Nutritional response to water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) challenges via blood biochemical profiles in goats and sheep.

Eichhornia crassipes remains a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and poses economic challenges globally. Interestingly, its high nutritional value and abundance in water bodies, making it a promising and cost-effective source of animal feed. The purpose of the study was to see how varying inclusion rates of E. crassipise affected the blood biochemical profiles of Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goat local breeds. Twelve sheep and twelve goats were used in a 2*4 randomized crossover design with two species, four diets, and four phases (15-day adaptation plus 7-day experimental diets), and on the last day blood sample collected. The dietary treatments included E. crassipise (0, 25, 50, and 75%) as a substitute for commercial concentrate. The data were analyzed using SAS software tool PROC GLM, and Pearson's correlation coefficient between serum biochemical indices was computed. Results of AST, ALB, GLB, AST/ALT, and A/G showed significant (P < 0.0001), ALP (P < 0.005), and GLU (P < 0.05) differences between species of animals, except for ALT, CREAT, TP, and UREA. Sheep had higher values for AST, ALP, GLB, AST/ALT, CREAT, and UREA, except for A/G, ALB, ALT, and TP. Among treatments and treatment species interaction effect did not show variation in all studied parameters. Positive correlations were observed between ALT and AST, TP and ALB, and A/G and ALB, negative correlations were observed between ALT and AST/ALT, TP and A/G; GLB and A/G in sheep. Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between AST/ALT with ALT and AST and ALB with TP and A/G; however, negative correlations were observed between ALB with TP and A/G in goats. It was concluded that substituting E. crassipise with concentrate had no adverse effect on the serum biochemical profile.

Hematological parameters of sheep and goats fed diets containing various amounts of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

A major global barrier to increased animal output is nutrition. The use of aquatic plants, which were previously considered to be waste and needed a lot of labor to eliminate, has recently come to light due to the lack of feed during the dry season in the majority of tropical regions of Africa. The objectives of this study were therefore to see how different dietary Eichhornia crassipise inclusion rates affect the hematological indicators of Ethiopian Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats. Blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of 12 Doyogena sheep and 12 Woyto-Guji goats in a 2 × 4 randomized crossover design with two animal species, four diets, and four random periods (15 - day adaption period followed by a 7- day experimental diet in each period). The dietary inclusion rates E. crassipise were 0, 25, 50, and 75% that was used as a replacement for commercial concentrate mix diet in the treatment groups. The data was analyzed using the SAS software programme PROC GLM, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between hematological markers. The hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC) results revealed substantial, RDW-SD, and WBC differences between animal species (P < 0.001). Sheep had greater WBC, Hb, RBC, PCV, RDW-SD, and RDW-CV levels, while goats had higher MCH and MCHC values (P < 0.001). For the analyzed hematological measures, the Pearson's correlation coefficient ranged from low to strong in terms of positive and negative associations (P < 0.05). Since all hematological indicators were closer to those of clinically healthy native Ethiopian sheep and goat breeds, feeding water hyacinth to sheep and goats up to a 75% inclusion level in diets without producing sickness may provide a remedy for adverse feed shortages.

Comparative in vitro evaluation of five Commelina forage species on ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis.

In vitro gas measurement study was known to be a helpful tool for investigating the nutritional quality of feed for ruminant animals. This research was conducted to explore the ruminal fermentation and methane emission potential, and their variability pattern with changing seasons and altitudes for Commelina species, using in vitro test. Samples of the species were collected from different altitudes and seasons and used for the in vitro degradability study. Five species (C.africana, C. albescence, C. benghalensis, C. imberbis and C. diffusa), two altitudes (low and mid), and two seasons (wet and dry) were arranged in a 5 × 2 x 2 factorial manner in a completely randomized design, with three repeats of each treatment. In vitro gas and methane production as well as methane to total gas ratio were all meaningfully (P < 0.001) affected by season and altitude with the highest values observed in wet season and mid altitudes. At 24 h incubation, 44.76 and 37.82 ml/200 mg DM of total gas production was noted for wet and dry seasons respectively, while 39.77 and 47.38 ml/200 mg DM was recorded for low and mid altitudes respectively. Average gas production from immediately fermentable fractions (a) for wet season (4.21 ml) was reasonably (P < 0.001) higher than those for dry season (2.16 ml). Midlands (5.04 ml) had higher (P < 0.001) 'a' value than lowlands (2.77 ml). Both methane production and methane to total gas ratio exhibited a tangible decrease (P < 0.001) from wet season to dry season. 4.88 ml/200 mg DM and 6.52 ml/200 mg DM methane records were recorded for lowlands and midlands respectively. It appears that Commelina species contain nutrients that degrade in vitro, highlighting their potential supplement value for animals. The promising gas production potential added to its low methanogenic coefficient relative to the other species makes C. diffusa to the preferred supplement for poor-quality roughages followed by C. benghalensis and C. imberbis and the rest species being least preferred. But further nutrient analysis, minerals, secondary metabolites and the like, was required. And, in vivo trials must be conducted to strengthen the implications of this study.

Nutritional quality of indigenous legume browse in southern Ethiopia: farmers' preference and correlation of local valuation of feed value with scientific indicators.

Introduction: Developing a technology for fodder trees and shrubs tailored to farmers' preferences is best done with their input, perceptions, and interests in mind. Objective: The research aimed to determine farmer preferences for indigenous legumes, fodder trees, and shrubs (ILFTS) and to examine the relationship between feed valuation and scientific parameters. Methods: A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 10 farmers in each agroecological zone to determine the benchmarks for the preference ratings. The respondent farmers used the preference score sheet to rate all ILFTS on an individual basis. Twenty farmers with extensive experience in ILFTS took part in the preference score rating of each plant species in each agroecosystems. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), metabolizable energy (ME) and condensed tannin (CT) content of the samples were determined. The standard two-stage in vitro Tilley and Terry method was used to measure the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of samples. Digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) and ME values were estimated using standard models. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the variation among the species in agroecosystems. Tukey HSD tests were used for mean separation. Results and discussions: Farmers evaluated the ILFTS using a variety of parameters, according to the study (feed value, growth rate, biomass output, compatibility, and multifunctionality). The farmers' ILFTS preference score on the evaluation criteria differed considerably (p<0.05) with species in agroecosystems. The CP, ash, and ME values of ILFTS in the study were moderate to high although exhibited a wide variation among the species in agroecosystems. The CP content was above the minimum requirement (8%) to support the normal function of rumen microorganisms. Moreover, CP content exhibited a positive significant correlation with IVDMD, IVOMD, and DOMD, unlike CT and ADL which exhibited a negative significant correlation. Conversely, the DM, OM, CP, IVDMD, IVOMD, DOMD, and ME were shown a positive significant correlation with farmers' feed value preference score, unlike the ADL and CT which exhibited a negative significant correlation. Conclusions: Farmers' indigenous knowledge of feed value is therefore relevant for judging the nutritive value of the ILFTS and could complement the scientific indicators.

Indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs with emphasis on land use and agroecological zones: Identification, diversity, and distribution in semi-humid condition of southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Fodder trees and shrubs are among the strategic feed resources that complement the dry season feed supply in the tropics. They are an integral element of the farming system incorporated into different land uses and deliver multiple functions, even though their diversity relies on various anthropogenic, physiographic, and agroecological factors. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs (ILFTS) and estimate their diversity in terms of land use and agroecological zones in southern Ethiopia's Gamo landscape. METHOD: Respondent households were selected using a stratified multistage sampling procedure. Information about the ILFTS was gathered through key informant interviews conducted in each agro-ecological zone. A total of 273 households from three agro-ecological zones were selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess ILFTS. The information acquired by the questionnaire survey was complemented with a focus group discussion held with 10 respondents in each agro-ecological zone. Herbarium samples were collected for each of the species for identification and confirmation of the botanical names. Sixty randomly selected sampling plots of each with a dimension of 20 m × 20 m were created, and inventories of ILFTS species were performed and recorded on species inventory sheets. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H) was used to determine the species diversity. RESULT: The study identified 21 ILFTS that have been an integral constituent of the land uses recognised for their multiple functions in all agroecological zones. The mean species richness and diversity indices of the ILFTS differed significantly with land use and agroecological zones, where the lowland area closure exhibited the highest, and the highland homesteads and highland grazing land revealed the least. CONCLUSION: Farmers' indigenous knowledge and previous experience determined the species richness and diversity of ILFTS in farmlands and homesteads; however, the level of exploitation or protection was the reason for variation in area closure and grazing lands.

Microbial profile during fermentation and aerobic stability of ensiled mixtures of maize stover and banana pseudostem in South Ethiopia.

AIMS: This study evaluated pH reduction and microbial growth during fermentation of maize stover (MS) mixed with banana pseudostem (BPS) under South Ethiopian conditions. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: The MS and BPS were chopped and mixed into six treatments (T): 80% BPS plus 20% DMS (T1), 70% BPS plus 30% DMS (T2), 40% BPS plus 60% FMS (fresh MS) (T3), 20% BPS plus 80% FMS (T4), 100% FMS (T5), and 95% BPS plus 5% molasses (T6). At 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days, pH and dry matter were determined. Microbiological quality was assessed using plate counts and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. On day 60 and 90, aerobic stability was investigated. The results showed a significant reduction in pH in all mixtures, except in T1 and T2. Lactic acid bacteria counts reached a maximum in all treatments within 14 days. Sequencing showed marked changes in dominant bacteria, such as Buttiauxella and Acinetobacter to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. CONCLUSIONS: The fresh MS and BPS mixtures and fresh maize showed significant pH reduction and dominance of desirable microbial groups. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study enables year-round livestock feed supplementation to boost milk and meat production in South Ethiopia.

Seasonal and agro-ecological associations with feed resource use and milk production of ranging dairy cows in the Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Inadequate feed quality and quantity are the major constraints to dairy cow productivity in the southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. Dairy cows thrives predominantly on high-fibre feeds, with a reduced capacity for microbial fermentation in the rumen. Although variations in free-ranging dairy cow rations of the Ethiopian Rift Valley are assumed to depend on season and altitude alias agro-ecological zone, their potential impact on milk production is undocumented. This study evaluated seasonal changes of ranging dairy cow rations and milk production at different altitude regions within the Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. A cross-sectional field survey using a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 households with distinctive agro-ecology using a structured questionnaire and observation from a total of 340 households. Eighteen major feed types used by dairy farms were identified in the area and categorized into five classes: grazing pasture, cultivated pasture, crop residues, crop aftermath, agro-industrial by-products, and non-conventional feeds. All farmers indicated the continuous use of natural pasture. The daily milk yield was higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. It was also highest in midlands, followed by the highlands and then the lowlands. A significant (P < 0.001) association was found between season and agro-ecological zone and season and milk yield. In the dry season, milk yield had the strongest positive association with access to crop aftermath. This association turned negative in the rainy season, when the use of hay and agro-industrial by-products was most positively associated with milk yield. The higher availability of hay in the midlands agreed with the higher milk production in this zone, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, ranging dairy cows in tropical regions might respond differently to dietary interventions not only because of seasonal changes, but also because of interactions with the agro-ecological zone.

Measuring seasonal and agro-ecological effects on nutritional status in tropical ranging dairy cows.

Despite high numbers of cattle, milk production in many tropical countries such as Ethiopia is very low. Animals are managed traditionally, meaning they mostly depend on seasonal availability of natural pasture, grass, and crop residues with no supplementary feeds. Due to the lack of pasture management, there is overgrazing and soil erosion, and the land still must deal with extremely dry periods. All this has a negative effect on dairy cow productivity. Identification of the specific nutritional deficits would enable targeted interventions to improve milk yield performance, but nutrient and energy intakes are difficult to assess in ranging conditions. The aim of this research was, therefore, to evaluate the nutritional status of ranging dairy cows through blood metabolites, milk yield, and body condition in relation to environmental factors such as agro-ecology and season. The study was performed in a tropical region that is known to be exposed to the above-mentioned situation, the Arba Minch region in the southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. Blood samples were collected from 170 ranging dairy cows in 6 different districts, along a transect extending from the lowlands to the highlands, in both seasons (dry and rainy). Body condition score and milk yield of all cows were also determined for both seasons. Serum urea, creatinine, triglyceride, and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were quantified spectrophotometrically. Dried serum spots were subject to quantitative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to estimate changes in nutrient metabolism based on selected free AA and carnitine esters. Based on these measurements, nutritional status varied with season and geographical region. It can also be concluded that extensive metabolite analysis such as mass spectrometry can provide detailed insights, but the simpler spectrophotometric metabolite analysis can estimate the nutritional status of ranging animals.

Silage making of maize stover and banana pseudostem under South Ethiopian conditions: evolution of pH, dry matter and microbiological profile.

The study was conducted to evaluate the microbial dynamics during silage of maize stover and banana pseudostem in the environmental conditions of southern Ethiopia. To meet this objective, microsilos containing either maize stover or banana pseudostem, both with and without molasses, were prepared. Subsequently, samples were analysed on day 0, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 of the fermentation process. As a result, on day 7, all treatments except banana pseudostem without molasses showed a significant reduction in pH. It was also this silage type that supported the growth of Enterobacteriaceae longer than three other silage types, i.e. until 30 days. The yeasts and moulds and the Clostridum endospore counts also showed a reducing trend in early fermentation and afterwards remained constant until day 90. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that Leuconostoc, Buttiauxella species and Enterobacteriaceae were the most abundant bacteria in the initial phases of the fermentation. Later on, Buttiauxella, Lactobacillus, Weissella and Bifidobacterium species were found to be dominant. In conclusion, silage of the two crop by-products is possible under South Ethiopian conditions. For banana pseudostem, the addition of molasses is crucial for a fast fermentation, in contrast to maize. Upscaling needs to be investigated for the two by-products.

Anthelmintic effects of indigenous multipurpose fodder tree extracts against Haemonchus contortus.

Condensed tannins (CT) extracted from Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Celtis toka browses were used to evaluate their anthelmintic effect on different developmental stages of Haemonchus contortus. To achieve this objective, various serial concentrations of each CT extract of the foliages were used to test adult motility, inhibition of egg hatchability, and larval development. The fodders were selected based on their multipurpose advantage and accessibility to use as fodder for livestock in the low lands of the Gambella region. The fastest and slowest adult motility rate was observed in 2-ml (4 min) and 0.125-ml dose of C. toka, respectively, which is better than that in ivermectin. Egg hatchability inhibition was observed with dose difference within species, but there is no difference between B. aegyptiaca and T. indica. The foliage extracts of the studied browses were observed to inhibit the larvae by 100% at 2 ml, which is similar to ivermectin. There is no significant difference observed in larvae development inhibition between the species and ivermectin (p > 0.05). CT extracts of studied plants have found to own significant anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent manner. They could serve as anthelmintic economically and eco-friendly after further and series of in vivo experiments.

Comparison of polyethylene glycol and wood ash extract on feeding value and economic efficiency of mixes of high-tannin feed sources in growing Ethiopian Bonga lambs.

Dietary inclusion of tannin-deactivating agents such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and wood ash can enhance the feeding value of tannin-containing feeds. To evaluate this, 24 intact male Bonga lambs were divided into three blocks of eight animals per block based on their initial body weight in randomized complete block design with three treatments, 30 days adaptation and 10 days of data collection. The dietary treatments consisted of T1 (= hay 40% + concentrate 5% + Albizia gummifera 30% + Rhus glutinosa 10% + Syzygium guineense 15%), T2 (= T1 + wood ash), and T3 (=T1 + PEG6000). Animals were individually fed at 50 g DM/kg BW and had free access to clean drinking water and mineralized salt licks. Nutrient intake, digestibility, nutrient conversion ratio, and live body weight gains were determined. The condensed tannin concentration in tannin-rich trees and shrubs (TRTS) mix was 140 g DM/kg, respectively. The highest improvement in nutrient intake and apparent digestibility was recorded in T3 compared to other treatments (P < 0.01). The total return (TR) Ethiopian birr/currency (ETB)/sheep was 478 ETB, 554 ETB, and 569.6 ETB for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Accordingly, the addition of PEG and wood as a tannin-binder improved digestion and performance in sheep, but with the highest effect size was recorded for PEG.