0.064%, 0.096%, or 0.128% methionine. In Trial 1, 150 Holstein steer calves (127±4.9 kg) were utilized to evaluate the influence of treatments on growth-performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration during the first 112 days of growing period. During the initial 56-d period calves received the 5 experimental diets. During the subsequent 56-d period all calves were fed the control diet. RESULTS: During the initial 56-d period, methionine supplementation increased (linear effect, p<0.01) plasma methionine. In the presence of supplemental lysine, increases on level of methionine in diet did not affect average daily gain. However, increased gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.03) and estimated dietary net energy (NE; linear effect, p = 0.05). Estimated metabolizable methionine supply was closely associated (R2 = 0.95) with efficiency NE utilization for maintenance and gain. During the subsequent 56-d period, when all calves received the control diet (no amino acid supplementation), plasma amino acid concentrations and growth performance was not different among groups. However, the effects of methionine supplementation during the initial 56-period carried over, so that following a 56-d withdrawal of supplementation, the overall 112-d effects on gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.05) dietary NE (linear effect, p≤0.05) remained appreciable. In Trial 2, 5 cannulated Holstein steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion and amino acid supply to the small intestine. There were no treatment effects on flow of dietary and microbial N to the small intestine. Postruminal N digestion increased (p = 0.04) with increasing level of supplemental methionine. Methionine supplementation linearly increased (p<0.01) duodenal flow of methionine. Likewise, lysine supplementation increased an average of 4.6% (p = 0.04) duodenal flow of lysine. In steers that received non-supplemented diet, observed intestinal amino acid supply were in good agreement with expected. CONCLUSION: We conclude that addition of rumen-protected methionine and lysine to diets may enhance gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. Observed amino acid supply to the small intestine were in good agreement with expected, supportive of NRC (2000, Level 1).

Influence of ruminal degradable intake protein restriction on characteristics of digestion and growth performance of feedlot cattle during the late finishing phase.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of supplemental urea withdrawal on characteristics of digestion (Trial 1) and growth performance (Trial 2) of feedlot cattle during the last 40 days on feed. Treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet supplemented with urea to provide urea fermentation potential (UFP) of 0, 0.6, and 1.2%. In Trial 1, six Holstein steers (160 ± 10 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment. Decreasing supplemental urea decreased (linear effect, P ≤ 0.05) ruminal OM digestion. This effect was mediated by decreases (linear effect, P ≤ 0.05) in ruminal digestibility of NDF and N. Passage of non-ammonia and microbial N (MN) to the small intestine decreased (linear effect, P = 0.04) with decreasing dietary urea level. Total tract digestion of OM (linear effect, P = 0.06), NDF (linear effect, P = 0.07), N (linear effect, P = 0.04) and dietary DE (linear effect, P = 0.05) decreased with decreasing urea level. Treatment effects on total tract starch digestion, although numerically small, likewise tended (linear effect, P = 0.11) to decrease with decreasing urea level. Decreased fiber digestion accounted for 51% of the variation in OM digestion. Ruminal pH was not affected by treatments averaging 5.82. Decreasing urea level decreased (linear effect, P ≤ 0.05) ruminal N-NH and blood urea nitrogen. In Trial 2, 90 crossbred steers (468 kg ± 8), were used in a 40 d feeding trial (5 steers/pen, 6 pens/ treatment) to evaluate treatment effects on final-phase growth performance. Decreasing urea level did not affect DMI, but decreased (linear effect, P ≤ 0.03) ADG, gain efficiency, and dietary NE. It is concluded that in addition to effects on metabolizable amino acid flow to the small intestine, depriving cattle of otherwise ruminally degradable N (RDP) during the late finishing phase may negatively impact site and extent of digestion of OM, depressing ADG, gain efficiency, and dietary NE.

Effect of rice polishing and phytase supplementation in diets on productive behavior of broilers.

The addition of rice polishing (RP) and phytase enzyme to poultry diets was tested on 200 1-day-old broilers weighing 42 g. Birds were assigned to a completely random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with four treatments and five repetitions of ten birds each. The factors evaluated were RP level (0 and 15%) and phytase (0 and 150 g/ton). The trial was divided in two phases of 21 days each (42 days total). In phase 1, no treatment effects were observed (P>0.10) on poultry productive behavior. In the second phase (21 to 42 days) and on the total trial (1 to 42 days), there were no effects of the treatments on weight gain or feed intake (P>0.10). Feed conversion was affected by RP (P<0.01) but not by phytase addition (P>0.10). In conclusion, phytase did not affect broiler production with or without RP. Addition of 15 % RP in poultry diets represents an alternative to reduce feed costs.

Effect of increasing levels of white mulberry leaves (Morus alba) on ruminal dry matter degradability in lambs.

A study was conducted to estimate dry matter (DM) degradability in the rumen of lambs offered a basal soybean meal and sorghum grain diet with three levels of white mulberry (WM) leaves (Morus alba). Diets consisted of 90% concentrate and 10% sorghum straw, which was incrementally replaced by WM leaves at 0% (control diet, T1), 2.5% (T2), and 5% (T3) of the total ration. Crude protein (CP) in WM was 21.8% (DM basis). Diets had equal CP (14% DM basis) and metabolizable energy (10.8 MJ/kg DM) content. Three non-castrated Pelibuey male lambs fitted with permanent rumen cannula were utilized in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of 10 days of adaptation followed by sampling. DM degradability was determined using the nylon bag technique. Bags contained the experimental diets offered in each period and were incubated in rumen in pairs for 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. The potential degradation was higher (P < 0.05) for T2, followed by T3 and T1. WM level did not influence the degradation rate or the effective degradation at the three passage rates modeled. It was concluded that WM forage may have useful application in feedlot diets for growing lambs, as this forage increases potential degradation of high-grain diets. The incorporation of WM in diets for feedlot lambs in tropics may reduce the use of expensive conventional protein supplements.

Effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) addition in diets for lactating holstein cows / Efecto de la adición de óxido de magnesio (MgO) en dietas para vacas holstein en lactación

It was evaluated the effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) addition in diets for Holstein cows on milk production and quality. Nineteen Holstein cows in second third of lactation were assigned to two treatments (T), with 9 and 10 animals. Both treatments were similar for days in lactation and milk yield. Cows were assigned at random to two treatments (T) groups: T1 received 0.2% and T2 received 0.4% of MgO. The MgO (alkalinizing agent) was mixed with a commercial concentrate and offered in feed bunk with total diet, which consisted of 9 kg/d of concentrate plus alfalfa hay fed ad libitum. Total diet was offered three times a day (0600; 1200 and 1700 h). The experimental period was of 30 d, with other 30 for adaptation. Milk production (kg/d) and milk quality (fat, protein, and total solids) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SAS through of a randomized block design. Animals on T2 (0.40% MgO) produced 2.85 kg/d more milk (P<0.50) than those on T1 (0.20% MgO). The fat, protein and total solids content in milk were higher (P<0.05) in T1 than in T2. It is concluded that the addition of 0.4% MgO in diets for lactating dairy cows resulted in milk production increased, although there was a small reduction in milk quality, compared with 0.2% MgO supplementation.

Se evaluó el efecto de adición de óxido de magnesio (MgO) en dietas para vacas Holstein sobre la producción y calidad de la leche. Diecinueve vacas Holstein en el segundo tercio de lactancia fueron asignadas a dos tratamientos (T), con 9 y 10 animales. Ambos tratamientos fueron similares para días de lactancia y producción de leche. Las vacas fueron asignadas al azar a dos grupos o tratamientos (T): T1 recibió 0,2%, y T2 recibió 0,4% de MgO. El MgO (agente alcalinizante) se mezcló con un concentrado comercial y se ofreció en el comedero junto con la dieta total, la cual consistió de 9 kg/d del concentrado mas heno de alfalfa ad libitum. La dieta total se ofreció 3 veces al día (06000, 1200 and 1700 h). El periodo experimental fue de 30 d, con otros 30 d de adaptación. Se evaluó la producción de leche (kg/d) y la calidad de la leche (grasa, proteína, y sólidos totales). Los datos se analizaron por medio del paquete estadístico SAS en un diseño de bloques al azar. Los animales en T2 (0,4% MgO) produjeron más leche (2,5 kg/d; P<0,05) que aquellos en T1 (0,20% MgO). El contenido de grasa, proteína, y sólidos totales en leche fue más alto (P<0,05) en T1 que en T2. Se concluye que la adición de 0,40% de MgO en dietas para vacas lactantes incrementa la producción de leche, sin embargo puede haber una pequeña reducción en la calidad de la leche, comparado con la suplementación de 0,20% de MgO.

Efecto de la suplementación de lisina sobre la ganancia de peso y características cárnicas y de la canal en cerdos en iniciación / Effect of lysine supplementation on weight gain and meat and Carcass characteristics in initiation pigs

Se evaluó el efecto de la suplementación de lisina en dietas para cerdos en iniciación sobre ganancia de peso y características de la canal y cárnicas. Se utilizaron 18 cerdos castrados (Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc y Landrace) con peso vivo inicial promedio de 10,13 kg y 40 días de edad. Se asignaron en tres tratamientos (T) con 6 repeticiones cada uno. El testigo (T1) fue dieta basal sin lisina adicionada; T2 = T1 + 0,285 kg de L-lisina/100 kg de alimento, y T3 = T1 + 0,569 kg de lisina/100 kg de alimento. Los cerdos se alimentaron por 33 d. La dieta basal fue de sorgo, (Sorghum vulgare) y pasta de soya, (Glicine max) (20,81% de PC y 3.460 Mcal EM/kg de MS). Al final del período de alimentación se registró el peso de los animales, la altura a la cruz (cm), circunferencia torácica (cm), espesor de grasa dorsal medida con ultrasonido. Para las características de la canal y cárnicas se sacrificaron al azar cuatro animales por tratamiento. Para muestras de costilla, jamón y paleta de cada canal se analizó para MS, PC, grasa y cenizas. No se encontró diferencias (P³0,05) entre tratamientos para ganancia de peso, altura a la cruz, circunferencia torácica, y grasa dorsal (mm). Para peso al sacrificio, rendimiento de la canal caliente y fría, área del ojo de la costilla, contenido de MS, PC, grasa y cenizas de costilla, jamón y paleta fueron similares (P³0,05) entre tratamientos. Se concluye que la lisina como promotor de crecimiento de tejido magro no se reflejó en ganancia de peso, características de la canal o composición de la carne de los cerdos en iniciación.

The effect of lysine supplementation in diets for growing pigs on weight gain, carcass and meat characteristics was evaluated. Eighteen castrated pigs (Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc y Landrace) of 10.13 kg initial weight and 40 d of T2 = T1 + 0.285 kg of lysine / 100 kg of feed; and T3 = T1 + 0.569100 kg of feed. Basal diet contained 20.81% CP and 3,460 Mcal/kg of ME. Pigs were fed for 33 d. At the end of the feeding trial final weight, cross height (cm) and thoracic circumference (cm), and subcutaneous fat measured with ultrasound were recorded. For carcass and meat characteristics, four pigs per treatment selected at random were slaughtered. Samples of rib, ham and shoulder from each carcass were analyzed for DM, CP, fat and ash. There were no differences (P>0.05) between treatments for weight gain, cross height, thoracic circumference, weight at sacrifice, hot and cold carcass yields, rib eye area and subcutaneous fat. The content of DM, CP, fat and ash was similar (P>0.05) among treatments. It is concluded that lysine as growth promotant of lean tissue was no reflected in weight gain, carcass characteristics or meat composition of the growing pigs.