Partitioning of nutrient variation in alfalfa and corn silage by source on New York dairy farms.

Variation in feed components contributes to variation and uncertainty of diets delivered to dairy cows. Forages often have a high inclusion rate (50 to 70% of DM fed) and variable composition, thus are an important contributor to nutrient variability of delivered diets. Our objective was to quantify the variation and identify the main sources of variability in corn silage and alfalfa-grass haylage composition at harvest (fresh forage) and feed-out (fermented forage) on NY dairy farms. Corn silage and alfalfa-grass haylage were sampled on 8 NY commercial dairy farms during harvest in the summer and fall of 2020 and during their subsequent feed-out in the winter and spring of 2021. At harvest, a composite sample of fresh chopped forage of every 8-ha section of individual fields was collected from piles delivered for silo filling. During a 16-week feed-out period, 2 independent samples of each forage were collected 3 times per week. The fields-of-origin of each forage sample during feed-out were identified and recorded using silo maps created at filling. A mixed-model analysis quantified the variance of corn silage DM, NDF, and starch and haylage DM, NDF, and CP content. Fixed effects included soil type, weather conditions, and management practices during harvest and feed-out while random effects were farm, silo unit, field, and day. At harvest, between-farm variability was the largest source of variation for both corn silage and haylage, but within-farm sources of variation exceeded farm-to-farm variation for haylage at feed-out. At feed-out, haylage DM and NDF content had higher within-farm variability than corn silage. In contrast, corn silage starch showed higher within-farm variation at feed-out than haylage CP content. For DM content at feed-out, day-to-day variation was the most relevant source of within-farm variation for both forages. However, for the nutrient components at feed-out (NDF and CP for haylage; NDF and starch for corn silage) silo-to-silo variation was the largest source of variability. Weather conditions systematically explained a proportion of the farm-to-farm variability for both forages at harvest and feed-out. We concluded that because of the high farm-to-farm variation, corn silage and haylage must be sampled on individual farms. We also concluded that due to the high silo-to-silo variability, and the still significant day-to-day and field-to-field variability within-farm, corn silage and haylage should be sampled within individual silos to better capture changes in forage components at feed-out.

Tall fescue as an alternative to timothy fed with or without alfalfa to dairy cows.

Tall fescue might be an alternative to timothy in northeastern North America because of its tolerance of recurring drought periods and its good summer regrowth, but is not always considered as an option in dairy rations because of its possible lack of palatability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on the performance of lactating dairy cows of (1) replacing timothy silage by tall fescue silage, offered as sole forage in the diet or in combination with alfalfa silage, and (2) feeding tall fescue as silage (35% dry matter, DM) or haylage (55% DM). Experimental diets with a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30 were (1) 100% timothy silage (TS); (2) 100% tall fescue silage (TFS); (3) 55:45 timothy:alfalfa silages (TS + AS); (4) 55:45 tall fescue:alfalfa silages (TFS + AS); and (5) 100% tall fescue haylage (TFH). Fifteen Holstein cows in mid-lactation (5 fitted with a rumen fistula) were randomly assigned to treatments in a triple 5 × 5 Latin square design with treatment periods of 21 d. Preplanned contrasts were timothy versus tall fescue silages, sole grass species versus grass-alfalfa, interaction between sole grass species and grass-alfalfa, and TFS versus TFH. Grass species did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) or milk yield and fat concentration. Milk protein concentration was not affected by grass species when offered in combination with alfalfa, but it was higher with the TS diet than the TFS diet when offered as sole forages. Adding alfalfa to either tall fescue or timothy silage resulted in greater DMI and milk yield, but lower milk fat concentration, than when the grass silages were the sole forage in the diet. The molar proportion of propionate in the rumen was greater when cows were fed diets with tall fescue silage compared with timothy silage, which resulted in a lower acetate-to-propionate ratio. Milk fat concentrations of fatty acids from microbial origin, namely branched-chain fatty acids, were greater when grass silage, and especially timothy silage, were fed as sole forages rather than with alfalfa silage. Feeding TFH rather than TFS caused a decrease in DMI and tended to lower milk protein concentration, but did not affect milk yield. A more fibrolytic fermentation profile was observed in rumen of cows fed TFH compared with TFS, as indicated by the increase in the molar proportion of acetate and the higher acetate-to-propionate ratio in rumen fluid, and a concomitant increase in branched-chain fatty acid concentration in milk fat. Tall fescue as silage or haylage is a valuable alternative to timothy silage for lactating dairy cows.

Herd-level seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi infection in dairy cattle population in the central and northeastern Poland.

BACKGROUND: Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi infections are widespread in cattle population of Europe, however data on their prevalence in Poland are only fragmentary. Therefore, the cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the herd-level seroprevalence of F. hepatica and O. ostertagi infection in dairy cattle population in the central and north-eastern provinces Poland, and to identify basic local risk factors for these infections. In total, 598 herds were enrolled, 394 (65.9%) in the north-eastern province and 204 (34.1%) in the central province. In each herd the questionnaire survey was conducted and bulk-tank milk (BTM) sample was collected and screened using two indirect immunoenzymatic tests. Optical density ratio (ODR) was regarded as the quantitative proxy of exposure to either of the two parasites. RESULTS: Both Fasciola and Ostertagia ELISA ODR in the north-eastern province was significantly higher than ODR in the central province. At the cut-off value of ODR = 0.27 the true herd-level seroprevalence of F. hepatica was 79.6% (95% CI: 74.0%, 84.3%) in the north-eastern province and 13.0% (95% CI: 5.3%, 21.7%) in the central province. At the cut-off of ODR = 0.50151 of 188 herds (80.3%, 95% CI: 74.1%, 85.4%) were seropositive for O. ostertagi in the north-eastern province and only 70 of 136 herds (51.5%, 95% CI: 43.1%, 59.7%) were seropositive in the central province. Location of a herd in the north-eastern province, longer grazing period practiced in a herd and > 50%-share of grazing grass in roughage were all positively related to the increase in exposure to both parasites. Moreover, the use of hay or haylage as main roughage proved to be positively related to the increase in exposure to F. hepatica. CONCLUSIONS: F. hepatica and O. ostertagi are widespread in cattle population in Poland, however their occurrence at a herd-level varies between different regions of Poland. This diversity can only partly be explained by different herd management, and appears linked to environmental and climate conditions typical for these regions.

Effect of microbial inoculants on the quality and aerobic stability of bermudagrass round-bale haylage.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of using 4 commercially available microbial inoculants to improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of bermudagrass haylage. We hypothesized that the microbial inoculants would increase the fermentation and aerobic stability of the haylages. Bermudagrass (4-wk regrowth) was harvested and treated with (1) deionized water (control); (2) Buchneri 500 (B500; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI) containing 1×10(5) of Pediococcus pentosaceus and 4×10(5) of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788; (3) Biotal Plus II (BPII; Lallemand Animal Nutrition) containing 1.2×10(5) of P. pentosaceus and Propionibacteria freudenreichii; (4) Silage Inoculant II (SI; AgriKing Inc., Fulton, IL) containing 1×10(5) of Lactobacillus plantarum and P. pentosaceus; and (5) Silo King (SK; AgriKing Inc.), containing 1×10(5) of L. plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, and P. pentosaceus, respectively. Forty round bales (8 per treatment; 441±26kg; 1.2×1.2 m diameter) were made and each was wrapped with 7 layers of plastic. Twenty bales were stored for 112 d and the remaining 20 were stored for 30 d and sampled by coring after intermediary storage periods of 0, 3, 7, and 30 d. The pH of control and inoculated haylages sampled on d 3 did not differ. However, B500 and BPII had lower pH (5.77±0.04 vs. 6.16±0.04; 5.06±0.13 vs. 5.52±0.13) than other treatments by d 7 and 30, respectively. At final bale opening on d 112, all treatments had lower pH than the control haylage (4.77±0.07 vs. 5.37±0.07). The B500, BPII, and SI haylages had greater lactic acid and lactic-to-acetic acid ratios than SK and control haylages. No differences were detected in neutral detergent fiber digestibility, dry matter losses, dry matter, lactic and acetic acid concentrations, and yeast and coliform counts. The SK haylage had lower clostridia counts compared with the control (1.19±0.23 vs. 1.99±0.23 cfu/g). Treatments B500, BPII, SI, and SK tended to reduce mold counts and they improved aerobic stability by 236, 197, 188, and 95%, respectively, compared with the control (276±22 vs. 99±22h).

Initial Impact of Different Feeding Methods on Feed Intake Time in Stabled Icelandic Horses.

The natural behaviour of horses is to spend the majority of their time on feed intake The feeding of stabled horses is, however, often far from that, as their feed intake is limited to their nutritional requirements. In order to approach their natural foraging time, it is important to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses. The aim of this study was to estimate if the feed intake time differs when feeding haylage in a haynet, hayball, metal corner manger, or from the box floor. The experimental design consisted of a Latin square, occurred across four days with four adult Icelandic horses and four treatments. Horses were stabled in individual boxes and fed 7 kg of high-energy haylage in two even meals while the intake time was recorded. The feed intake time per kg DM was shorter from the manger or the box floor than from a haynet or hayball (81 or 85 min versus 94 or 96 min; p < 0.05). It can be concluded that feeding haylage in a hayball or in a haynet can increase the feed intake time by 13% per day (12 min/kg DM/day) when compared to the more traditional methods. Thus, with simple alternatives, it is possible to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses.

Fibre Composition and Maturity of Forage-Based Diets Affects the Fluid Balance, Faecal Water-Holding Capacity and Microbial Ecosystem in French Trotters.

Racing events challenge the fluid balance of athletic horses. The equine large intestine functions as a fluid reservoir, since the properties of dietary forage fibre affect the digesta water content and the milieu of this ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the effect of grass maturity and legume forage on the faecal water-holding capacity (WHC) and microbial ecosystem, and the fluid balance and body weight (BW) of French trotters in race training. Six geldings were offered three diets with different fibre compositions: concentrate and late-harvested mature grass haylage (35:65 energy ratio) (CMGH); early-harvested grass haylage and mature grass haylage (80:20) (EGH); and lucerne and mature grass haylage (80:20) (LH), for 24 days in a Latin square design. Body weights were lower and faecal WHC higher when the horses were fed EGH compared to CMGH and LH (485 vs. 492 and 492 kg, p < 0.001; 12.6 vs. 11.1 and 11.4 g H2O/g dry faeces, p = 0.014, respectively). Total water intake and output did not differ between diets, but water excretion via faeces was lower and via urine was greater on EGH compared to CMGH and LH (13.1 vs. 18.8 and 17.6 kg, p = 0.001; 10.5 vs. 7.6 and 7.9 kg, p = 0.032, respectively). Total bacteria concentrations were higher on EGH than CMGH and LH (5.4 × 1011 vs. 2.8 × 1011 and 2.8 × 1011 CFU/mL, p = 0.018, respectively). Concentrations of butyrate were greater, and pH was lower when fed EGH compared to CMGH and LH (3.0 vs. 2.0 and 1.6 mmol/L, p = 0.034; 6.5 vs. 6.9 and 7.2, p = 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, forage harvested at an early stage of maturity could benefit athletic horses' fluid balance by providing a more available large intestine fluid reservoir without increasing BW.

Effects of low-dust forages on dust exposure, airway cytology, and plasma omega-3 concentrations in Thoroughbred racehorses: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Racehorses commonly develop evidence of mild asthma in response to dust exposure. Diets deficient in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3) might exacerbate this response. HYPOTHESIS: To compare dust exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology, and plasma Ω-3 and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) concentrations amongst racehorses fed dry hay, steamed hay, and haylage. ANIMALS: Forty-three Thoroughbred racehorses. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial. Horses were randomly assigned to be fed dry hay, steamed hay, or haylage for 6 weeks. Measures of exposure to dust in the breathing zone were obtained twice. At baseline, week-3, and week-6, BALF cytology was examined. Plasma lipid profiles and plasma SPM concentrations were examined at baseline and week 6. Generalized linear mixed models examined the effect of forage upon dust exposure, BALF cytology, Ω-3, and SPM concentrations. RESULTS: Respirable dust was significantly higher for horses fed hay (least-square mean ± s.e.m. 0.081 ± 0.007 mg/m3 ) when compared with steamed hay (0.056 ± 0.005 mg/m3 , P = .01) or haylage (0.053 ± 0.005 mg/m3 , P < .01). At week 6, BALF neutrophil proportions in horses eating haylage (3.0% ± 0.6%) were significantly lower compared with baseline (5.1 ± 0.7, P = .04) and horses eating hay (6.3% ± 0.8%, P < .01). Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratios were higher in horses eating haylage for 6 weeks (0.51 ± 0.07) when compared with baseline (0.34 ± 0.05, P < .01) and horses eating steamed (0.24 ± 0.02, P < .01) or dry hay (0.25 ± 0.03, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Steamed hay and haylage reduce dust exposure compared with dry hay, but only haylage increased the ratio of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory lipids while reducing BAL neutrophil proportions within 6 weeks.

Where Are We Now? Feeds, Feeding Systems and Current Knowledge of UK Horse Owners When Feeding Haylage to Their Horses.

Despite our improved understanding of equid digestive health and accurate rations formulations, obesity in the UK horse population remains high. Study aims: (1) to determine how owners are feeding their horses and what influences their choices, (2) to understand owners' knowledge of haylage and (3) to identify key areas that require additional education. Data were collected in 2020 from 1338 UK horse owners via two online surveys. Survey 1 was on general feeding practices, and Survey 2 was specifically on the feeding of haylage. Data were processed using chi square analyses + Bonferroni tests, with a significance p < 0.05. Equal numbers of leisure and performance horse owners completed both surveys. For Survey 1, 67% fed hay as the only forage, 30% fed forage (hay/haylage) + balancer, 36% fed haylage and hay to manage energy intake, 84% added a cube or coarse mix, 88% did not do forage analyses, 74% did not see the need for it and 16% did not know analyses could be done. In Survey 2, those who were not feeding haylage, 66% were not sure how to feed it, 68% worried about aerobic spoilage and 79% said the bale size was unsuitable. Body weight measurements (Survey 1 and Survey 2) were rarely performed (11%). Aspects of ration formulations, the value of feed analyses and how to interchange hay and haylage require additional education to owners for improved ration compilation.

Effects of replacing corn silage with alfalfa haylage in growing beef cattle diets on performance during the growing and finishing period.

Corn silage is the predominant mechanically harvested forage source for feedlot cattle production in the United States because of high yield. Alternatively, because of multiple cuttings per year and lower annual cost, the use of alfalfa or other forages, may increase opportunities for manure spreading, perennial soil cover, pollinator habitat, and greater carbon sequestration. The objective of this trial was to determine the feeding value of alfalfa haylage when replacing corn silage in growing cattle diets. One-hundred-sixty-five Angus crossbred steers [326 ±â€…51 kg of body weight (BW)] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to one of 28 pens at the University of Minnesota feedlot. Pens were randomly assigned to dietary growing treatments. The control diet was comprised of (DM basis) 50% corn silage, 19.25% rolled corn grain, 19.25% high moisture corn, 7% dried distillers grains plus solubles, and 4.5% liquid supplement (corn silage control, CS Control). For alfalfa haylage (AH) diets, AH substituted corn silage at 33% (AH 33), 66% (AH 66), or 100% (AH 100). Growth performance measurements [dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed (G:F) ratio] were assessed for 42 to 70 d depending on BW block. Afterwards, steers were fed a common finishing diet until harvested. There was a linear increase in DMI (P < 0.01) with increasing AH inclusion. Replacing CS with AH linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) ADG and G:F. No differences (P ≥ 0.10) were observed in finishing performance or carcass traits. Results from this study demonstrated that greater substitution of corn silage with alfalfa haylage in growing diets resulted in greater intake but reduced rate of gain and gain:feed. Despite slower rate of gain, cattle fed alfalfa haylage at increasing proportions during the growing period were able to compensate in BW gains during the finishing period and reached harvest weight and backfat thickness at similar days on feed than those fed corn silage. Based on these results the energy value of corn silage and alfalfa haylage were 3.05 and 2.39 Mcal ME/kg of DM, respectively, when included at 50% of the diet DM.

The potential for growing systems in beef cattle operations depends on the development of cost-effective alternatives for adding value to cattle after weaning. Alfalfa provides several ecosystem services to beef operations through greater opportunities for manure spreading, longer soil cover, pollinator habitat, and greater carbon sequestration compared to corn silage, which is the predominant mechanically harvested forage source for intensive cattle production in the United States. Increasing alfalfa haylage use in growing beef cattle diets requires understanding the effects of replacing corn silage with alfalfa haylage on ADG and feed cost of gain and carcass quality. The objective of this study was to compare the feeding value of alfalfa haylage vs. that of corn silage in growing diets while examining carry-over effects on the finishing period in terms of animal performance and carcass traits.

Hay versus haylage: Forage type influences the equine urinary metabonome and faecal microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbial communities are increasingly being linked to diseases in animals and humans. Obesity and its associated diseases are a concern for horse owners and veterinarians, and there is a growing interest in the link among diet, the intestinal microbiota and metabolic disease. OBJECTIVES: Assess the influence of long-term hay or haylage feeding on the microbiota and metabolomes of 20 Welsh mountain ponies. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study. METHODS: Urine, faeces and blood were collected from 20 ponies on a monthly basis over a 13-month period. Urine and faeces were analysed using proton magnetic resonance (1 H NMR) spectroscopy and faecal bacterial DNA underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Faecal bacterial community profiles were observed to be different for the two groups, with discriminant analysis identifying 102 bacterial groups (or operational taxonomic units, OTUs) that differed in relative abundance in accordance with forage type. Urinary metabolic profiles of the hay- and haylage-fed ponies were significantly different during 12 of the 13 mo of the study. Notably, the urinary excretion of hippurate was greater in the hay-fed ponies for the duration of the study, while ethyl-glucoside excretion was higher in the haylage-fed ponies. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The study was undertaken over a 13-month period and both groups of ponies had access to pasture during the summer months. CONCLUSIONS: The data generated from this study suggest that the choice of forage may have implications for the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of ponies and, therefore, potentially their health status. Understanding the potential implication of feeding a particular type of forage will enable horse owners to make more informed choices with regard to feed, especially if their horse or pony is prone to weight gain.

Prevalence of Mycotoxins and Endotoxins in Total Mixed Rations and Different Types of Ensiled Forages for Dairy Cows in Lithuania.

In this study, 119 samples of total mixed rations and different types of ensiled forage (maize and grass silage, and haylage) collected in 2019-2020 from dairy farms in Lithuania were analyzed to evaluate the quantitative occurrence of mycotoxins and endotoxins. Samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent (FLD) and an ultraviolet detector (UV) of mycotoxins and a detection assay based on the ELISA technology for endotoxins. The study included toxins regulated within the European Union (aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin) and nonregulated toxins (endotoxins). Mycotoxin analysis showed that 49.58% of the samples out of 119 were positive for AFB1, 52.11% for ZEA and DON, 55.47% for T-2 toxin and 84.04% for endotoxins. In the contaminated samples, the highest mean values of AFB1 and T-2 toxin were determined in the grass silage samples, while ZEA and DON-were determined in the maize silage samples. Maize silage samples had the highest ZEA and DON concentrations, exceeding the EU maximum permissible concentration limits. In the haylage samples, AFB1 mycotoxin exceeded the maximum concentration limits. The highest mean value of endotoxins was determined in the total mixed rations samples. This is the first study to provide information about the concentrations of mycotoxins and endotoxins in total mixed rations and different types of ensiled forages for dairy cows in Lithuania.

Application of lactic acid bacteria producing antifungal substance and carboxylesterase on whole crop rice silage with different dry matter.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate effects of antifungal substance and carboxylesterase-producing inoculant on fermentation indices and rumen degradation kinetics of whole crop rice (WCR) silage ensiled at different dry matter (DM) contents. METHODS: Dual-purpose inoculants, Lactobacillus brevis 5M2 and Lactobacillus buchneri 6M1, confirmed both activities of antifungal and carboxylesterase in the previous study. The WCR at mature stage was chopped, and then wilted to obtain three different DM contents consisting of 35.4%, 43.6%, and 51.5%. All WCR forages were applied distilled water (CON) or mixed inoculants with 1:1 ratio at 1×105 colony forming unit/g (INO), and ensiled into 20 L mini silo (5 kg) in quadruplicates for 108 d. RESULTS: The INO silages had lower lactate (p<0.001) and butyrate (p = 0.022) with higher acetate (p<0.001) and propionate (p<0.001) than those of CON silages. Ammonia-N (p<0.001), lactate (tendency; p = 0.068), acetate (p = 0.030), and butyrate (p<0.001) concentrations of INO silages decreased linearly with increasing DM content of WCR forage. The INO silages presented higher lactic acid bacteria (p<0.001) with lower molds (p< 0.001) than those of CON silages. Yeasts (p = 0.042) and molds (p = 0.046) of WCR silages decreased linearly with increasing DM content of WCR forage. In the rumen, INO silages had higher the total degradable fraction (p<0.001), total volatile fatty acid (tendency; p = 0.097), and acetate (p = 0.007), but lower the fractional degradation rate (p = 0.011) and propionate (p<0.001) than those of CON silage. The total degradable fraction (p<0.001), total volatile fatty acid (p = 0.001), iso-butyrate (p = 0.036), and valerate (p = 0.008) decreased linearly with increasing DM content of WCR forage, while the lag phase (p<0.001) was increased linearly. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that application of dual-purpose inoculants on WCR silage confirmed antifungal and carboxylesterase activities by inhibiting mold and improving rumen digestibility, while increase of wilting times decreased organic acids production and rumen digestibility.

Insulinaemic and glycaemic responses to three forages in ponies.

Reduction of the hyperinsulinaemic response to feeding is central to the management of insulin dysregulation (ID). The aim of this study was to compare insulinaemic and glycaemic responses to soaked hay, dry hay and haylage in ponies. Twelve ponies of mixed breeds were maintained under identical management conditions. A randomised four-way crossover trial was conducted, in which fasted animals were fed a meal of 0.25% body weight as dry matter intake soaked hay, dry hay or haylage, or administered an oral glucose test (OGT). Blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were measured before and at 2h following OGT, and regularly for 5h following forage meals. Median and interquartile range (IQR) area under the curve (AUC) for insulin (AUCi) was greater for haylage (median 6495; IQR 17352) vs. dry hay (2932; IQR 5937; P=0.019) and soaked hay (1066; IQR 1753; P=0.002), and greater for dry hay vs. soaked hay (P=0.002). The AUC for glucose (AUCg) was lower for soaked hay (1021; IQR 99) vs. dry hay (1075; IQR 105; P=0.002) and haylage (1107; IQR 221; P=0.003). Six ponies were classified as having ID based on the OGT. AUCi was greater in ID vs. non-ID ponies after all forages. In contrast, there was no detectable effect of ID status on AUCg. On an equivalent dry matter basis, soaked hay produced the lowest insulinaemic and glycaemic responses to feeding, while haylage produced the highest responses. The insulinaemic effects of all forages were greater in ponies with ID. These data support the practice of soaking hay with water to reduce postprandial insulinaemic responses in ponies.

Blood profile and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian steers finished on total mixed ration or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellet mixed with reed canary grass haylage.

Holstein-Friesian steer beef production is renowned globally as a secondary product of the milk industry. Grass feeding is a common practice in raising Holstein steers because of its low cost. Furthermore, grass feeding is an alternative way to produce beef with a balanced n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio. However, the performance and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian cattle is more likely to depend on a high-quality diet. The aim of this study was to observe whether feeding two mixed diets; a corn-based total mixed ration (TMR) with winter ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets with reed canary grass haylage (n-3 mix) provided benefits on carcass weight, meat quality and FA composition compared with cattle fed with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) haylage alone. In all, 15 21-month-old Holstein-Friesian steers were randomly assigned to three group pens, were allowed free access to water and were fed different experimental diets for 150 days. Blood samples were taken a week before slaughter. Carcass weight and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter. Plasma lipid levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined. Diet did not affect plasma triglyceride levels and GGT activity. Plasma cholesterol levels, including low-density and high-density lipoproteins, were higher in both mixed-diet groups than in the haylae group. The highest activities of plasma AST, CK and ALP were observed in the haylage group, followed by n-3 mix and TMR groups, respectively. Carcass weight was lower in the haylage group than in the other groups and no differences were found between the TMR and n-3 mix groups. Although the n-3 mix-fed and haylage-fed beef provided lower n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio than TMR-fed beef, the roasted beef obtained from the TMR group was more acceptable with better overall meat physicochemical properties and sensory scores. According to daily cost, carcass weight and n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio, the finishing diet containing flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets and reed canary grass haylage at the as-fed ratio of 40 : 60 could be beneficial for the production of n-3-enriched beef.

Effects of moisture content or particle size on the in situ degradability of maize silage and alfalfa haylage in lactating dairy cows.

A study using four Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas was conducted to evaluate the degradability of different moisture content or particle size of maize silage and alfalfa haylage. The maize silage (MS; 20-mm length) and alfalfa haylage (AH; 40-mm length) samples were wet (wet maize silage, MSW; wet alfalfa haylage, AHW), dried (dried maize silage, MSD; dried alfalfa haylage, AHD), or ground to pass through a 2.5-mm screen (dried ground maize silage, MSG; dried ground alfalfa haylage, AHG). Samples were incubated in the rumen for 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. Cows were fed ad libitum and allowed free access to water. High moisture content treatment of MSW expressed a lower rinsing NDF and ADF degradability at 2 h (P < 0.05) compared with dried samples (MSD and MSG). Different moisture content and particle size had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on the NDF degradability at 72 h, ADF degradability at 36, 48, and 72 h, and ruminally degradable ADF. All of the highest values were observed in small particle size and low moisture content AHG treatment. Based on this study, sample processing, such as drying and grinding, should be considered when evaluating nutritive values of forages.

Clinical biochemistry profile of American Quarter Horse broodmares fed Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp. ) hay and haylage / Perfil bioquímico clínico de matrizes Quarto de Milha alimentadas com feno e haylage Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp. )

The conservation of haylage (a pre-dried feed) can be challenging, since there is an increased risk of mould growth, which can contaminate this foodstuff with mycotoxins. However, when the hygienic quality is secured, haylage enhances grass palatability and provide enough supply of dry matter throughout the year. Due to the lack of information regarding its effect on blood parameters in horses fed exclusively with this foodstuff, the aim of this study is to provide information regarding its use in comparison to hay and ensure that it does not affect horses' biochemical profile. Twelve Quarter Horse broodmares were distributed into two groups, each fed with Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) hay or haylage for a period of 28 days, and the biochemical profile was done in five different times (T0 before the experiment started and, chronologically, seven days apart - T1, T2, T3 and T4), It was analyzed total protein (TP) and its fractioning; enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl-transferase; endogenous catabolism products urea and creatinine; and ions calcium and phosphorus. Mycotoxins in haylage were also investigated and remained below the legislation thresholds. Only TP was higher in the last sampling (T4) of the haylage group, which may be related to the foodstuff's higher protein digestibility. No differences were observed between serum enzymes, urea, creatinine and Ca/P from both experimental groups. Haylage has proven to be safe, when well prepared for horses, without causing impairing side effects, as shown by the normal serum biochemistry parameters presented in this study.(AU)

A conservação do haylage (alimento pré-seco) pode ser desafiadora, considerando o aumento do risco de crescimento de fungos, com consequente produção de micotoxinas. Entretanto, quando a qualidade da higiene e armazenamento é assegurada, o haylage aumenta a palatabilidade da forragem e fornece suplemento de matéria seca suficiente ao longo do ano. Devido à falta de informação relativa aos efeitos dessa alimentação nos parâmetros sanguíneos de equinos alimentados exclusivamente com essa dieta, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar o perfil bioquímico sanguíneo dos equinos após administração da haylage em comparação com feno. Doze matrizes Quarto de Milha foram distribuídas em dois grupos, cada um recebendo feno ou haylage de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) por um período de 28 dias. O perfil bioquímico foi realizado em cinco tempos (T) diferentes (T0, antes do início do experimento e cronologicamente, a cada sete dias após o fornecimento das dietas - T1, T2, T3 e T4) para análise de proteína total (PT) e seu perfil fracionado, das enzimas alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, γ-glutamil-transferase, dos produtos de catabolismo creatinina e ureia e, dos íons cálcio e fósforo. Micotoxinas no haylage foram investigadas e mantiveram-se abaixo dos limites determinados pela legislação brasileira. O perfil bioquímico revelou, somente, elevação da PT em T4 no grupo que recebeu haylage, o que pode estar relacionado à sua maior digestibilidade proteica. Nenhuma diferença foi observada nos outros parâmetros estudados em ambos os grupos experimentais. Conclui-se que Haylage é comprovadamente seguro, quando bem preparado para equinos, sem causar efeitos na saúde geral, conforme demonstrado pelos exames bioquímicos no presente estudo.(AU)

Perfil hematológico de éguas Quarto de Milha alimentadas com feno ou haylage de Tifton-85 ( Cynodon spp. ) / Hematological panel of Quarter Horse mares fed Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp. ) hay and haylage

RESUMO O capim Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) vem sendo utilizado na alimentação de equinos na forma de pré-secado (haylage) e feno, todavia não existem estudos conclusivos a respeito da influência da haylage sobre o estado de saúde dessa espécie. Portanto, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o perfil sanguíneo como indicador de higidez de éguas Quarto de Milha alimentadas com haylage e feno de Tifton-85. A gramínea utilizada foi cortada com 30 dias de crescimento. Para produção da haylage, a planta cortada permaneceu no campo até atingir 70% de matéria seca, quando foi colhida. Foram utilizadas 12 éguas Quarto de Milha, com idade entre oito e 12 anos e com peso vivo médio inicial de 451,6kg. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=6), sendo o grupo 1 alimentado com feno e o grupo 2 alimentado com haylage, por um período de 28 dias. Foram realizadas cinco coletas de sangue em intervalos de uma semana, para a determinação do perfil hematológico. Em relação ao eritrograma, observou-se discreta diminuição da concentração de hemoglobina, do hematócrito e do volume globular médio (VGM) em ambos os grupos. No leucograma, houve aumento dos leucócitos totais nas coletas iniciais em ambos os grupos, mas sem significado clínico. Conclui-se que éguas adultas Quarto de Milha, após a ingestão de feno e haylage de Tifton-85, não apresentaram alterações no perfil hematológico que indicassem prejuízos à saúde.(AU)

ABSTRACT Tifton-85 grass (Cynodon spp) has been used in equine nutrition in the form of pre-dried (haylage) and hay, however, there are no conclusive studies about the influence of haylage on blood profile of this species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the blood profile as health indicators of Quarter Horse mares were fed haylage and Tifton-85 hay. The used grass was cut at 30 days of growth. For the production of haylage, this plant remained cut in the field until it had 70% of dry matter, when it was collected. Twelve Quarter Horse mares, aged 8-12 years, with average weight of 451.58kg were used. The animals were distributed randomly into two groups (n= 6), group 1 fed hay and group 2 fed haylage, both for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at one week intervals each for determining the hematological parameters. In the erythrogram, a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and mean cell volume after the administration in both groups were detected. The white blood count increased in both groups, but the values remained within normal limits without clinical significance. In conclusion, adult Quarter Horse mares fed Tifton-85 hay and haylage showed no alterations in hematology.(AU)