Potential use of seaweed as a dietary supplement to mitigate enteric methane emission in ruminants.

Seaweeds or marine algae exhibit diverse morphologies, sizes, colors, and chemical compositions, encompassing various species, including red, green, and brown seaweeds. Several seaweeds have received increased research attention and application in animal feeding investigations, particularly in ruminant livestock, due to their higher yield and convenient harvestability at present. Recent endeavors encompassing both in vitro and in vivo experiments have indicated that many seaweeds, particularly red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata), contain plant secondary compounds, such as halogenated compounds and phlorotannins, with the potential to reduce enteric ruminal methane (CH4) emissions by up to 99 % when integrated into ruminant diets. This review provides an encompassing exploration of the existing body of knowledge concerning seaweeds and their impact on rumen fermentation, the toxicity of ruminal microbes, the health of animals, animal performance, and enteric ruminal CH4 emissions in both in vitro and in vivo settings among ruminants. By attaining a deeper comprehension of the implications of seaweed supplementation on rumen fermentation, animal productivity, and ruminal CH4 emissions, we could lay the groundwork for devising innovative strategies. These strategies aim to simultaneously achieve environmental benefits, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance animal efficiency, and develop aquaculture and seaweed production systems, ensuring a high-quality and consistent supply chain. Nevertheless, future research is essential to elucidate the extent of the effect and gain insight into the mode of action.

Supplementation of Alternanthera sissoo pellets on feed digestion, rumen fermentation, and protozoal population in Thai native beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet (BSP) supplementation on rumen fermentation, protozoal population, and methane (CH4) estimation in beef cattle. Four male Thai native beef cattle, 3 years old, with an average bodyweight of 180 ± 5 kg, were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The cattle were supplemented (on-top) with four levels of BSP (2, 4, 6, and 8% dry matter intake (DMI), respectively). The roughage component, derived from rice straw, was fed at 40 % of DMI, while the concentrate diet was fed at 60 % of DMI. The result of the experiment demonstrated that BSP supplementation had no effect on the DMI, nutrient intake, or nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Rumen pH and ammonia-nitrogen concentration were not significant, while the average protozoal population linearly decreased (p = 0.002) with BSP supplementation. Mean blood urea-nitrogen concentration was linearly increased (p = 0.004) when increasing the level of BSP. Brazilian spinach pellet had no significant effect on total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), VFA profiles, and CH4 estimation (p > 0.05). Nitrogen balance was no different from the supplementation of BSP. The study indicates that Brazilian spinach pellet supplementation showed no noticeable effects on feed intake, rumen parameters, and nitrogen utilization; however, at 6-8% of DMI, there was a decrease in protozoal population, with no corresponding reduction in CH4 estimation.

The application of omics technologies for understanding tropical plants-based bioactive compounds in ruminants: a review.

Finding out how diet impacts health and metabolism while concentrating on the functional qualities and bioactive components of food is the crucial scientific objective of nutritional research. The complex relationship between metabolism and nutrition could be investigated with cutting-edge "omics" and bioinformatics techniques. This review paper provides an overview of the use of omics technologies in nutritional research, with a particular emphasis on the new applications of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes in functional and biological activity research on ruminant livestock and products in the tropical regions. A wealth of knowledge has been uncovered regarding the regulation and use of numerous physiological and pathological processes by gene, mRNA, protein, and metabolite expressions under various physiological situations and guidelines. In particular, the components of meat and milk were assessed using omics research utilizing the various methods of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes. The goal of this review is to use omics technologies-which have been steadily gaining popularity as technological tools-to develop new nutritional, genetic, and leadership strategies to improve animal products and their quality control. We also present an overview of the new applications of omics technologies in cattle production and employ nutriomics and foodomics technologies to investigate the microbes in the rumen ecology. Thus, the application of state-of-the-art omics technology may aid in our understanding of how species and/or breeds adapt, and the sustainability of tropical animal production, in the long run, is becoming increasingly important as a means of mitigating the consequences of climate change.

Effect of cyanide-utilizing bacteria and sulfur on feed utilization, microbiomes, and cyanide degradation in cattle supplemented with fresh cassava root.

This study aimed to compare the effects of adding cyanide-utilizing bacteria (CUB) and sulfur on rumen fermentation, the degradation efficiency of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), feed utilization, and blood metabolites in beef cattle fed two levels of fresh cassava root (CR). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to distribute four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (2.5-3.0 years old) with an initial body weight (BW) of 235 ± 15.0 kg. Factor A was Enterococcus faecium KKU-BF7 oral direct fed at 108 CFU/ml and 3% dry matter (DM) basis of pure sulfur in concentrate diet. Factor B was the two levels of CR containing HCN at 300 and 600 mg/kg on DM basis. There was no interaction effect between CUB and sulfur supplementation with CR on feed utilization (p > 0.05). Similarly, CUB and sulfur supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) DM intake and apparent nutrient digestibility. However, the high level of CR supplementation increased (p < 0.05) feed intake and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The ruminal pH, microbial population, ammonia-nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, and blood thiocyanate concentrations were unaffected by the addition of CUB and sulfur at two CR concentrations (p > 0.05). The addition of CUB or sulfur had no effect on the efficiency of HCN degradation in the rumen (p > 0.05). However, cattle given CR with HCN at 600 mg/kg DM had considerably higher degradation efficiency than those fed CR containing HCN at 300 mg/kg DM (p < 0.05). The group fed CUB had a considerably greater CUB population (p < 0.05) than the sulfur group. Cyanide-utilizing bacteria or sulfur supplementation with CR had no interaction effect between total VFAs and their profiles (p > 0.05). However, the study observed a significant positive correlation between the amount of CR and the concentration of propionate in the rumen (p < 0.05). The levels of nitrogen absorption and nitrogen retention did not differ significantly among the treatments (p > 0.05). Hence, it may be inferred that the administration of a high concentration of CR at a dosage of 600 mg/kg DM HCN could potentially provide advantageous outcomes when animals are subjected to oral CUB incorporation.

Black Soldier Fly Larva Oil in Diets with Roughage to Concentrate Ratios on Fermentation Characteristics, Degradability, and Methane Generation.

Currently, the scarcity of high-quality, expensive animal feed is a primary factor driving up the cost of animal husbandry. As a result, most researchers have focused on improving the potential of using alternative feed resources derived from the black soldier fly larva. In particular, the utilization of oil from black fly larvae is a byproduct of the industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of black soldier fly larva oils and the proportion of roughage-to-concentrate ratios on gas kinetics, rumen characteristics, degradability, and mitigate CH4 production by using in vitro gas production techniques. The in vitro investigation used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The level of R:C ratios (60:40 and 40:60) were factor A, while BSFO levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% of DM) were factor B. Under this investigation, the combined impact of R:C ratio and BSFO on the kinetics of gas and accumulative gas production was found to be significant (p < 0.01). After 4 h of incubation, the pH and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration were found to be impacted by the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C-ratios (p < 0.01). Moreover, after 4 and 8 h of incubation, supplementing the BSFO at 4% with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of CH4 in the rumen (p < 0.05). However, the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C ratios had no effect on the degradability of DM after 12 and 24 h of incubation (p > 0.05), whereas increasing the concentration of BSFO in concentrate at 6% reduced the DM degradability after 24 h of incubation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding BSFO to the diet at various R:C ratios enhanced the propionate (C3) concentration, with the highest level observed with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 and 4% BSFO inclusion (p < 0.05). To summarize, the addition of BSFO at 4% with a 40:60 of R:C ratio increased C3 levels, decreased CH4 emission, and preserved DM degradability. A R:C ratio of 40:60 could improve the total volatile fatty acids and digestibility. Moreover, the inclusion of 6% BSFO at different R:C ratios lowered the in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, NH3-N, and protozoal populations.

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 effects of fermented cassava pulp with yeast waste and different roughage-to-concentrate ratios on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk production in lactating cows.

The study's goal was to evaluate the impact of concentrate diets containing fermented cassava pulp with yeast waste (CSYW) with various roughage to concentrate ratios (R:C) on ruminal fermentation, nutritional digestibility, milk production, and milk composition in lactating cows. Four mid-lactation Thai crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, weighing 440 ± 60.0 kg (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed), and having 90 days-in-milk (DIM). The different dietary treatments consisted of the following: factor A: soybean meal (SBM) and replacing SBM with CSYW at 100% dry matter (DM) in the concentrate diet, whereas factor B consisted of varying the R:C ratio from 60:40 to 50:50. An interaction effect between protein source and R:C ratio on intake was not observed (P > 0.05). The CSYW-diet did not affect the intake of concentrate and rice straw. However, when the R:C ratio was changed to 50:50, there was a significant increase in the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of an interaction effect between CSYW and the R:C ratio on the parameters of the rumen, the microorganisms in the rumen, or blood urea-nitrogen. The concentration of ammonia-nitrogen in the rumen, however, significantly increased (P < 0.05) when animals were given a concentrated diet containing CSYW. Total VFA, C2:C3 ratios, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), butyric acid (C4), and methane levels were unaffected by the replacement of SBM with CSYW in concentrate diets or the R:C ratio given to lactating cows (P > 0.05). There was no evidence of an interaction between CSYW and the R:C ratio across any and all milk-related parameters (P > 0.05). The R:C ratio had no effect on milk production or composition (P > 0.05). With the exception of milk protein (P < 0.05), milk yield and milk composition were not affected by replacing SBM with CSYW in concentrate diets (P > 0.05). The concentration of protein in milk produced by animals fed a CSYW-diet increased from 3.05 to 3.25%. On the basis of this research, it is recommended that CSYW be used as a protein source in a concentrate diet in place of SBM with a R:C ratio of 60:40 or 50:50.

Recycling of Citric Acid Waste for Potential Use as Animal Feed through Fermentation with Lactic Acid Bacteria and a Mixture of Fibrolytic Enzymes.

Once improperly managed, the citric acid production industry generates waste, which contributes to pollution and other environmental issues. We proposed that, with sufficient quality improvement, citric acid by-product (CAP) might be used for animal feed, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to ferment citric acid by-product (CAP) by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a fibrolytic enzyme mixture for quality improvement and crude fiber reduction in the waste products. LAB inoculants were L. casei TH14, and the additive enzyme used was a fibrolytic enzyme mixture (glucanase, pectinase, and carboxymethylcellulase) of a small-scale fermentation method. The seven treatments employed in this study were as follows: (1) control (untreated), (2) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM, (3) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM, (4) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.01% DM, (5) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.05% DM, (6) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM with enzymes at 0.01% DM, and (7) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM with enzymes at 0.05% DM. The samples were taken on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of ensiling, both before and after. Four replications were used. The results of the chemical composition of the CAP before and after ensilage inoculated with L. casei TH14 did not show any differences in crude protein, ether extract, ash, or gross energy, but the enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) decreased crude fiber and increased nitrogen-free extract. The combination was especially effective at improving the characteristics of CAP, with a reduction in crude fiber from 21.98% to 22.69%, of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 16.01% to 17.54%, and of acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 13.75% to 16.19%. Furthermore, the combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme increased crude protein from 1.75% to 2.24% at 28 days of ensiling. Therefore, CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 did not change in chemical composition, while crude fiber, NDF, and ADF decreased when CAP was inoculated with enzyme. The combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme is more effective at improving chemical composition and reducing crude fiber and enhancing carbohydrate breakdown in the CAP. Finally, by enhancing the CAP's quality, it may be possible to use it in animal feed and minimize its impact on the environment.

Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Ruminal Traits, and Blood Parameters of Goats Given a Total Mixed Diet Ration Containing Extracted Oil Palm Meal.

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of extracted oil palm meal (EOPM) from biodiesel byproducts in the total mixed ration (TMR) for goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The EOPM was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) to formulate into four dietary treatments and assigned to goats with an average age of 12 months and an initial body weight of 23 ± 0.5 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze all data, and the orthogonal polynomial was tested for EOPM levels using the SAS program. The DM intake, nitrogen, and metabolizable energy linearly (p < 0.05) increased when there was increased EOPM inclusion. Increasing EOPM inclusions resulted in (p < 0.05) a linear increase in fiber digestibility but did not affect DM, crude protein, or ether extract. Total volatile fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing EOPM inclusions. The EOPM inclusions did not alter the bacteria, fungi, and protozoal populations. Blood parameters were not affected by the inclusions of EOPM except globulin, triglyceride, and MCV concentration. This study revealed that EOPM could be included in up to 20% DM in TMR for goats with no negative impact.

Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, Hematology, and Nitrogen Balance of Goats after Receiving Supplemental Coffee Cherry Pulp as a Source of Phytochemical Nutrients.

This research examines the impact of adding dried coffee cherry pulp (CoCP) to goat feed on the digestibility of the feed, rumen fermentation, hematological, and nitrogen balance. A goat feeding experiment employed four male crossbreds (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) aged 12 months and weighing 21.0 ± 0.2 kg each. The treatment was conceived as a 4 × 4 Latin square with four specific CoCP levels at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/day. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and crude protein intake (CPI) were unaffected by the addition of CoCP. However, across treatment groups, there was a linear increase in ether extract intake (EEI) (p < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) (p = 0.06), and acid detergent fiber intake (ADFI) (p = 0.04), as well as a quadratic effect on DMI% BW (p = 0.04). The findings showed that rumen temperature, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, or pack cell volume did not change with CoCP supplementation. Total volatile fatty acid showed linear effects on acetate (p = 0.03) and was quadratically affected by propionate concentration (p = 0.02), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.01), acetic plus butyric to propionic acid ratio (p = 0.01), and methane estimation (p = 0.01). With increased CoCP supplementation, there was a linear decrease in protozoa count by about 20.2% as the amount of CoCP supplemented increased (p = 0.06). CoCP supplementation in animal feed resulted in a linear decrease in urinary nitrogen (p = 0.02) and a quadratic effect on absorbed nitrogen (p = 0.08) among treatment groups, with greater N utilization values found in goats fed 200 g/d CoCP. In light of this, supplementing CoCP into animal feed may improve animal digestion and rumen fermentation effectiveness while having no effect on feed intake, rumen microbes, or blood metabolites.

Feed utilization efficiency and ruminal metabolites in beef cattle fed with cassava pulp fermented yeast waste replacement soybean meal.

The purpose of this study was to see how substituting cassava pulp fermented yeast waste (CSYW) for soybean meal (SBM) in a concentrate affected feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in Thai native beef cattle. In this study, four male Thai native beef cattle with an average age of 15.0 ± 25.0 months and body weights of 140 ± 5.0 kg were used. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin squared design, with dietary treatments of CSYW replacing SBM at 0, 33, 67, and 100% in the concentrate mixture. It was discovered that the presence of CSYW had no negative impact on feed intake, nutritional intake, or apparent digestibility (p > 0.05). CSYW had no significant effects on ruminal pH or temperature (p > 0.05). When the amount of CSYW in the diet increased, the rumen ammonia-nitrogen concentration increased (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen was not affected by CSYW (p > 0.05). The total bacterial population increased when the diet's CSYW amount was increased (p < 0.05). Feeding CSYW to beef cattle had no influence on total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid (C2), or butyric acid (C4) proportions (p > 0.05). The concentration of propionic acid (C3) and the C2:C3 ratio increased when the amount of CSYW in the diet was increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CSYW can completely replace SBM in a concentrate diet for beef cattle with no adverse effects on feed utilization or rumen fermentation while the total bacterial population and C3 concentration increase.

Effects of Supplementing Finishing Goats with Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil Leaves Powder on Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality.

The objective of this study was to see how dried Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaves (DKTL) affected growth, hematological parameters, carcass characteristics, muscle chemical composition, and fatty acid profile in finishing goats. In a randomized complete block design, twenty crossbred males (Thai Native x Boer) weaned goats (17.70 ± 2.50 kg of initial body weight (BW)) were provided to the experimental animals (5 goats per treatment) for 90 days. Individual dietary treatments of 0, 2.22, 4.44, and 6.66 g/d of DKTL on a dry matter basis were given to the goats. The diets were provided twice daily as total mixed rations ad libitum. In comparison to the control diet, DKTL supplementation had no effect on BW, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass composition, meat pH, or meat color (p > 0.05). After DKTL treatment, the hot carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, oleic acid (C18:1n9), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and protein content increased, but saturated fatty acids (SFA) and ether extract decreased (p < 0.05). To summarize, DKTL supplementation can improve goat meat quality.

Fresh cassava root replacing cassava chip could enhance milk production of lactating dairy cows fed diets based on high sulfur-containing pellet.

The experiment objective was to assess the shifting effect from cassava chip (CC) to fresh cassava root (FC) affected feed utilization, rumen metabolism, cyanide-using bacteria, and milk quality in lactating Thai Friesian dairy cows fed diets based on high sulfur-containing pellet (PS). Four lactating Thai Friesian dairy cows of 481.5 ± 31.3 kg BW (about 4 years old were allocated with four treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four treatments were: replacement FC for CC at 0%, 60%, 80%, and 100% dry matter (DM), respectively. Feed intakes for four diets in terms of total dry matter intake (kg/day and % BW) was linearly correlated with levels of replacement of FC (p < 0.01). Digestibilities of crude protein (CP), DM, organic matter (OM), amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) did not change with increasing levels of FC in the diet (p > 0.05). Moreover, the total bacterial counts and cyanide population utilizing bacteria cubically increased with an increase of FC replacement (p < 0.01). The effect of CC substitution with FC in the PS diet was cubically increased on blood thiocyanate concentrations (p < 0.01). In addition, the propionate (C3) concentration at 0 and 4 h post-feeding changed significantly among treatments (p < 0.01), which were linearly improved with an increasing dose of replacement FC and were highest when FC was replaced at 100%. The yield of 3.5% fat-corrected milk was high in the treatment with the replacement of FC as compared to the control (p < 0.01). The yield of fat and milk fat percentages was high (p < 0.01) in the group with the replacement of FC as compared to feed with no diet replaced. The milk thiocyanate concentration was cubically enhanced when levels of FC replacement increased (p < 0.01) and was the highest when FC was replaced at 100%. As the amount of FC replacement was raised, the somatic cell count in the milk decreased linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the replacement of FC at 100% in PS could enhance the feed intake, microbial populations, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), C3 concentration, milk yield, and milk quality.

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.

Screening of Cyanide-Utilizing Bacteria from Rumen and In Vitro Evaluation of Fresh Cassava Root Utilization with Pellet Containing High Sulfur Diet.

Two experiments were undertaken to screen for ruminal cyanide-utilizing bacteria (Experiment 1), and to evaluate the influence of fresh cassava root (FCR) and pellets containing high sulfur (PELFUR) on cyanide content, gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) for the screening of cyanide-utilizing bacteria and the dietary treatments consisted of cyanide at 0, 150, 300, and 450 ppm. In Experiment 2, a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was used for the in vitro study. Factor A was the level of FCR at 0, 260, 350, 440, and 530 g/kg of dry matter (DM) substrate, and factor B was the level of PELFUR at 0, 15, and 30 g/kg DM substrate. In Experiment 1, adding different doses of cyanide significantly affected cyanide-utilizing rumen bacterial growth (p < 0.05). Increasing the concentration of cyanide from 0 to 150 and 150 to 300 ppm resulted in increases in cyanide-utilizing rumen bacteria of 38.2% and 15.0%, respectively. In Experiment 2, no interaction effects were found between FCR and PELFUR doses on gas production parameters (p > 0.05). Increasing the FCR level to more than 260 g/kg of DM substrate could increase cumulative gas production (p < 0.05). Increasing doses of PELFUR from 15 to 30 g/kg increased the cumulative gas production when compared with that of 0 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate (p < 0.05). The cyanide concentration in rumen fluid decreased with PELFUR (p < 0.05) supplementation. Degradability of in vitro DM and organic matter following incubation increased at 12 and 24 h due to PELFUR supplementation with FCR and increased additionally with 15 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate (p < 0.05) in 440 g FCR/kg of DM substrate. Proportions of the total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid among supplementations with FCR (p < 0.05) were significantly different. In conclusion, the present results represent the first finding of bacteria in the rumen that are capable of utilizing cyanide, and suggests that cyanide might function as a nitrogen source for bacterial cell synthesis. The inclusion of FCR of 530 g/kg with 30 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate could increase the cumulative gas production, the bacterial population, the in vitro degradability, the proportion of C3, and the rate of the disappearance of cyanide.

Effects of Supplementation with Royal Poinciana Seed Meal (Delonix regia) on Ruminal Fermentation Pattern, Microbial Protein Synthesis, Blood Metabolites and Mitigation of Methane Emissions in Native Thai Beef Cattle.

The object of this present work was to determine the effects of supplementation with pellets containing royal poinciana seed meal (PEREM) on feed use, ruminal fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions in cattle. The animals used in this experiment were four male Thai native beef cattle (Bos indicus) with initial body weights (BWs) of 125 ± 5.0 kg. Each of the animals were randomly assigned to receive PEREM doses at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/d, respectively, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Concentrates were fed at 0.5% BW daily, and rice straw was fed ad libitum. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) on intakes of rice straw, concentrate and total diet. The intake of nutrients did not change among the levels of PEREM supplementation (p > 0.05), except for an intake of crude protein, which was linearly enhanced when increasing the dose of PEREM (p < 0.05). The inclusion of different doses of PEREM did not adversely affect the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p > 0.05). Adding various doses of PEREM did not alter ruminal pH and ruminal temperature, while concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen were significantly increased with an increased dose of PEREM supplementation (p < 0.01). The increasing doses of PEREM linearly reduced protozoal numbers (p < 0.01), with the lowest concentration when PEREM was added at 150 g. PEREM supplementation did not change (p > 0.05) the concentration of acetic acid or butyric acid or the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Nevertheless, the total volatile fatty acid and propionic acid content were changed among PEREM levels (p < 0.05), which were linearly increased with an increasing dose of PEREM. At 4 h post feeding, the CH4 concentrations in the rumen of the animal were linearly reduced when the dose of pellets was increased (p < 0.01). In addition, the inclusion of PEREM did not adversely affect other blood metabolites, namely total protein, creatinine and albumin (p > 0.05). Furthermore, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were linearly enhanced when increasing levels of PEREM were added. The feeding of PEREM at 150 g/d might be an alternative with the potential to improve rumen fermentation efficiency and reduce the environmental effects produced by 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.