The nutritional value of some fruit tree leaves for finishing lambs.

The nutritional value of some tree leaves (grape, common fig, barberry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, and oleaster) was investigated by in vitro and common laboratory methods. Also, thirty Baluchi male lambs were randomly divided into five groups, including one control group (alfalfa) and four experimental groups, which received diets containing different leaves (barberry, apricot, peach, and grape). The crude protein content ranged from 128 for the sweet cherry to 164 g/kg DM for grape. Common fig and barberry had the greatest and lowest calcium (29.3 vs. 11.5 g/kg DM), respectively (p < 0.001). The greatest total volatile fatty acids, dry matter and organic matter digestibilities, as well as potential gas production, were observed in barberry leaves (p < 0.001). Apricot had the greatest acid-base buffering capacity (245 mEq × 10-3) (p < 0.001). Lambs fed with barberry had a greater average daily gain (179 g/day, p = 0.013). The results of in vitro and in vivo indicated that barberry leaves had a greater nutritional value among the studied leaves. It is concluded that alfalfa can be replaced with barberry, apricot, peach, and grape leaves up to 250 g/kg DM in diet without deleterious effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and hematology.

Ruminal degradation and estimated energy and protein values for ruminants of Durum wheat varieties grown in three locations.

Durum wheat is mainly used in pasta production, but may also be used as animal feed, for example as concentrate for dairy cows. Data on the ruminal degradation of Durum grains are scarce. Hence, the objective of the present study was to describe ruminal in situ crude protein (CP) and starch (ST) degradation, to investigate in vitro gas production kinetics, and to estimate utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP) in vitro of five Durum varieties from three growing locations. Metabolisable energy (ME) and digestibility of organic matter (dOM) were also estimated using in vitro data. In situ incubations were conducted in three lactating jersey cows over defined timespans from 1 to 72 hr. Ruminal degradation parameters were estimated using exponential regression, and effective ruminal degradation was predicted for a ruminal passage rate of 8%/hr (ED8 ). In situ CP (a = 11%-19%; b = 80%-88%; c = 23%-33%/hr) and ST (a = 22%-39%; b = 60%-78%; c = 61%-123%/hr) degradation kinetics varied among samples and were influenced by location. Some samples showed a remarkably high ST degradation rate of up to 123%/h, which can significantly influence rumen pH and health when high amounts are incorporated into dairy rations. However, the ED of CP (77%-82%) and ST (91%-95%), and the in vitro estimates of ME (13.6-14.1 MJ/kg DM), dOM (92%-96%), and uCP (183-195 k/g DM) varied within a relatively small range. Hence, it may be adequate to use the mean values of these Durum grain characteristics when rations for ruminants are calculated and a differentiation depending on variety and location may not be necessary.

Effect of total mixed ration silage containing agricultural by-products with the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria on rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in ewes.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) on the quality of total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing agricultural by-products, its digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance in ewes. TMR was prepared from rice straw, corn stover silage, brewer grain, tofu waste, steam-flaked corn, and a mineral mixture. The treatments consisted of silage additives added to TMR: CON (no silage additive), FJLB, COM (commercial additive), and MIX (FJLB + COM). Four cannulated ewes were assigned to the 4 × 4 Latin square design. The MIX treatment produced a lower (P < 0.01) pH than did the CON and FJLB treatments and a higher (P < 0.01) lactic acid concentration than did the other treatments. The fiber content in the COM treatment was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the other treatments. The FJLB treatment had similar fermentation quality and chemical composition to those of the CON and COM treatments in all parameters observed. Although the silage quality index (Fleig point) was higher in the MIX and COM treatments than in the CON treatment, all silages had good quality. No silage additives affected intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, or nitrogen balance. In conclusion, the TMR silage prepared from agricultural by-products mixed with wet-type food by-products with or without FJLB added resulted in well-preserved fermentation, and this product might be used as a ruminant feed.

In situ and in vitro evaluation of crude protein degradation and utilisable crude protein content of barley, rye and triticale grains for ruminants.

Rations for dairy cows are comprised of high proportions of cereal grains. Thus, despite their low crude protein (CP) content, grains can contribute considerably to the CP intake of dairy cows. This study was conducted to describe and compare ruminal CP degradation of a broad range of barley, rye and triticale genotypes in situ and in vitro and different methods to estimate the utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP). Twenty samples each of rye, barley and triticale were incubated in situ and in vitro. Exponential regression analyses were used to estimate in situ degradation parameters. Further, the effective degradability (ED), ruminal undegraded CP (UDP) and uCP for ruminal passage rates of 5% and 8% per hr were estimated. The uCP was estimated in vitro and based on two different approaches using in situ UDP data and estimates of microbial synthesised protein (based on fermented organic matter [fOM] or equations of the Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie). The degradation rate declined from rye (43% per hr) to triticale (27% per hr) to barley (20% per hr), and it exhibited remarkable variation between the genotypes of a single species. The maximal degradable CP fraction also differed between the species, but was overall very high (94%-99%). The lowest washout fraction (26%) and the highest variation in ED (77%-86% and 69%-80% for a passage rate of 5% and 8% per hr, respectively) were found in barley. The in situ uCP content (estimated using fOM) was lower for barley than for rye and triticale at ruminal passage rates of 5% and 8% per hr (barley: 157 g/kg DM at both passage rates; rye and triticale: 168 (at 5% per hr) and 169 (at 8% per hr) g/kg DM). In vitro estimations of uCP did not differ between the grain species and uCP estimated according to GfE was higher for triticale than for barley and rye, which did not differ. The low variation within a single grain species and the weak correlations between ruminal CP degradation and nutrient concentrations suggested that differentiation of ED and uCP between the genotypes of a single grain species is not necessary.

In situ starch and crude protein degradation in the rumen and in vitro gas production kinetics of wheat genotypes.

The objective of this study was to determine the variation of in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and starch (ST), and to determine the effective degradation (ED) of wheat genotypes. Further, multivariate associations of these in situ values with their corresponding in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics and laboratory measurements were evaluated using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Grains of 20 genotypes of wheat were characterized by proximate constituents, amino acid (AA) composition and physical characteristics. Ruminal degradation kinetics were determined by in situ degradation of DM, CP and ST, and subsequent evaluation of in vitro GP relative to time courses. In situ and GP measurements were fitted to an exponential equation, and ED was calculated using passage rates in the rumen of 5%/h (ED5) and 8%/h (ED8). To predict ED8 of CP (EDCP8) and ST (EDST8), correlations were evaluated and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were applied. Estimated degradation parameters varied considerably between wheat genotypes irrespective of the nutrient tested. Variance in a, b and c was not reflected in the variation of the ED, due to high degradation rates (c). The assumed passage rate also impacted estimation of the ED minimally. Estimated GP parameters varied only slightly among wheat genotypes. Nevertheless, regression models explained up to 80 and 99% of the variance in EDCP8 and EDST8, respectively, and associations between EDST8 and EDCP8 and chemical and physical characteristics of grains were detected. As ST is the primary nutrient in wheat grains and can comprise substantial portions of dairy rations, the total amount of ST as well as its ED in the rumen should be taken into account when wheat is incorporated into dairy rations. Conversely, variance in wheat grain CP degradation was very low and can largely be neglected in practical ration formulation for ruminants.

Forage yields and feeding value of small grain winter cereals for lambs.

BACKGROUND: An understanding of the dynamics that affect the nutrient content of forages with advancing growth stages is critical for designing equally dynamic feeding programmes. This study compared the agronomic characteristic and feeding values of forages from barley, rye, wheat, oats and triticale weekly from tillering (Z 24-25) to dough stages of maturity (Z 83-87). RESULT: Digestible dry matter yield of cereal species increased rapidly (P < 0.05) from 1.9 t ha(-1) at tillering to 7.8 t ha(-1) at ear emergence (Z 50-55) and remained stable (P > 0.05) until the dough stage when it increased to 10.4 t ha(-1) . The nutritive quality of cereal species decreased with advancing growth stages, and this was more pronounced in barley and rye with rapid reductions in their energy and digestibility values. Changes in the nutritive value of cereal forages indicated a strong relationship (P < 0.05) with the leaf-stem ratio of the plants. The animal response reflected the changes in feeding value of cereal species with advancing growth stages. The average live weight gain of lambs decreased (P < 0.05) from an average of 203 g d(-1) on 2 May to 142 g d(-1) on the 13 June. CONCLUSION: Wheat and oats, and to a lesser extent triticale, provided higher quality forages than barley and rye. All cereal species had poor feeding qualities between ear emergence and milk stages (Z 71-75). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Feeding Value of Lupins, Field Peas, Faba Beans and Chickpeas for Poultry: An Overview.

Grain legumes are fair sources of protein, amino acids and energy, and can be used as a replacement for soybean meal in poultry feed formulations as the soybean meal becomes short in supply and costly. However, a concern associated with the use of grain legumes in poultry feeding is the presence of antinutritional factors. The effective processing and utilisation of these grain legumes in poultry feeding are well documented. The current review focuses on four selected grain legumes (lupins [Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius], field peas [Phaseolus vulgaris], faba beans [Vicia faba] and chickpeas [Cicer arietinum]) and their nutrient content, the presence of antinutritional factors, processing methods and feeding value, including updated data based on recent research findings.

Variation in potential feeding value of triticale forage among plant fraction, maturity stage, growing season and genotype.

Cereal forages, such as triticale forage, progressively gain interest as alternative crop for maize. The main study objective was to investigate the variation in potential feeding value of triticale forage among maturity stage, growing season and genotype, using total plant and stem fractions. Therefore, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as fast screening tool. The prediction ability was good (ratio of prediction to deviation, RPD ≥3.0) for total plant residual moisture, starch, sugars and for stem crude ash (CAsh) and neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom); suitable for screening (2.0 ≤ RPD <3.0) for total plant CAsh, acid detergent fibre (ADFom), in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVOMD), in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (IVNDFD) and for stem total lignin (TL) and IVNDFD; poor (1.5 ≤ RPD <2.0) for total plant crude protein, crude fat, aNDFom, lignin (sa) and for stem Klason lignin (KL); unreliable (RPD <1.5) for stem residual moisture and acid soluble lignin (ASL). The evolution in potential feeding value of 36 genotypes harvested at the medium and late milk to the early, soft and hard dough stage was followed. The most important changes occurred between the late milk and early dough stage, with little variation in quality after the soft dough stage. During 2 growing seasons, variation in feeding value of 120 genotypes harvested at the soft dough stage was demonstrated. Interestingly, variation in stem IVNDFD is almost twice as high as for the total plant (CV 12.4% versus 6.6%). Furthermore, Spearman correlations show no link between dry matter yield and digestibility of genotypes harvested at the soft dough stage. Based on linear regression models ADFom appears as main predictor of both plant IVOMD and plant IVNDFD. Stem IVNDFD is particularly determined by KL.

Genotype-by-Diet Interactions for Larval Performance and Body Composition Traits in the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens.

Further advancing black soldier fly (BSF) farming for waste valorisation and more sustainable global protein supplies critically depends on targeted exploitation of genotype-phenotype associations in this insect, comparable to conventional livestock. This study used a fully crossed factorial design of rearing larvae of four genetically distinct BSF strains (FST: 0.11-0.35) on three nutritionally different diets (poultry feed, food waste, poultry manure) to investigate genotype-by-environment interactions. Phenotypic responses included larval growth dynamics over time, weight at harvest, mortality, biomass production with respective contents of ash, fat, and protein, including amino acid profiles, as well as bioconversion and nitrogen efficiency, reduction of dry matter and relevant fibre fractions, and dry matter loss (emissions). Virtually all larval performance and body composition traits were substantially influenced by diet but also characterised by ample BSF genetic variation and, most importantly, by pronounced interaction effects between the two. Across evaluated phenotypes, variable diet-dependent rankings and the lack of generally superior BSF strains indicate the involvement of trade-offs between traits, as their relationships may even change signs. Conflicting resource allocation in light of overall BSF fitness suggests anticipated breeding programs will require complex and differential selection strategies to account for pinpointed trait maximisation versus multi-purpose resilience.

Grazing exclosures solely are not the best methods for sustaining alpine grasslands.

BACKGROUND: Grazing is widely regarded as a critical factor affecting the vegetation structure, productivity and nutritional value of natural grasslands. To protect and restore degraded grasslands, non-grazed exclosures are considered as a valuable tool. However, it is not clear whether long term non-grazed exclosures of grazers can improve the condition and nutritional value of vegetation and soil properties. METHODS: We have compared the impact of long-term non-grazed and continuous grazed management strategy on vegetation structure, nutritional values and soil properties of alpine meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by field investigation (11-13 years) and indoor analysis during 2015-2017. RESULTS: Our results showed that long-term non-grazed exclosures clearly increased the aboveground biomass and coverage of plant functional types. Long-term non-grazed exclosures improved the development of all vegetation types, except NG (GG, grass species type; SG, sedge species type; LG, leguminous species type; FG, forbs species type and NG, noxious species type). Long-term non-grazed exclosures significantly improved all six measured soil properties (TN, total nitrogen; TP, total phosphorus; TK, total potassium; AN, available nitrogen; AP, available phosphorus and AK, available potassium) in 0-10 cm soil layer, considerable effect on the improvement of all measured soil properties, except TK in 10-20 cm soil layer and all measured soil properties, except TN and TK in 20-30 cm soil layer were observed. However, long-term non-grazed exclosures significantly decreased biodiversity indicators i.e., species richness, Shannon diversity index and Evenness index of vegetation. A substantial decrease in the density, biodiversity and nutritional values (CP (crude protein), IVTD (in vitro ture digestibility) and NDF (neutral detergent fiber)) of all vegetation types, except NG were recorded. While a downward trend in aboveground biomass and all measured soil properties except TP and TK were observed during 2015-2017 in alpine meadows due to long-term grazed treatment. The density, diversity and nutritional value (CP and IVTD) of long-term non-grazed alpine meadows showed a downward trend over time (2015-2017). By considering the biodiversity conservation and grassland livestock production, long-term non-grazed exclosures are not beneficial for the improvement of density, biodiversity and nutritional values of plant functional types. Thus, our study suggests that rotational non-grazed and grazed treatment would be a good management strategy to restore and improve the biodiversity and nutritional values of plant functional types in natural grassland ecosystems.

Avaliação in vivo da digestibilidade da casca do grão de soja moída com ovinos / Evaluation of in vivo digestibility of ground soybean hulls with sheep

O presente trabalho foi conduzido no Departamento de Zootecnia da UFSM com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo da casca de grão de soja moída sem tostar (peneira 2,38mm, CGSM) para ruminantes. O mesmo constou de um ensaio convencional de digestibilidade in vivo com ovinos, que durou 28 dias. Foram utilizados 23 animais machos castrados, com peso vivo médio de 32,4kg, alojados individualmente em gaiolas metabólicas e sorteados em cinco grupos (tratamentos) de cinco animais (exceto T4), num delineamento estatístico inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos (T) testados foram: T1 = 100 por cento de palha de arroz triturada (PAT); T2 = 75 por cento de PAT + 25 por cento de CGSM; T3 = 50 por cento de PAT + 50 por cento de CGSM; T4 = 25 por cento de PAT + 75 por cento de CGSM e T5 = 100 por cento de CGSM. A CGSM utilizada neste experimento apresentou, com base na matéria seca (MS; 89,19 por cento), 15,67 por cento de proteína bruta (PB), 94,74 por cento de matéria orgânica (MO), 33,82 por cento de fibra bruta (FB), 1,65 por cento de extrato etéreo (EE) e 43,60 por cento de extrativo não nitrogenado (ENN). Verificou-se, através da análise de regressão, um efeito linear altamente significativo (P < 0,01) e ascendente à medida que a CGSM substituiu a PAT nos tratamentos com relação a percentagem obtida para nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e aos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da MS (CDAMS), da MO (CDAMO), da PB (CDAPB), do EE (CDAEE) e do ENN (CDAENN); todavia não verificou-se efeito significativo dos tratamentos com relação ao CDA da FB (CDAFB). A CGSM apresentou, quando fornecida como alimento único (T5), 65,39 por cento de CDAMS, 68,28 por cento de CDAFB e 67,05 por cento de NDT. Conclui-se que a CGSM possui um alto valor nutritivo para ruminantes.

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the feeding value of ground not toasted soybean hulls (size = 2.38 mm, GSH), for ruminants. This investigation, consisted of a conventional in vivo digestion trial 28 days using sheep as amodel. Twenty-three animals castrated males with a 32.4kg average body weight (BW), individually lodged in metabolic cages and alloted in five treatments (T) of five animals each (except T4), were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments tested were the following: T1 = 100 percent triturated rice straw (TRS), T2 = 75 percent TRS + 25 percent GSH,