• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.455-461
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• 1998

This study was proposed to investigate effects of inclusion of Chinese milk vetch silage (MVS) and rapeseed meal (RSM) on the growth and rumen fermentation of Hu-sheep. Fifty weanling lambs were randomly divided into five equal groups and offered ammoniated rice straw (ABRS) ad libitum along with 100 g concentrate (Trial 1). The animals in $T_0$, $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ group were respectively supplemented with MVS at levels of 0, 0, 7, 14 or 21% and with RSM at levels of 0, 15, 10, 5 or 0%. Daily gain of lambs was significantly (p<0.05) higher in $T_1$, $T_2$ and $T_3$ group than that in $T_0$ and $T_4$ group. Feed conversion ratio was greatly reduced in supplemented groups as compared with $T_0$ group. In trial 2, five sheep with rumen cannulae were used in a $5{\times}5$ Latin square design. The experimental treatments were as described in Trial 1, but without concentrate. The intake of AVRS was significantly (p<0.05) lower in $T_4$ group than that in $T_0$ group, and also significantly (p<0.05) lower than those in $T_1$ and $T_2$ group. Little difference among all treatments was found in 48h DM degradability of ABRS, MVS and RSM, and in rumen pH value and microbial protein concentration. Rumen concentrations of individual and total VFA tended to be higher in supplemented groups than those in $T_0$ group.These rusults suggest that supplementation with RSM or RSM plus MVS can effectively improve the performance of lambs, and may fail to influence markedly the rumen digestion of ABRS and rumen environments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.215-222
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• 1997

Ten rice varieties were planted at two locations (lowland and highland), during the wet and dry seasons of different years. In vivo digestibility and voluntary intake of the straw, were determined in groups of fat-tail sheep, supplemented with $18g{\cdot}kg^{-0.75}$ concentrate DM, containing ~20% crude protein. Voluntary intake of digestible straw organic matter (DOMI) consistently varied from 15.2 to $20.9g{\cdot}kg^{-0.75}$ between straw varieties, averaged over locations, years and seasons, despite considerable variation between individual batches. This variation in the nutritive value of the straw was independent of straw and grain yield, so it would seem that there is scope for selection of rice varieties with straw of higher nutritive value. The variation in DOMI of straw among location of growth, year and season, was of a magnitude similar to the improvement brought about by urea-ammoniation. The in sacco degradation characteristics and digestibility of rice straw residues were superior to those of the offered straw. This can be attributed to a preference for rice straw leaves relative to stems. Averaged over location of growth, year and season, characteristics of in sacco degradation, i.e. the rate of fermentative degradation and the truly undegradable fraction, emerged as accurate predictors of the nutritive value of rice straw.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.638-647
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• 2020

This study determined the substitution effects of rice for corn as the main grain source in a total mixed ration (TMR). In vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and microbes were assessed using two experimental diets. Diets included 33% dry matter (DM) of either corn (Corn TMR) or rice grains (Rice TMR). In a 48-h in vitro incubation, DM digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber degradability (IVNDFD), crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) were estimated. Gas production has been calculated at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Our results indicate that the gas production, VFAs, IVDMD, and IVNDFD of Rice TMR were higher than those of Corn TMR (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH and total fungi were significantly higher in Corn TMR (p < 0.05) than in Rice TMR; however, NH₃-N and IVCPD were not affected by treatment type. In conclusion, substituting rice for corn at 33% DM in TMR appears to have no negative effects on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Therefore, rice grains are an appropriate alternative energy source in early fattening stage diets of beef cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.72-81
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• 2013

Four Luxi beef cattle ($400{\pm}10$ kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulas were used in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square to assess the effects of soybean small peptide (SSP) infusion on rumen fermentation, diet digestion and flow of nutrient in the gastrointestinal tract. The ruminal infusion of SSP was 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 g/d. Ruminal SSP infusion linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p<0.01) increased microbial protein synthesis and rumen ammonia-N concentration. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acid were linearly increased (p = 0.029) by infusion SSP. Rumen samples were obtained for analysis of microbial ecology by real-time PCR. Populations of rumen Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Streptococcus bovis, Ciliate protozoa, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Prevotella ruminicola were expressed as a proportion of total Rumen bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA). Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens populations which related to total bacterial 16S rDNA were increased (p<0.05), while Streptococcus bovis populations were linearly (p = 0.049) and quadratically (p = 0.020) decreased by infusion of SSP. Apparent rumen digestibility of DM and NDF were (Q, p<0.05; L, p<0.05) increased with infusion SSP. Total tract digestion of DM, OM and NDF were linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p<0.01) increased by infusing SSP. The flow of total amino acids (AA), essential amino acids (EAA) and individual amino acids were linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p<0.01) increased with infusion SSP. The digestibility of Lysine was quadratically (p = 0.033) increased and apparent degradability of Arginine was linearly (p = 0.032) and quadratically (p = 0.042) increased with infusion SSP. The results indicated that infusion SSP could improve nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation and AA availability.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.182-189
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• 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculation to domestically-cultivated Italian ryegrass (IRG) on silage fermentation and in vitro ruminal fermentation. There were six treatments based on the LAB inoculants: 1) no addition of LAB (negative control: NC), additions of 2) commercially-available LAB (positive control: PC), 3) Lactobacillus plantarum (LPL), 4) L. paracasei (LPA), 5) L. acidophilus (LA), and 6) L. pentosus (LPT). All treatments were inoculated at a concentration of 10⁶ CFU/g and ensiled for 3, 7, 21, and 42 days in triplicate and analyzed for nutritive values when ensiling was terminated. Day 42 silage from all treatments were also examined for in vitro ruminal fermentation. After 42 days, LAB-inoculated silages had higher (P<0.05) lactic acid concentration compared to the NC. In terms of nutritive values, the silages treated with LPA, LA, and LPT showed higher (P<0.05) crude protein and lower (P<0.05) neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content compared to the rest of the treatment. In vitro ruminal dry matter degradability was not affected by LAB addition. However, LAB-treated IRG had shown higher (P<0.05) ammonia-N compared with that of the NC. LPA had shown the highest (P<0.05) volatile fatty acid concentration among the LAB examined. In conclusion, the addition of a single strain of LAB appeared to produce a quality IRG silage compared with the NC and the PC. Among the strains examined, LPA seemed to be superior to the others.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.825-829
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• 2004

Influence of different levels of corn steep liquor (CSL) on chemical composition of urea treated wheat straw (UTWS) and its dietary effect on nutrient intake, digestibility, milk yield and its composition were studied. The 5% UTWS was ensiled with 0, 3, 6 and 9% CSL on dry matter (DM) basis. Total nitrogen and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of UTWS ensiled with 0, 3, 6 and 9% CSL increased linearly with the increasing level of CSL. Increase in NDF content was due to increased neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen contents. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 35% UTWS ensiled without CSL (control), 45 (WS45), 55 (WS55) and 65% (WS65) UTWS ensiled with 9% CSL, respectively. Dry matter, NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intakes by lactating buffaloes fed diets containing varying levels of UTWS ensiled with or without CSL remained similar across all treatments. However, DM, NDF and ADF intakes as a percent of body weight and digestible DM, NDF and ADF intakes were higher in animals fed WS65 diet compared to those fed other diets. Apparent DM, crude protein (CP), NDF and ADF digestibilities were higher in diets containing UTWS ensiled with CSL compared to control. These differences may be attributed to higher rates of degradability of UTWS ensiled with 9% CSL than that ensiled without CSL. The 4% fat corrected milk and CP were statistically higher with WS65 diet compared to other diets. Percent milk fat, solid not fat and total solid remained unchanged across all treatments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 1996

About 7.7 million tons of straw dry matter are being rotten during the monsoon. The objective of this trial was to develop a technique to preserve straw under wet condition. To simulate the moisture content of wet straw, a dry straw was deeped overnight in water. After draining the excess water, the wet straw(668 g moisture $kg^{-1}$) was divided into twenty fractions and preserved with 0, 30, 50 ro 70 g urea $kg^{-1}$ dry matter for either of 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180 days in sealed plastic container. Considering the colour, smell, fungal infestation and pH, the wert straw was preserved excellently up to 180 days when 50 or 70 g of urea per kg DM was used. Urea preservation increased the crude protein contents of straw by 3.6 to 6.4 times (174 to $364g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$) over that of the dry straw ($48g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$). Although the NDF content of straw was not effected by the level of urea or by the length of the preservation period, but the ADF content increased (p > 0.05) by 0.086 to $0.889g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ straw DM for each g increase in the urea level. At 48 hours, the DM degradability of dry straw was $350g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, which increased to $633g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ when preserved with 50 g urea $kg^{-1}$ for 180 days. For the same straw, both the rate(0.0388 vs. 0.0136 fraction $h^{-1}$), the extent(717 vs. $631g{\cdot}kg^{-1}$) of straw degradation and the estimated ME(9.55 vs. $6.51MJ{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ straw DM) were higher in the preserved than the dry straw.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.887-893
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• 2007

Influences of forage DM and addition of cane molasses on silage characteristics of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) and their ruminal digestion kinetics in Nili buffaloes were studied. Berseem and lucerne fodders (at one tenth bloom) were ensiled with wheat straw in laboratory silos to achieve 20, 30, 40% forage DM and without wheat straw (control); each forage DM level was supplemented with 2, 4 and 6% of cane molasses at ensiling. The pH and lactic acid contents of berseem and lucerne silages were affected by both forage DM and addition of molasses. Dry matter, CP and true protein (TP) of berseem and lucerne silages were affected by forage DM at ensiling but were not affected by the addition of cane molasses. Higher DM, CP and TP losses were observed when berseem and lucerne fodders were ensiled either without wheat straw or with wheat straw to achieve 20% and 40% forage DM at ensiling compared with 30% DM at ensiling. Fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose) of berseem silage and lucerne silage were significantly increased with increasing forage DM at ensiling. Addition of cane molasses did not affect the DM, CP, TP and fiber fractions of both berseem and lucerne silages. Berseem and lucerne ensiled at 30% DM with 2% cane molasses were screened for comparative ruminal digestion kinetics with their respective fodders. Addition of wheat straw to berseem or lucerne fodder at ensiling depressed DM and NDF ruminal degradability. However, ruminal lag time, rate of degradation and extent of digestion of silages were similar to their respective fodders. In conclusion, berseem and lucerne could be ensiled with wheat straw to increase their DM to 30% along with 2% molasses for buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.812-815
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• 2005

This study was conducted to see the influence of additives and fermentation periods on Mott grass silage (MGS) characteristics, its chemical composition and to compare the digestion kinetics of Mott grass (MG) and MGS in Nili buffaloes. Mott grass chopped with a locally manufactured chopper was ensiled using two additives, cane molasses and crushed corn grains each at 2, 4 and 6% of forage DM for 30 and 40 days in laboratory silos. The pH, lactic acid concentration, dry matter (DM), crude protein and fiber fractions of MGS were not affected by the type or level of additive and fermentation periods. The non-significant pH lactic acid concentration, and chemical composition of MGS indicated that the both molasses and crushed corn were utilized at similar rate for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and production of organic acids. The MG ensiled with molasses at 2% of fodder DM for 30 days was screened out for in situ digestion kinetics in Nili buffaloes. Ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradabilities of MGS were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of MG. The DM and NDF rate of degradation, lag time and extent of degradation was nonsignificant between MGS and MG. The higher ruminal degradation of DM and NDF of MGS than MG was probably a reflection of fermentation of MG during ensilation that improved its degradability by improving the availability of easily degradable structural polysaccharides to ruminal microbial population. The results in the present study have indicated that MG ensiled with either 2% molasses or 2% crushed corn for 30 days has better nutritive value for buffalo.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.485-490
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• 2001

Farmers in the centre of Vietnam have a tradition of dosing young cattle with groundnut oil before fattening them on a diet of rice straw and road-side grass. These farmers claim the cattle grow faster. It was hypothesized that the effect of the oil could be to eliminate the protozoa from the rumen. This is known to increase the net microbial growth efficiency in the rumen and increase the protein supply to the animal. To test this hypothesis, two experiments were undertaken; one on-station with four cattle fitted with rumen cannulae and the second a growth trial with 25 young cattle in smallholder farms. When the cannulated animals were drenched with groundnut oil, the protozoa were eliminated from the rumen and animals could be kept free of protozoa by isolation. The ammonia concentration in the rumen fluid was decreased when the protozoa were eliminated and there was an indication of improved rumen dry matter degradability of the forage components of the diet. In the practical condition on the smallholder farms, the growth rates of cattle drenched with groundnut oil were increased considerably (65%) compared with untreated control animals. The laboratory results when taken together with the on-farm results indicate that these resource-poor farmers had been able to defaunate their cattle and to maintain the fauna-free state by isolation of their animals from extraneous stock. This traditional practice in Central Vietnam, whereby one family keeps only one or two animals that are hand fed and tethered, has quite a large potential for all of those countries where animals are fed agro-industrial by-products, as it is highly economic. The use of 1 litre of oil compared with 1 kg of rice polishing per day (300 kg over 300 days), would be highly profitable in all countries of South-East Asia.