Effects of amino resin-treated and heat-treated soybean meal on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and nitrogen partitioning in continuous culture.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of amino resin-treated soybean meal (SBM) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and N partitioning. Treatments were: (1) untreated solvent-extracted SBM, (2) amino resin-treated SBM (AR-SBM), and (3) heat-treated SBM (HT-SBM). The experimental design was arranged as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 6 fermenters in a dual-flow continuous culture system. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermenters within a Latin square for each period. Each fermenter was fed 106 g/d of diet DM equally distributed in 2 feeding times daily at 0800 and 1800. Diets were formulated to contain 16% CP, 30% NDF, and 30% starch across treatments. The experiment consisted of 3 experimental periods, each lasting for 10 d. The first 7 d of each period were considered adaptation, and the last 3 d were used for sampling and data collection. On d 8 and 9, samples were collected for analysis of diurnal variation in concentrations of NH3-N, pH, and VFA during the first 8 h after feeding. On d 8, 9, and 10, samples were collected from the liquid and solid effluents accumulated over 24 h for analysis of daily averages of NH3-N and VFA pools, and true ruminal digestibility estimates. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and significance was declared when P ≤ 0.05. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of square, period, and fermenter within square, while time and interaction treatment × time were included for analyses of diurnal variation, with time as repeated measures. Compared with SBM, the cultured ruminal contents of AR-SBM and HT-SBM had lower NH3-N concentrations, indicating lower microbial fermentation of protein. Molar proportions of isovalerate and isobutyrate were greater in SBM than AR-SBM and HT-SBM, with greater molar proportion of isobutyrate for SBM particularly during the first 2 h after feeding. Flow of NH3-N was greater for SBM compared with AR-SBM and HT-SBM, whereas NAN flow, bacterial N flow, and N efficiency were greater for AR-SBM and HT-SBM compared with SBM. Our results indicate that both the amino resin and heat treatments of SBM allow for similar decrease in microbial degradation of CP without limiting microbial protein synthesis in diets with 16% CP. Amino resin treatment may be effective in reducing microbial fermentation of protein in the rumen without adverse effects on digestibility or fermentation parameters as compared with SBM.

Effect of 200 µg of gonadorelin hydrochloride at the first GnRH of a CIDR Synch program on ovulation rate and pregnancies per AI in Holstein heifers.

The initial ovulatory response during synchronization programs is often low in dairy heifers, largely due to follicular dynamics and hormonal dynamics. Specifically, the progesterone concentration (P4) at the time of the first GnRH treatment in a breeding program can influence the LH response, often resulting in a suboptimal ovulatory response. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the highest label dose 200 µg (100 µg vs. 200 µg) of GnRH (50 µg gonadorelin hydrochloride per mL; Factrel®; Zoetis Inc. Madison, NJ) at the first GnRH of a 6-d CoSynch plus P4 device program on ovulatory response and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in first service in Holstein heifers. A total of 1308 Holstein heifers were randomly allocated at the beginning of a 6-d CIDR-Synch program, Day 0, to receive either i.m. treatment of 100 µg (2CC, n = 655) or 200 µg (4CC, n = 653) of GnRH. Also, at Day 0, heifers received an intravaginal insert with 1.38 g of P4 (Eazi-Breed CIDR® Cattle Insert; Zoetis Inc., Madison, NJ). On Day 6, the insert was removed, and i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF2α (12.5 mg dinoprost tromethamine/mL; Lutalyse® HighCon Injection Zoetis) was administered. On Day 7, a second i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF2α was given, followed on Day 9 by concurrent i.m. treatment of 100 µg of GnRH and timed AI (TAI). A subset of 396 heifers had their ovaries scanned to evaluate ovulatory response, and blood samples were collected to measure the serum concentration of P4 at Day 0 and Day 6 of the study. The P4 concentrations at Day 0 were categorized as Low (≤3ng/mL) or High (>3ng/mL). The ovulatory response was greater for heifers receiving 4CC than 2CC at Day 0 (54.7% vs. 42.8%). The ovulatory response was greater for Low P4 than High P4 at Day 0 (54.3% vs. 37.8%). However, there was not an interaction between treatment and P4 concentrations (Low P4 2CC = 48.6% vs. High P4 2CC = 30.0%; Low P4 4CC = 60.0% vs. High P4 4CC = 45.5%). The ROC curve analysis indicates that P4 concentrations at Day 0 treatment could predict the ovulatory response, although the area under the curve was only 0.6. As expected, heifers that ovulated had increased P/AI (No = 55.6% vs. Yes = 67.7%); however, there was no effect of treatment on P/AI (2CC = 63.3% vs. 4CC = 59.6%), nor interactions between treatment and ovulation and treatment and P4 (HIGH vs LOW) for pregnancy outcomes. In summary, P4 concentration and increasing the dose of GnRH at Day 0 positively impacted ovulatory response in Holstein heifers. However, there was no interaction between treatment and P4 on ovulation and no subsequent impact of GnRH dose on P/AI.

Effect of rumen-protected choline on dairy cow metabolism, immunity, lactation performance, and vaginal discharge microbiome.

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) promotes benefits in milk production, immunity, and health in dairy cows by optimizing lipid metabolism during transition period management and early lactation. However, the RPC success in dairy cows depends on choline bioavailability, which is affected by the type of protection used in rumen-protected choline. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of a novel RPC on dry matter intake (DMI), identify markers of metabolism and immunity, and evaluate lactation performance. Dry Holstein (n = 48) cows at 245 ± 3 d of gestation were blocked by parity and assigned to control or RPC treatment within each block. Cows enrolled in the RPC treatment received 15 g/d of CholiGEM (Kemin Industries, Cavriago RE, Italy) from 21 d prepartum and 30 g/d of CholiGEM from calving to 21 d postpartum. During the transition period, DMI was measured daily, and blood was sampled weekly for energy-related metabolites such as ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), as well as immune function markers such as haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). Vaginal discharge samples were collected at the calving and 7 d postpartum and stored in microcentrifuge tubes at -80°C until 16S rRNA sequencing. The main responses of body condition score, body weight, DMI, milk yield, milk components, and immune function markers were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the effects of treatment, time, parity, and relevant covariates added to the models. The relative abundance of microbiome α-diversity was evaluated by 3 indexes (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and ß-diversity by principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate ANOVA. We found no differences in DMI in the pre- and postpartum periods. Cows fed RPC increased the yields of energy- and 3.5% fat-corrected milk and fat yield in primiparous and multiparous cows, with an interaction between treatment and parity for these lactation variables. However, we found no differences in milk protein and lactose up to 150 DIM between treatments. Glucose, NEFA, and BHB had no differences between the treatments. However, RPC decreased BHB numerically (control = 1.07 ± 0.13 vs. RPC = 0.63 ± 0.13) in multiparous on the third week postpartum and tended to reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis (12.7% vs. 4.2%). No effects for Hp and LPB were found in cows fed RPC. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes were lower at calving in the RPC treatment than in the Control. However, no differences were found 7 d later for Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. The vaginal discharge microbiome was altered in cows fed RPC at 7 d postpartum. Fusobacterium, a common pathogen associated with metritis, was reduced in cows fed RPC. Rumen-protected choline enhanced lactation performance and health and altered the vaginal discharge microbiome which is a potential proxy for uterine healthy in dairy cows. The current study's findings corroborate that RPC is a tool to support adaptation to lactation and shed light on opportunities for further research in reproductive health.

Effects of exogenous amylolytic or fibrolytic enzymes inclusion on in vitro fermentation of lactating dairy cow diets in a dual-flow continuous-culture system.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of including exogenous amylolytic or fibrolytic enzymes in a diet for high-producing dairy cows on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermentors were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. The treatments were control (CON), a xylanase and glucanase mixture (T1), an α-amylase mixture (T2), or a xylanase, glucanase, and α-amylase mixture (T3). Treatments were included at a rate of 0.008% of diet dry matter (DM) for T1 and T2 and at 0.02% for T3. All treatments replaced the equivalent amount of soybean meal in the diet compared with CON. All diets were balanced to have the same nutrient composition [30.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 16.1% crude protein (CP), and 30% starch; DM basis], and fermentors were fed 106 g/d divided into 2 feedings. At each feeding, T2 was pipetted into the respective fermentor and an equivalent amount of deionized water was added to each fermentor to eliminate potential variation. Experimental periods were 10 d (7 d for adaptation and 3 d for sample collection). Composite samples of daily effluent were collected and analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH3-N, and lactate concentrations, degradability of DM, organic matter, NDF, CP, and starch, and flow and metabolism of N. Samples of fermentor contents were collected from each fermentor at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding to determine kinetics of pH, NH3-N, lactate, and VFA concentrations over time. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.), and the repeated variable of time was included for kinetics measurements. Treatment did not affect mean pH, degradability, N flow and metabolism, or the concentrations of VFA, NH3-N, or lactate in the effluent samples. Treatment did not affect pH, acetate:propionate ratio, or the concentrations of lactate, NH3-N, total VFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, or caproate. However, the concentration of total VFA tended to change at each time point depending upon the treatment, and T2 tended to have a greater proportion of 2-methylbutyrate and isovalerate than CON, T1, or T3. As 2-methylbutyrate and isovalerate are branched-chain VFA that are synthesized from branched-chain amino acids, T2 may have an increased fermentation of branched-chain amino acids or decreased uptake by fibrolytic microorganisms. Although we did not observe changes in N metabolism due to the enzymes, there could be changes in microbial populations that utilize branched-chain VFA. Overall, the tested enzymes did not improve in vitro ruminal fermentation in the diet of high-producing dairy cows.

Production, physiological response, and calcium and magnesium balance of lactating Holstein cows fed different sources of supplemental magnesium with or without ruminal buffer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement of magnesium oxide (MgO) with calcium-magnesium hydroxide [CaMg(OH)2] and its interaction with ruminal buffer (sodium sesquicarbonate) supplementation on production, Ca and Mg balance, and overall physiological response of mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows. Sixty cows averaging 40.5 ± 7.0 kg of milk/d were used. Treatments were assigned following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: (1) MgO, (2) MgO + buffer, (3) CaMg(OH)2, or (4) CaMg(OH)2 + buffer. Diets were formulated to have 16.5% of crude protein, 1.82 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation, 0.67% Ca, 0.39% P, and 0.25% Mg, all on a dry matter (DM) basis. Treatments were individually top dressed. Milk production, composition, and DM intake were evaluated. A subsample of 20 cows were randomly selected for the evaluation of Ca and Mg balance, blood gases, and electrolytes. Ruminal fluid was also collected for evaluation of pH and Ca and Mg solubility. Effects of Mg source, buffer, and the interaction Mg source × buffer were analyzed through orthogonal contrasts. An interaction of Mg source × buffer was found for DM intake and feed efficiency, in which cows fed CaMg(OH)2 had a similar feed efficiency regardless of ruminal buffer inclusion; however, when cows were fed MgO, the inclusion of buffer reduced feed efficiency. No effects on body weight and milk yield were observed. Buffer addition tended to increase the concentrations of fat, protein, and solids-not-fat, without affecting the yields of these milk components. Magnesium source and buffer did not affect ruminal fluid, blood, urine, or fecal pH; however, buffer supplementation increased urinary pH. Treatment with CaMg(OH)2 increased blood concentration of HCO3-, total CO2, and base excess compared with cows fed MgO. No differences were observed in the ruminal solubility of Ca and Mg or on milk or urinary Ca and Mg excretion. Greater plasma Mg concentration was observed for animals fed MgO compared with cows fed CaMg(OH)2; however, both sources were above the threshold recommended in the literature for dairy cows. Also, a reduction in fecal Mg excretion was observed in animals fed CaMg(OH)2. In summary, we provide evidence that CaMg(OH)2 could replace MgO without affecting performance, overall physiological response, or Ca and Mg balance of mid-lactating dairy Holstein cows.

Effects of choline chloride on the ruminal microbiome at 2 dietary neutral detergent fiber concentrations in continuous culture.

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of unprotected choline chloride (Cho) on the ruminal microbiome at 2 dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations. We hypothesized that the effects of Cho on ruminal bacterial populations would depend on NDF. Eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermentors were arranged in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square as a 2 × 2 factorial with the following treatments: (1) 30% NDF-control (30% NDF diet, no supplemental choline); (2) 30% NDF-Cho (30% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of dry matter); (3) 40% NDF-control (40% NDF diet, no supplemental choline); and (4) 40% NDF-Cho (40% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of dry matter). We did 4 fermentation periods of 10 d each and used the last 3 d for collection of samples of solid and liquid digesta effluents for DNA extraction. Overall, 32 solid and 32 liquid samples were analyzed by amplification of the V4 variable region of bacterial 16S rRNA. Data were analyzed with R (R Project for Statistical Computing) and SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) to determine effects of Cho, NDF, and NDF × Cho on taxa relative abundance. The correlation of propionate molar proportion with taxa relative abundance was also analyzed. At the phylum level, relative abundance of Firmicutes in the liquid fraction tended to be greater when Cho was supplemented with a 30% NDF diet. At the order level, Cho increased Coriobacteriales in solid fraction and decreased Fibrobacterales in liquid fraction. Moreover, Cho decreased abundance of Clostridiales and increased Selenomonadales in the solid fraction, only with the 30% NDF diet. For genera, lower abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio resulted from Cho in solid and liquid fractions. Greater abundance of Succinivibrio in solid and Selenomonas and Selenomonas 1 in liquid resulted from Cho with the 30% NDF diet. Propionate molar proportion was positively correlated with relative abundance of order Selenomonadales in solid and liquid fractions, and with genus Succinivibrio in solid and genera Selenomonas and Selenomonas 1 in liquid. Our results indicate that Cho primarily decreases abundance of bacteria involved in fiber degradation and increases abundance of bacteria mainly involved in nonstructural carbohydrate degradation and synthesis of propionate, particularly when a diet with 30% NDF is provided.

Effects of replacing magnesium oxide with calcium-magnesium carbonate with or without sodium bicarbonate on ruminal fermentation and nutrient flow in vitro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing magnesium oxide (MgO) with calcium-magnesium carbonate [CaMg(CO3)2] on ruminal fermentation with or without the addition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Eight fermentors of a dual-flow continuous-culture system were distributed in a replicated (2) 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (magnesium sources × NaHCO3). The treatments tested were 0.21% MgO [MgO; dry matter (DM) basis; 144.8 mEq of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD)]; 0.21% MgO + 0.50% NaHCO3 (MgO+NaHCO3; DM basis; 205.6 mEq of DCAD); 1.00% CaMg(CO3)2 [CaMg(CO3)2; DM basis; 144.8 mEq of DCAD]; and 1.00% CaMg(CO3)2 + 0.50% NaHCO3 [CaMg(CO3)2+NaHCO3; DM basis; 205.6 mEq of DCAD]. Diets were formulated to have a total of 0.28% of Mg (DM basis). The experiment consisted of 40 d, which was divided into 4 periods of 10 d each, where 7 d were used for adaptation and 3 d for sampling to determine pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia (NH3-N), lactate, mineral solubility, N metabolism, and nutrient digestibility. The effects of Mg source [MgO vs. CaMg(CO3)2], NaHCO3 (with vs. without), and the interaction were tested with the MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute). There was no Mg source × NaHCO3 interaction in the pH variables and mineral solubility, and Mg sources evaluated did not affect the variables related to ruminal pH and solubility of Mg. On the other hand, the inclusion of NaHCO3 increased the pH daily average, independent of Mg source, which led to a reduced time that pH was below 5.8 and decreased area under the curve. Total VFA and lactate concentration were similar among treatments regardless of NaHCO3 and Mg source; however, the molar proportion of isobutyrate and NH3-N concentration were lower in diets with CaMg(CO3)2 compared with MgO. Moreover, NaHCO3 inclusion increased NH3-N, total daily NH3-N flow, isobutyrate concentration, and acid detergent fiber digestibility. Our results showed that CaMg(CO3)2 leads to a lower NH3-N concentration and isobutyrate proportion. Therefore, because most of the tested variables were not significantly different between MgO and CaMg(CO3)2 when combined or not with NaHCO3, CaMg(CO3)2 can be a viable alternative source to replace MgO in dairy cow diets without affecting mineral solubility, ruminal pH, nutrient digestibility, total VFA, and the main ruminal VFA. Although Mg sources are known to have an alkalizing effect, NaHCO3 inclusion in diets with Mg supplementation allowed an increase in ruminal pH, as well as an increase in isobutyrate and NH3-N flow.

Effects of lactic acid-producing bacteria as direct-fed microbials on the ruminal microbiome.

The objective of this study was to evaluate ruminal microbiome changes associated with feeding Lactobacillus plantarum GB-LP1 as direct-fed microbials (DFM) in high-producing dairy cow diets. A dual-flow continuous culture system was used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. A basal diet was formulated to meet the requirements of a cow producing 45 kg of milk per day (16% crude protein and 28% starch). There were 4 experimental treatments: the basal diet without any DFM (CTRL); a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 × 109 cfu/g, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii, 2 × 109 cfu/g [MLP = 0.01% of diet dry matter (DM)]; and 2 different levels of L. plantarum, 1.35 × 109 cfu/g (L1 = 0.05% and L2 = 0.10% of diet DM). Bacterial samples were collected from the fluid and particulate effluents before feeding and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding; a composite of all time points was made for each fermentor within their respective fractionations. Bacterial community composition was analyzed through sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequenced data were analyzed on DADA2, and statistical analyses were performed in R (RStudio 3.0.1, https://www.r-project.org/) and SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.); orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatments. Different than in other fermentation scenarios (e.g., silage or beef cattle high-grain diets), treatments did not affect pH or lactic acid concentration. Effects were mainly from overall DFM inclusion, and they were mostly observed in the fluid phase. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, family Lachnospiraceae, and 6 genera decreased with DFM inclusion, with emphasis on Butyrivibrio_2, Saccharofermentans, and Ruminococcus_1 that are fibrolytic and may display peptidase activity during fermentation. Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group also decreased in the fluid phase, and their relative abundances were positively correlated with NH3-N daily outflow from the fermentors. Specific effects of MLP and L. plantarum were mostly in specific bacteria associated with proteolytic and fibrolytic functions in the rumen. These findings help to explain why, in the previous results from this study, DFM inclusion decreased NH3-N concentration without altering pH and lactic acid concentration.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria in a silage inoculant on ruminal nutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, and lactation performance of high-producing dairy cows.

Silage treated with lactic acid bacteria inoculants has been reported to increase ruminal microbial biomass when tested in vitro. Therefore, we tested if alfalfa silage inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum MTD-1 would improve ruminal N metabolism and increase milk production in high-producing dairy cows. Twenty-eight early lactation Holstein cows (8 ruminally cannulated) were blocked by DIM and milk production; animals were used in a double crossover design consisting of four 28-d periods. Animals in each block were randomly assigned to 2 treatments: a diet containing uninoculated alfalfa silage (control) and a diet containing alfalfa silage inoculated with L. plantarum MTD-1 (LP). Diets were formulated to contain 50% of alfalfa silage, 16% crude protein, and 25% neutral detergent fiber (dry matter basis). Milk production and dry matter intake were recorded in the last 14 d of each period. Milk samples were collected twice at both daily milkings on d 20, 21, 27, and 28 of each period. On d 22, omasal samples were collected from the cannulated animals over a period of 3 d to quantify ruminal digestibility and nutrient flows. Data were analyzed using mixed models of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute). Compared to the control, cows receiving the LP treatment had greater milk production (40.4 vs. 39.6 kg/d) and lower milk urea nitrogen concentration (11.6 vs. 12.7 mg/dL), despite minor changes in energy-corrected milk. Milk lactose concentration was greater in the milk produced by cows fed the LP treatment, which reflected a tendency for increased milk lactose yield. Although milk true protein concentration was lower for cows in the LP treatment, milk true protein yield was the same on both control and LP treatments. Improvements in milk production of animals under the LP treatment were associated with greater organic matter truly digested in the rumen, especially ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestion. Minor changes were observed in total omasal microbial nonammonia N flow in cows receiving the LP treatment. Therefore, alfalfa silage treated with L. plantarum MTD-1 may improve ruminal fermentation and milk production; however, because of a lack of response in ruminal N metabolism, these changes did not result in greater energy-corrected milk in high-producing dairy cows.

Effects of bacterial cultures, enzymes, and yeast-based feed additive combinations on ruminal fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

Bacterial cultures, enzymes, and yeast-derived feed additives are often included in commercial dairy rations due to their effects on ruminal fermentation. However, the effects of these additives when fed together are not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in ruminal fermentation when a dairy ration is supplemented with combinations of bacterial probiotics, enzymes and yeast. Our hypotheses were that ruminal fermentation would be altered, indicated through changes in volatile fatty acid profile and nutrient digestibility, with the inclusion of (1) an additive, (2) yeast, and (3) increasing additive doses. Treatments were randomly assigned to 8 fermenters in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with four 10 d experimental periods, consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Basal diets contained 52:48 forage:concentrate and fermenters were fed 106 g of dry matter per day divided equally between two feeding times. Treatments were: control (CTRL, without additives); bacterial culture/enzyme blend (EB, 1.7 mg/d); bacterial culture/enzyme blend with a blend of live yeast and yeast culture (EBY, 49.76 mg/d); and a double dose of the EBY treatment (2×, 99.53 mg/d). The bacterial culture/enzyme blend contained five strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus lichenformis, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecium) and three enzymes (amylase, hemicellulase, and xylanase). On d 8-10, samples were collected for pH, redox, volatile fatty acids, lactate, ammonia N, and digestibility measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Repeated measures were used for pH, redox, VFA, NH3-N, and lactate kinetics data. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test the effect of (1) additives, ADD (CTRL vs. EB, EBY, and 2X); (2) yeast, YEAST (EB vs. EBY, and 2X); and (3) dose, DOSE (EBY vs. 2X). No effects (P > 0.05) were observed for pH, redox, NH3-N, acetate, isobutyrate, valerate, total VFA, acetate:propionate, nutrient digestibility or N utilization. Within the 24 h pool, the molar proportion of butyrate increased (P = 0.03) with the inclusion of additives when compared to the control while the molar proportion of propionate tended to decrease (P = 0.07). In conclusion, the inclusion of bacterial cultures, enzymes and yeast in the diet increased butyrate concentration; but did not result in major changes in ruminal fermentation.

Effects of supplemental source of magnesium and inclusion of buffer on ruminal microbial fermentation in continuous culture.

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the most common supplemental source of Mg for dairy cows and a proven ruminal alkalizer when supplemented above NRC (2001) recommendations. However, overfeeding MgO may increase feeding costs, whereas the effects of alternative sources of Mg on ruminal fermentation are not well known. Moreover, it is still unclear if Mg supplementation influences the effects of bicarbonate-based buffers on ruminal fermentation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Mg source on ruminal fermentation with diets formulated to a final concentration of 0.25% Mg, and to determine if the effect of sodium sesquicarbonate as a buffer varies with the source of Mg. We used 8 fermentors in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, by combining 2 factors: (1) Mg source: using either MgO or an alternative source consisting of a blend of CaMg(OH)4 and CaMg(CO3)2 (BLN) and (2) sodium sesquicarbonate buffer inclusion, at 0 or 0.6% of dry matter intake. Based on preliminary tests of reactivity, we hypothesized that BLN plus buffer would allow for greater ruminal pH, acetate molar proportion, and NDF digestibility than diets with MgO or without buffer. Four 10-d periods were completed, where the last 3 d were used for pH measurements and collection of samples for volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia (NH3-N), Mg solubility, N metabolism, and nutrient digestibility. Effects of Mg source (source), sodium sesquicarbonate inclusion (buffer), and their interaction (source × buffer) were tested with the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). We did not find an effect of Mg source on ruminal fermentation variables; however, concentration of soluble Mg in ruminal fluid was greater for MgO compared with BLN. On the other hand, buffer supplementation increased average ruminal pH, acetate molar proportion, and branched-chain VFA molar proportion; tended to increase NDF digestibility; and decreased both area under the curve and time below pH 6.0. An interaction of source × buffer was found for propionate, butyrate, and NH3-N, the first one decreasing and the 2 others increasing only when buffer was supplemented to the BLN diet. Our results indicate that supplementing Mg with either MgO or BLN promotes similar ruminal fermentation in diets with total concentration of 0.25% Mg. Further evaluations are needed to assess Mg availability and animal performance in dairy cows fed BLN.

Effects of calcium-magnesium carbonate and calcium-magnesium hydroxide as supplemental sources of magnesium on microbial fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture.

Supplemental sources of Mg can also aid in ruminal pH regulation due to their alkaline properties. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the most common source of Mg for ruminants and can help controlling ruminal pH; however, the alkaline potential of other sources of Mg has not been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the inclusion of calcium-magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2) and calcium-magnesium hydroxide (CaMg(OH)4) alone or in combination as supplemental sources of Mg in corn silage-based diets and its impact on ruminal microbial fermentation. We hypothesized that inclusion of CaMg(OH)4 would allow for ruminal fermentation conditions resulting in a greater pH compared to the inclusion of CaMg(CO3)2. Four treatments were defined by the supplemental source of Mg in the diet: 1) Control (100% MgO, plus sodium sesquicarbonate as a buffer); 2) CO3 [100% CaMg(CO3)2]; 3) OH [100% CaMg(OH)4]; and 4) CO3/OH [50% Mg from CaMg(CO3)2, 50% Mg from CaMg(OH)4]. Nutrient concentration was held constant across treatments (16% CP, 30% NDF, 1.66 Mcal NEl/kg, 0.67% Ca, and 0.21% Mg). Four fermenters were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four periods of 10 d each. Samples were collected for analyses of nutrient digestibility, soluble Mg, VFA, and NH3, while pH was measured at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h post morning feeding to estimate % time when pH was below 6 (pH-B6) and area under the pH curve for pH below 6.0 (pH-AUC). Bacteria pellets were harvested for 15N analysis and estimates of N metabolism. Treatment effects were analyzed with the mixed procedure of SAS, while effects of using either CaMg(CO3)2 or CaMg(OH)4 as Mg source in comparison to Control treatment were evaluated by orthogonal contrasts. Similar pH-related variables were observed for Control, OH, and CO3/OH treatments, which had smaller pH-AUC and pH-B6 than CO3 (P ≤ 0.01). Butyrate molar proportion was greater in Control and CO3/OH than in CO3 and OH (P = 0.04). Orthogonal contrasts showed lower flow of bacterial N (P = 0.04), lower butyrate molar proportion (P = 0.08) and greater pH-AUC (P = 0.05) for diets with CaMg(CO3)2 in comparison with the Control. Concentration of soluble Mg in ruminal fluid (P = 0.73) and nutrient digestibility (P ≥ 0.52) were similar across treatments. Under the conditions of this experiment, using CaMg(OH)4 alone or combined with CaMg(CO3)2 allowed for a less acidic ruminal fermentation pattern than a diet with only CaMg(CO3)2.

Effects of unprotected choline chloride on microbial fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture depend on dietary neutral detergent fiber concentration.

Choline is usually supplemented as ruminally protected choline chloride to prevent its degradation in the rumen, but the effects of unprotected choline on ruminal fermentation are unclear. Some research indicates a possible role of dietary fiber on microbial degradation of choline; therefore we aimed to evaluate the effects of unprotected choline chloride on ruminal fermentation and to investigate whether those effects depend on dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration. Our hypothesis was that dietary NDF concentration would influence choline chloride effects on microbial ruminal fermentation. We used 8 fermentors in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, combining 2 factors: (1) dietary NDF concentration and (2) unprotected choline chloride supplementation. Resulting treatments are (1) 30%NDF/Ctrl [30% NDF control diet without supplemental choline (Cho)]; (2) 30%NDF/Cho [30% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of dry matter (DM)]; (3) 40%NDF/Ctrl (40% NDF control diet without supplemental choline); and (4) 40%NDF/Cho (40% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of DM). Four 10-d periods were completed, each consisting of 7 d for adaptation and 3 d for collection of samples for estimation of nutrient disappearance and daily average concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-N. In addition, kinetics of pH, acetate, and propionate were evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after morning feeding. On the last day of each period, bacteria pellets were harvested for 15N analysis and N metabolism. Fixed effects of dietary NDF concentration, unprotected choline chloride supplementation, and their interaction (NDF × Cho) were tested using the MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Choline tended to increase total volatile fatty acid concentrations and decreased acetate molar proportion regardless of dietary NDF concentration, but it increased propionate molar proportion and decreased acetate to propionate ratio only with the 30% NDF diet. Supplementing choline decreased NDF disappearance regardless of dietary NDF; however, organic matter disappearance tended to be reduced only when choline was added to 40% NDF. Our data indicate that unprotected choline chloride effects on ruminal fermentation depend on dietary NDF concentration, allowing for a greater propionate synthesis without decreasing organic matter disappearance when fed with a 30% NDF diet.

Copper sulfate and sodium selenite lipid-microencapsulation modifies ruminal microbial fermentation in a dual-flow continuous-culture system.

Undesirable interactions between trace mineral elements and ruminal contents may occur during digestion when mineral salts are supplemented. Antimicrobial effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4) may affect ruminal digestibility of nutrients when fed as a source of copper (Cu), while sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) may be reduced in the rumen to less available forms of selenium (Se). Our objective was to evaluate if protection of CuSO4 and Na2SeO3 by lipid-microencapsulation would induce changes on ruminal microbial fermentation. We used 8 fermentors in a dual-flow continuous-culture system in a 4 × 4 duplicated Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were CuSO4 protection (unprotected and protected by lipid-microencapsulation) and Na2SeO3 protection (unprotected and protected by lipid-microencapsulation). Treatments consisted of supplementation with 15 mg/kg of Cu and 0.3 mg/kg of Se from either unprotected or protected (lipid-microencapsulated) sources, as follows: (1) Control (unprotected CuSO4 + unprotected Na2SeO3); (2) Cu-P (protected CuSO4 + unprotected Na2SeO3); (3) Se-P (unprotected CuSO4 + protected Na2SeO3); (4) (Cu+Se)-P (protected CuSO4 + protected Na2SeO3). All diets had the same nutrient composition and fermentors were fed 106 g of dry matter/d. Each experimental period was 10 d (7 d of adaptation and 3 d for sample collections). Daily pooled samples of effluents were analyzed for pH, NH3-N, nutrient digestibility, and flows (g/d) of total N, NH3-N, nonammonia N (NAN), bacterial N, dietary N, and bacterial efficiency. Kinetics of volatile fatty acids was analyzed in samples collected daily at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding. Main effects of Cu protection, Se protection, and their interaction were tested for all response variables. Kinetics data were analyzed as repeated measures. Protection of Cu decreased acetate molar proportion, increased butyrate proportion, and tended to decrease acetate:propionate ratio in samples of kinetics, but did not modify nutrient digestibility. Protection of Se tended to decrease NH3-N concentration, NH3-N flow, and CP digestibility; and to increase flows of nonammonia N and dietary N. Our results indicate that protection of CuSO4 may increase butyrate concentration at expenses of acetate, while protection of Na2SeO3 tended to reduce ruminal degradation of N. Further research is needed to determine the effects of lipid-microencapsulation on intestinal absorption, tissue distribution of Cu and Se, and animal performance.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide dosing on bacterial community composition and fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dosing on bacterial fermentation and bacterial community composition (BCC), to set up a subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) nutritional model in vitro, and to determine the best sampling time for LPS dosing in a dual-flow continuous culture system. Diets were randomly assigned to 6 fermentors in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with three 11-d experimental periods that consisted of 7 d for diet adaptation and 4 d for sample collection. Treatments were control diet (CON), wheat and barley diet (WBD) to induce SARA, and control diet + LPS (LPSD). Fermenters were fed 72 g of dry matter/d. The forage:concentrate ratio of CON was 65:35. The WBD diet was achieved by replacing 40% of dry matter of the CON diet with 50% ground wheat and 50% ground barley. The LPS concentration in LPSD was 200,000 endotoxin units, which was similar to that observed in cows with SARA. The SARA inducing and LPS dosing started at d 8. The BCC was determined by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA). The LPSD and CON maintained pH above 6 for the entire experimental period, and the WBD kept pH between 5.2 and 5.6 for 4 h/d, successfully inducing SARA. Digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein in LPSD were not different from WBD but tended to be lower than CON. Lipopolysaccharide dosing had no effect on pool of VFA concentrations and profiles but decreased bacterial N; the pattern changes of VFA and LPS in LPSD started to increase and be similar to WBD 6 h after LPS dosing. Pool of LPS concentration was around 11-fold higher in WBD and 4-fold higher in LPSD than CON. In the solid fraction, the BCC of LPSD was different from WBD and tended to be different from CON. In the liquid fraction, the BCC was different among treatments. The LPS dosing increased the relative abundance of Succinimonas, Anaeroplasma, Succinivibrio, Succiniclasticum, and Ruminobacter, which are main gram-negative bacteria related to starch digestion. Our results suggest that LPS dosing does not affect pH alone. However, LPS could drive the development of SARA by affecting bacteria and bacterial fermentation. For future studies, samples are suggested to be taken 6 h after LPS dosing in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

Effects of replacing canola meal with solvent-extracted camelina meal on microbial fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

Camelina is an oil seed crop that belongs to the Brassica family (Cruciferae). Camelina meal is a by-product from the biofuel industry that contains on average 38% crude protein and between 10 to 20% of residual fat, which limits the inclusion levels of camelina meal in dairy cow diets as the main protein supplement. Thus, we conducted a solvent extraction on ground camelina seed on a laboratory scale. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effects of replacing canola meal (CM) with solvent-extracted camelina meal (SCAM) in lactating dairy cow diets; and (2) to determine the effects of SCAM on microbial fermentation and AA flow in a dual-flow continuous culture system. Diets were randomly assigned to 6 fermentors in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with three 10-d experimental periods consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Treatments were 0, 50, and 100% SCAM inclusion, replacing CM as the protein supplement. Diets contained 55:45 forage:concentrate, and fermentors were fed 72 g of dry matter/d equally divided in 2 feeding times. On d 8, 9, and 10 of each period, samples were collected for analyses of pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), N metabolism, NH3-N, digestibility, and AA flow. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), and linear and quadratic effects of SCAM inclusion were assessed. Total VFA concentration and pH were not affected by diets. Molar proportion of acetate decreased, whereas molar proportion of propionate increased with SCAM inclusion. Total branched-chain VFA concentration was the least in fermentors fed diet 0, and greatest in fermentors fed diet 50. Digestibility of NDF decreased in fermentors fed SCAM diets, and dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein true digestibility were similar across diets. Concentration of NH3-N linearly decreased, and non-NH3-N linearly increased with SCAM inclusion. Bacterial efficiency (calculated as g of bacterial N flow/kg of organic matter truly digested) tended to be greater in fermentors fed diet 100. Outflow of Arg linearly increased with SCAM inclusion, whereas overall AA flow was not affected by diet. In conclusion, replacing CM with SCAM increased propionate molar proportion and non-NH3-N flow, and decreased NH3-N flow and concentration, which may improve animal energy status and N utilization. Inclusion of SCAM did not change most AA flow, indicating that it can be a potential replacement for CM.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with canola meal differing in rumen-undegradable protein content on ruminal fermentation and gas production kinetics using 2 in vitro systems.

Previous research indicated that there were significant differences in rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) among canola meals (CM), which could influence the nutritional value of CM. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of feeding CM with different RUP contents on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and microbial growth using a dual-flow continuous culture system (experiment 1) and (2) evaluate ruminal gas production kinetics, in vitro organic matter (OM) digestibility, and methane (CH4) production of soybean meal (SBM) and CM with low or high RUP in the diet or as a sole ingredient using a gas production system (experiments 2 and 3). In experiment 1, diets were randomly assigned to 6 fermentors in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. The only ingredient that differed among diets was the protein supplement. The treatments were (1) solvent-extracted SBM, (2) low-RUP solvent-extracted CM (38% RUP as a percentage of crude protein), and (3) high-RUP solvent-extracted CM (50% RUP). Diets were prepared as 3 concentrate mixtures that were combined with 25% orchardgrass hay and 15% wheat straw (dry matter basis). Experiments 2 and 3 had the same design with 24 bottles incubated 3 times for 48 h each. During the 48-h incubation, the cumulative pressure was recorded to determine gas production kinetics, in vitro OM digestibility, and CH4 production. In experiment 1, N flow (g/d), efficiency of N use, efficiency of bacterial N synthesis, total volatile fatty acids (mM), and molar proportion of acetate, propionate, and isobutyrate were not affected by treatments. There were tendencies for a decrease in ruminal NH3-N and an increase in molar proportion of butyrate for the SBM diet compared with both CM diets. The molar proportion of valerate was greater in both CM diets, whereas the molar proportion of isovalerate and total branched-chain volatile fatty acids was lower for the CM diets compared with the SBM diet. In experiments 2 and 3, the SBM diet had a greater gas pool size than both CM diets. The SBM diet increased in vitro OM digestibility; however, it also tended to increase CH4 production (mM and g/kg of DM) compared with both CM diets. Based on the results of this study, CM with RUP varying from 38 to 50% of crude protein does not affect ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and microbial growth when CM is included at up to 34% of the diet.