• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.371-377
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• 2009

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of different dietary ratios of whole-crop corn silage and alfalfa hay on nitrogen (N) digestion, duodenal flow and metabolism across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) of growing beef steers, and to elucidate their relationships. Four steers (236${\pm}$7 kg BW) fitted with duodenal cannulae and chronic indwelling catheters into the portal and mesenteric veins and abdominal aorta were used in a 4${\times}$4 Latin square design. Animals were fed (at 12-h intervals) the 4 diets consisting of whole-crop corn silage (C) and alfalfa hay (A) in 80:20 (C8A2), 60:40 (C6A4), 40:60 (C4A6) and 20:80 (C2A8) ratios of which dietary crude protein (CP) was 10.5, 12.0, 13.5 and 15.0% of dry matter (DM), respectively. Feeding level was restricted to 95% of ad libitum intake to measure N digestion, blood flow and net flux of N across the PDV. Digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber and digestible energy intake linearly increased as the ratio of alfalfa hay increased. The N intake, duodenal flow and intestinal disappearance increased linearly with increasing alfalfa hay. Arterial and portal concentrations of ${\alpha}$-amino N showed a quadratic response to increasing levels of alfalfa hay and were the highest in steers fed the C6A4 diet. The net PDV release of ${\alpha}$-amino N and ammonia N increased linearly with increasing alfalfa hay, but urea N uptake by PDV did not differ among diets. As a percentage of apparently digested N in the total gut, net PDV release of ${\alpha}$-amino N linearly decreased from 66 to 48% with increasing alfalfa hay. Conversely, net PDV recovery of ${\alpha}$-amino N to intestinal N disappearance varied with increasing alfalfa hay accounting for 49, 50, 58 and 61% on C8A2, C6A4, C4A6 and C2A8 diets, respectively. Net PDV uptake of urea N, relative to apparently digested N, linearly decreased from 81 to 25% as alfalfa hay increased from 20 to 80% of DM intake. Considering PDV uptake of urea N, microbial efficiency and conversion of total tract digested N to PDV ${\alpha}$-amino N net supply, a diet consisting of 80% whole-crop corn silage and 20% alfalfa hay (10.5% CP) was the best, while considering the quantities of intestinal N disappearance and ${\alpha}$-amino N absorption, a diet of 20% whole-crop corn silage and 80% alfalfa hay (15% CP) would be preferred. The proportion of ${\alpha}$-amino N recovered by PDV relative to the intestinal N disappearance may vary with energy intake level of mixed forage diets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.1044-1049
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• 2000

Three wethers fitted with silastic catheters for collection of pancreatic juice, and cannulas located in the abomasum and the duodenum were used to investigate the effects of different hay and energy intake on pancreatic exocrine secretion. The wethers were fed Italian ryegrass hay or alfalfa hay at maintenance energy requirement and alfalfa hay ad libitum. High energy intake from alfalfa significantly increased abomasal flow of dry matter and both the concentration and daily secretion of ${\alpha}-amylase $. The high energy intake also tended to increase daily secretion of lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin through the large volume of pancreatic juice. Compared with Italian ryegrass hay, alfalfa hay at the maintenance decreased abomasal dry matter flow, but increased concentration of ${\alpha}-amylase $ in the pancreatic juice, and tended to increase daily secretion of ${\alpha}-amylase $. The secretion of the other enzymes was not different between the two hays at maintenance intake. These results suggest that the kind of hay could change the concentration of ${\alpha}-amylase $ in the pancreatic juice, and that the intake level of alfalfa hay affects the ${\alpha}-amylase $ concentration and the juice volume secreted from the pancreas.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.475-482
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• 2010

Thirty-six Najdi ram lambs, weighing an average of 24 kg and circa 3 months old, were utilized in this trial to evaluate the effects of various alfalfa hay particle lengths in the diet on growth performance, digestion coefficients, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics. Lambs were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments: 9.5 and 14 mm diets, where alfalfa hay was processed to 9.5 and 14 mm particle lengths, respectively, mixed with 3 parts of concentrate and pelleted as a total mixed ration (TMR), and long hay diet, where one part of loose alfalfa hay (17.8${\pm}$2.4 cm) was offered in combination with 3 parts of only-concentrate pellet. All dietary treatments were homogeneous in their ingredient composition. All lambs were slaughtered after a 14-week feeding trial. Although the results showed no significant effect of hay particle length on DMI, TDN and DCP, lambs fed the 9.5 mm pelleted diet had higher (p<0.05) final body weight, ADG, gain efficiency and nitrogen retention than lambs fed the 14 mm and long hay diets. Altering the particle length of alfalfa hay in diets did not affect the digestibility of DM or CP, whereas digestibilities of ADF and NDF were 3.7% and 5.4% higher (p<0.05), respectively, for the long hay diet versus the 9.5 mm pelleted diet. Hot carcass weight, percentage of separable lean from the $9-11^{th}$ rib joint, and percentages of protein and EE in the separable lean increased (p<0.05) as the particle length of alfalfa hay in the diet decreased. Under the conditions of this study, the reduction of particle length in the TMR played an important role in enhancing performance without altering DM consumption, and this may lead to more efficient productivity of lamb fattening compared with longer chopping lengths.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.161-166
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• 2020

Barley is an important cereal gain which is traditionally used in some nations of Asia and North Africa, and there has been growing interest in using barley as an ingredient in food due to their nutritional value and high content of phyto-constituents. However, no study report on comparative feed value between sprouted barley, cornflake and alfalfa hay. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, amino acid profile and mineral content of 6 day sprouted barley fodder (SBF) compared with cornflake and alfalfa hay using by AOAC method, as an alternative feed ingredient. Results showed that SBF had higher content of crude protein, acid detergent insoluble crude proteins and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein than alfalfa hay and cornflake; cornflake had higher crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber content than SBF and alfalfa hay; alfalfa hay had higher crude fiber, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and lignin level than SBF and cornflake. Also, significant differences were found on amino acid content among them (p<0.01). The most abundant amino acid in SBF was glutamate (123 g/kg DM), which is higher than in alfalfa hay (1.27%) or cornflake (1.58%). However, methionine (1.33%) and cysteine (1.53%) were the least abundant amino acids in SBF compared with cornflake or alfalfa hay. Furthermore, our study results exhibited that SBE comprise a good sources of minerals including ferrous (90.01 mg/kg) followed by zinc (20.50 mg/kg), magnesium (0.20 mg/kg) and sodium (0.03 mg/kg) as compared to cornflake and alfalfa hay. The present research findings, confirmed that the nutritional values of SBF are comparable to those of cornflake and alfalfa hay. Hence, SBF can be a better alternative feed ingredient for cornflake or alfalfa hay. However, feeding trials will be required to determine acceptability of SBF for ruminant production.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.218-227
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• 2024

Objective: The aim of this research was to explore the effects of dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant ability in dairy cows. Methods: A total of 45 healthy Holstein cows with same parity and similar milk yield and body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups: control diet without amaranth hay (CON) or 50% and 100% alfalfa hay replaced by an equal amount of amaranth hay (dry matter basis, AH1 and AH2, respectively). All the cows were fed regularly 3 times a day at 06:30, 14:30, and 22:30 and had free access to water. The experiment lasted for 60 d. Results: The dry matter intake of CON and AH1 groups was higher (p<0.05) than that of AH2 group. Compared with AH1 group, the milk yield of AH2 group was reduced (p<0.05). Moreover, dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay increased (p<0.05) milk fat, ammonia nitrogen and acetate concentrations. However, the crude protein digestibility of AH2 group was lower (p<0.05) than that of CON group, while an opposite tendency of serum urea nitrogen was found between two groups. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of AH1 group was increased (p<0.05) when compared to AH2 group. Amaranth hay treatment increased (p<0.05) the serum concentration of glutathione peroxidase in dairy cows. Compared with CON group, the malonaldehyde activity of AH1 group was decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary replacing alfalfa hay with amaranth hay (50% ratio) in dairy cows did not affect production performance but improved their antioxidant ability.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.1575-1589
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• 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to determine molecular structures related to carbohydrates and lipid in alfalfa hay cut at early bud, late bud and early flower and in the afternoon and next morning using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR) and to determine their relationship with alfalfa hay nutrient profile and availability in ruminants. Methods: Chemical composition analysis, carbohydrate fractionation, in situ ruminal degradability, and DVE/OEB model were used to measure nutrient profile and availability of alfalfa hay. Univariate analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (CLA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were conducted to identify FT/IR spectra differences. Results: The FT/IR non-structural carbohydrate (NSCHO) to total carbohydrates and NSCHO to structural carbohydrate ratios decreased (p<0.05), while lignin to NSCHO and lipid CH3 symmetric to CH2 symmetric ratios increased with advancing maturity (p<0.05). The FT/IR spectra related to structural carbohydrates, lignin and lipids were distinguished for alfalfa hay at three maturities by PCA and CLA, while FT/IR molecular structures related to carbohydrates and lipids were similar between alfalfa hay cut in the morning and afternoon when analyzed by PCA and CLA analysis. Positive correlations were found for FT/IR NSCHO to total carbohydrate and NSCHO to structural carbohydrate ratios with non-fiber carbohydrate (by wet chemistry), ruminal fast and intermediately degradable carbohydrate fractions and total ruminal degradability of carbohydrates and predicted intestinal nutrient availability in dairy cows ($r{\geq}0.60$; p<0.05) whereas FT/IR lignin to NSCHO and CH3 to CH2 symmetric stretching ratio had negative correlation with predicted ruminal and intestinal nutrient availability of alfalfa hay in dairy cows ($r{\geq}-0.60$; p<0.05). Conclusion: FT/IR carbohydrate and lipid molecular structures in alfalfa hay changed with advancing maturity from early bud to early flower, but not during the day, and these molecular structures correlated with predicted nutrient supply of alfalfa hay in ruminants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.649-660
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• 2005

The effects of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and buffered propionic acid on preservation, intake and digestibility of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and timothy (Phleum pratense) hay were investigated. During baling, forages were treated with L. buchneri 40788 (1.2${\times}$10$^6$ CFU/g) as a liquid (LLB) or as a granular preparation (GLB), with buffered propionic acid (10 mL/kg, BPA), or left untreated (control). Triplicate 500 kg round bales of each treatment were put up at two moisture levels for each forage: 17%${\pm}$0.33% and 20%${\pm}$0.30% for timothy and 17%${\pm}$0.20% and 19%${\pm}$0.27% for alfalfa (mean${\pm}$SD). Bales were sampled for chemical and microbiological analyses after 0, 30 and 60 d of storage. Compared to controls, all preservatives reduced (p<0.05) heating of both forages at all moisture levels with the exception of alfalfa baled at 19% moisture. After 60 d of storage, GLB reduced (p<0.05) moulds in 17% timothy hay as compared to other treatments, but at 20% moisture, moulds were reduced in LLB- and BPA-treated timothy as compared to controls. In alfalfa at 17% moisture, total bacteria were lower (p<0.05) in GLB-treated bales than LLB or control bales, but yeast and total bacteria were only reduced in BPA-treated alfalfa at 19% moisture. In situ DM disappearance of timothy (both moisture levels) and alfalfa (19% moisture level) increased (p<0.05) with LLB treatment compared to control. Digestibility of both forages did not differ (p>0.05) among treatments, however, voluntary DM intake of LLB-treated timothy (1.32 kg/d) was 22.3% higher (p<0.05) than control, and 14.1% higher than BPA-treated timothy. Treating timothy and alfalfa hay with L. buchneri 40788 or buffered propionic acid may improve the nutritive value of the hay when baled at 17 to 20% moisture.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.214-220
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• 2005

The study was conducted to compare the dry matter intake and digestibility of Atriplex halimus (AH) and Atriplex nummularia (AN) and determine the proper proportion of saltbushes for partial replacement of alfalfa hay in the diets of Awassi sheep. The foliage of AH and AN were hand-plucked, air-dried in shade and then chopped mechanically similar to alfalfa hay. Two trials were conducted separately to determine voluntary feed intake and digestibility of saltbush browse. In the first trial, fifteen 8 month old Awassi lambs were distributed into 3 equal groups, and each animal was housed in individual pen. Each group received one of three dietary treatments: chopped alfalfa hay (H), dried foliage of Atriplex nummularia or foliage of Atriplex halimus. In the second trial, twentyseven 12 months old Awassi male lambs were randomly selected, distributed into nine equal groups, and housed into metabolic crates. Each group of animals received one of nine dietary treatments: alfalfa hay, AN, AH and different proportions (25, 50 and 75%) of AN or AH mixed with alfalfa hay. Forage type had a significant (p<0.001) effect on dry matter intake (DMI) and growth rate of lambs of the voluntary feed intake trial. Lambs receiving the alfalfa hay diet showed high DMI and high growth rate compared to those fed the diets containing saltbush. In the digestibility trial, dietary treatments had significant (p<0.05) effect on DMI, dry matter digestibility (DMD) (p<0.01) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) (p<0.01). The inclusion of AN in the diet up to 50% had no significant effect on DMI and DMD, whereas the inclusion of AH above 25% reduced DMI, DMD and OMD. The treatments had significant (p<0.05) effect on water intake and on live weight changes of lambs. Except for the diet containing 25% of AN browse, all lambs fed diets containing the saltbushes exhibited loss in body weight. The nutritive value of Atriplex nummularia foliage is better than that of A. halimus and it is possible to replace up to 50% of alfalfa hay by A. nummularia without negative effects on intake and digestibility of dry matter.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2001

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of chemical/mechanical treatments at mowing on the field drying rate and hay quality of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L., cv. Vernal) and spring oats(Avena satvia L., cv. Swan). The chemical drying agent of 2% $K_2CO_3$, mechanical mower conditioning, and no treatment(control) were treated for hastening hay-making in the spring of 1997. The forages were harvested at early bloom stage in alfalfa and heading stage in oats. After field dry, square bales were made by hay baler, and the dry matter(DM) loss, visual estimation and nutritive value of hay were evaluated after storing two months. The field drying rates of alfalfa and oats were high at mechanical treatment, but the drying effectiveness of chemical agents alone was very low. With mower conditioning, the duration of field dry was shortened by 1 day compared with control. therefore, mower conditioning enhance the field drying rate of alfalfa and oats. The DM loss of alfalfa and oats hay was reduced by mechanical treatment, but the efficiency by chemical alone was low. The visual score(leafiness, green color, odor and softness) of hay at mechanical treatment was slightly higher than that of chemical and control. The nutritive value(ADF, NDF, in vitro digestibility, and relative feed value) of hay was also high with treatment of mechanical, but those of chemical alone were similar compared with control. The nutritive value of hay after two months in both alfalfa and oats was decreased when compared with at harvest.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.483-490
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• 2010

The objectives of this study were to measure particle size and evaluate the effect of increasing alfalfa hay particle size on production characteristics in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Ninety multiparous Holstein cows in early to mid-lactation were randomly assigned in a complete randomized design for a 30-day period. Animals were offered one of the three diets, which were identical in energy, protein, and chemical composition, but differed only in particle size of alfalfa hay. The treatments were A) total mixed ration (TMR) in which only fine chopped alfalfa hay was incorporated in the ration, B) the same diet in which half of the alfalfa hay was fine chopped and incorporated in the mixed ration and half was long hay and offered as a top dressing, and C) the same diet with long hay alfalfa offered as a top dressing. Distribution of particle size of rations was determined through 20,000, 8,000 and 1,000 ${\mu}m$ sieves. The new method of quantitative determination of manure index was examined for each cow on different treatments. The geometric mean length of particle size in the rations was 5,666, 9,900 and 11,549 ${\mu}m$ for treatments A, B and C, respectively. Fat corrected milk (4%), milk fat percentage and production were significantly different (p<0.05) in treatment A versus B and C (fat corrected milk (FCM, 4%)) 28.3 vs. 35.2 and 32.3 kg/d, fat percentage 2.89, 4.04 and 3.62; but the change of ration particle size had no significant effect on milk production (p>0.05). Blood concentration of cholesterol in treatment A was significantly higher (p<0.05) than treatment B and C (181.0 vs. 150.0 and 155.2 mg/dl). Manure index in treatment C was significantly different (p<0.05) from treatment B (15.86 vs. 17.67). Based on these experimental findings, it is concluded that an increase in the ration particle size can increase milk fat percentage due to providing more physically effective fiber, which in turn could effect changes in manure consistency.