• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1455-1463
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• 2006

Effects of different levels of molasses in a concentrate supplement on milk yield of cows grazing Setaria grass pastures were investigated. Thirty Friesian cows, 6-7 years old with mean pre-experimental body weight of $428{\pm}6.5$ kg, in early stage of lactation were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design experiment that lasted for 126 days. Experimental dietary treatments were forage alone and forage/concentrate mixtures with molasses included at 0, 5, 10 or 15% levels designated as $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$, respectively. The parameters studied were voluntary dry matter (DM) intake, average daily live weight change (LWC), milk yield, body condition score (BCS) and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients. The DM and energy contents of Setaria grass were low compared to the concentrate diets. Fibre fractions-NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose; and gross energy were higher in concentrate mixtures than in the forage. Total DM intake (forage+concentrate mixtures) was significantly higher (p<0.001) in cows on the concentrate mixtures. LWC was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the cows. Average milk yields were significantly different (p<0.05) between cows. Fat corrected milk (FCM) was similar among cows in the treatments. BCS was better (p<0.001) in cows on concentrate mixtures. Digestibilities of DM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, OM, and energy were significantly higher (p<0.001) in cows on $T_2$, $T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$ than in those on $T_1$. There were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and ADL (p>0.001) in cows on concentrate mixtures. This study therefore demonstrated that lactating dairy cows in Fiji need a level of readily fermented energy source such as molasses in their diets; however, a level above 10% is not nutritionally suitable for lactating dairy cows. Based on data on production parameters-milk yield, fat corrected milk, body condition score and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients-molasses levels that range between 5-10% are recommended, however, 10% is the best and therefore recommended for inclusion in the concentrate mixture of lactating dairy cows on a basal diet of Setaria sphacelata in Fiji.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.238-244
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• 2015

Three growing wethers were used to investigate the differences in nitrogen (N) retention, blood plasma metabolite concentration and energy-yielding nutrient supply to muscle and adipose tissue. The wethers were fed one of three diets: timothy hay with concentrate (THD), Italian ryegrass with concentrate (IRD), and rice straw with concentrate (RSD) for 11 days. The experimental diets were adjusted to the animals to provide 100 g of daily gain. The triglyceride (TG) concentration of blood plasma in arterial and portal veins was higher with THD and IRD than with RSD. Conversely, the available amount of TG in tissues was higher with IRD. The daily amount of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) supplied to muscle tissue and adipose tissue was numerically higher with THD than IRD or RSD. Although N retention did not differ among the diets, it was numerically higher with THD than with IRD or RSD. The results suggest that the difference in the amount of glucose and NEFA delivered to muscle tissue may reflect the N retention in response to forage based diets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.234-239
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of forage level and oil supplement on selected strains of rumen bacteria believed to be involved in biohydrogenation (BH). A continuous culture system consisting of four fermenters was used in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of treatments, with four 10 d consecutive periods. Treatment diets were: i) high forage diet (70:30 forage to concentrate (dry matter basis); HFC), ii) high forage plus oil supplement (HFO), iii) low forage diet (30:70 forage to concentrate; LFC), and iv) low forage plus oil supplement (LFO). The oil supplement was a blend of fish oil and soybean oil added at 1 and 2 g/100 g dry matter, respectively. Treatment diets were fed for 10 days and samples were collected from each fermenter on the last day of each period 3 h post morning feeding. The concentrations of vaccenic acid (t11C18:1; VA) and c9t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were greater with the high forage diet while the concentrations of t10 C18:1 and t10c12 CLA were greater with the low forage diet and addition of oil supplement increased their concentrations at both forage levels. The DNA abundance of Anaerovibrio lipolytica, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens vaccenic acid subgroup (Butyrivibrio VA) were lower with the low forage diets but not affected by oil supplement. The DNA abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens stearic acid producer subgroup (Butyrivibrio SA) was not affected by forage level or oil supplement. In conclusion, oil supplement had no effects on the tested rumen bacteria and forage level affected Anaerovibrio lipolytica and Butyrivibrio VA.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.1086-1091
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• 2011

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of lerak extract on the dynamic of rumen microbes in the in vitro fermentation of diet with different ratios of forage and concentrate. In vitro fermentation was conducted according to the method of Tilley and Terry (1963). The design of experiment was a factorial block design with 2 factors. The first factor was the ratio of forage and concentrate (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 w/w) and the second factor was the level of lerak extract (0, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/ml). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, proportional VFA and NH3 concentration were measured at 4 h incubation. Protozoal numbers in the buffered rumen fluid after 4 and 24 h of incubation were counted under a microscope. Bacterial DNAs of buffered rumen fluid were isolated from incubated samples after 24 h of incubation using a QiaAmp kit. Total bacteria, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and Prevotella ruminicola were quantified using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lerak extract markedly reduced protozoal numbers in buffered rumen fluid of all diets after 24 h of incubation. Total bacteria did not change with lerak extract addition. While no difference in F. succinogenes was found, there was a slight increase in R. albus number and a significant enhancement in P. ruminicola number by increasing the level of lerak extract in all diets. Propionate concentration significantly increased in the presence of lerak extract at level 0.8 mg/ml. It was concluded that the addition of lerak extract could modify rumen fermentation and had positive effects on rumen microbes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrate levels in diets based on cactus Opuntia Stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes on the performance of lactating Girolando cows. Methods: The experiment involved 10 Girolando multiparous dairy cows at 512.6 kg of body weight (BW) and producing 13.2 kg milk/d, allocated into two 5×5 Latin squares. The experimental treatments consisted of control diet composed by cactus Nopalea cochenillifera. Salm-Dyck. cladodes (Nopalea), forage sorghum silage and concentrate at 20% on dry matter (DM) basis, and four concentrate levels diets (20%, 24%, 28%, and 32%) plus cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cladodes (Opuntia) and forage sorghum silage. Results: Regarding cows fed control diet, the nutrients intake were greater than for cows fed with cactus Opuntia and concentrate. Regarding concentrate levels, intakes of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients of cows increased linearly. Organic matter, CP, and NDF digestibilities were similar in between to control diet and cactus Opuntia-based diets. The digestibility of NFC increased linearly when the concentrate was inserted. The N balance was the same for control diet and cactus Opuntia-based diets, irrespective the concentrate levels. Conclusion: For cows producing 14 kg/d with 3.5% of fat, it is recommended 32% of concentrate to be included in cactus Opuntia-based diets, and the increase in concentrate level promotes a linear increase in milk yield.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.683-689
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• 2014

This study examined carcass and meat quality parameters in growing/finishing pigs fed unconventionally versus the concentrate-based system. Ninety-six, 12 wk old pigs ($34{\pm}SD0.3kg$) were randomly divided into three groups, assigned to one of the three dietary treatments: standard complete concentrate mixture, conventional (C diet); unconventional, steamed potato-green forage-concentrate based diet (U diet), and unconventional basal diet+herbage mix (UH diet). Pigs fed U diet showed lower dressing percentage, meatiness, loin eye area, and weight of pork neck ($p{\leq}0.05$), but their carcasses were significantly ($p{\leq}0.05$) longer and had increased backfat depth ($p{\leq}0.05$). There was no impact of the diet on the meat content of dry matter, crude ash, acidity, and colour parameters of m. longissimus. Unconventional feeding significantly ($p{\leq}0.05$) elevated water the holding capacity of m. longissimus and slightly improved the sensory attributes analysis of meat. The addition of herbs resulted in increased loin eye area ($p{\leq}0.05$), decreased fat content ($p{\leq}0.05$) in m. longissimus, and tended to improve some sensory attributes of meat. There were significant gender differences in response to all diets. There were significant diet${\times}$sex interactions for some measured variables, but there were no clearly identifiable trends with regard to any specific carcass or meat parameters. Feeding unconventional diet to pigs may offer better culinary attributes of the meat, and improve some technologically important characteristics of pig carcass, but may negatively affect some carcass or meat parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1890-1896
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• 2018

Objective: As the climate changes, it influences ruminant's feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen methane production and emission. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding Sweet grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham; SG) as a new source of good quality forage to improve feed utilization efficiency and to mitigate rumen methane production and emission. Methods: Four, growing crossbred of Holstein Friesian heifers, 14 months old, were arranged in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) was rice straw (RS) fed on ad libitum with 1.0% body weight (BW) of concentrate (C) supplementation (RS/1.0C). Treatment 2 (T2) and treatment 3 (T3) were SG, fed on ad libitum with 1.0% and 0.5% BW of concentrate supplementation, respectively (SG/1.0C and SG/0.5C, respectively). Treatment 4 (T4) was total Sweet grass fed on ad libitum basis with non-concentrate supplementation (TSG). Results: The results revealed that roughage and total feed intake were increased with SG when compared to RS (p<0.01) while TSG was like RS/1.0C treatment. Digestibility of nutrients, nutrients intake, total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), rumen microorganisms were the highest and CH4 was the lowest in the heifers that received SG/1.0C (p<0.01). Total dry matter (DM) feed intake, digestibility and intake of nutrients, total VFAs, $NH_3-N$, bacterial and fungal population of animals receiving SG/0.5C were higher than those fed on RS/1.0C. Reducing of concentrate supplementation with SG as a roughage source increased $NH_3-N$, acetic acid, and fungal populations, but it decreased propionic acid and protozoal populations (p<0.05). However, ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen were not affected by the dietary treatments (p>0.05). Conclusion: As the results, SG could be a good forage to improve rumen fermentation, decrease methane production and reduced the level of concentrate supplementation for growing ruminants in the tropics especially under global climate change.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.543-549
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• 2007

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of disodium fumarate on the in vitro rumen fermentation profiles of different substrates and microbial communities. In experiment 1, nine diets (high-forage diet (forage:concentrate, e.g. F:C = 7:3, DM basis), medium-forage diet (F:C = 5:5, DM basis), low-forage diet(F:C = 1:9, DM basis), cracked corn, cracked wheat, soluble starch, tall elata (Festuca elata), perennial ryegrass and rice straw) were fermented in vitro by rumen microorganisms from local goats. The results showed that during 24 h incubations, for all substrates, disodium fumarate increased (p<0.05) the gas production, and tended to increase (p<0.10) the acetate, propionate and total VFA concentration and decrease the ratio of acetate to propionate, whereas no treatment effect was observed for the lactate concentration. The apparent DM loss for tall elata, perennial ryegrass and rice straw increased (p<0.05) with the addition of disodium fumarate. With the exception of tall elata, perennial ryegrass and rice straw, disodium fumarate addition increased the final pH (p<0.05) for all substrates. In experiment 2, three substrates (a high-forage diet, a medium-forage diet and a high concentrate diet) were fermented by mixed rumen microbes in vitro. A polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) technique was applied to compare microbial DNA fingerprints between substrates at the end of 24 h incubation. The results showed that when Festuca elata was used as substrate, the control and disodium fumarate treatments had similar DGGE profiles, with their similarities higher than 96%. As the ratio of concentrate increased, however, the similarities in DGGE profiles decreased between the control and disodium fumarate treatment. Overall, these results suggest that disodium fumarate is effective in increasing the pH and gas production for the diets differing in forage: concentrate ratio, grain cereals and soluble starch, and in increasing dry matter loss for the forages (tall elata, perennial ryegrass and rice straw) in vitro, whereas its effect on changes of ruminal microbial community may largely depend on the general nature of the substrate.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.699-704
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• 2006

Twenty-four cannulated Small-tailed Han${\times}$Poll Dorset wethers (BW $47.5{\pm}2.1kg$) were used to determine the effects of forage to concentrate ratio (40:60 vs. 70:30), monensin supplementation (0, 15 or 30 ppm, DM basis) and interactions of these two factors on cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 CLA) and trans-11 octadecenoic acid (trans11-$C_{18:1}$) concentrations in ruminal contents and plasma in sheep. The experiment was designed as a $2{\times}3$ factorial. The diet contained Chinese wild rye grass hay (Aneurolepidium Chinese), cracked corn, soybean meal, NaCl, limestone and trace mineral premix. Dietary crude fat and linoleic acid ($C_{18:2n-6}$) were adjusted with soybean oil to about 7.0% and 24.0 mg/g (DM basis), respectively. High forage diets increased (p<0.001) the concentrations of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in ruminal contents and plasma. Monensin supplementation increased (p<0.001) the concentration of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ in ruminal contents, but had no effect on that of cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Concentrations of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ (p<0.019) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA (p<0.022) in plasma increased with dietary monensin levels. Interactions of forage: concentrate ratio and monensin level tended to affect the concentrations of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ (p<0.091) and $C_{18:2n-6}$ (p<0.083) in ruminal contents. Increasing forage levels increased the concentrations of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in the rumen. Supplementing with monensin increased the ruminal production of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ and concentrations of trans11-$C_{18:1}$ and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in plasma.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.81-90
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• 2004

Farmers need timely information on the nutritional status of their animals and the nutritive value of pastures and supplementary feeds if they are to apply successfully this existing nutritional information. Near infrared reflectance(NIR) spectroscopy has been used over the last forty years to analyse accurately protein, fiber, and other organic components in animal foods. NIR spectroscopy is a rapid, non-destructive, and non-polluting technology. When properly calibrated, NIR spectroscopy is used successfully with both concentrate and forage feeds. NIR methods predict in vitro digestibility accurately and precisely, and can predict in vivo digestibility at least as well as conventional "wet chemistry" methods such as in vivo digestion or the pepsin-cellulase method, and much more rapidly. NIR technology has been applied to the routine monitoring (through analysis of feces samples) of the nutritional status of cattle and other grazing animals. This report reviews the use of near infrared reflectance(NIR) spectroscopy to monitor the nutritive value of animal feeds and the nutritional status of grazing animals.