• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 1990

The objective of this experiment was to compare the effect of pH-regulated alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatment of rice straw with those of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and anhydrous ammonia ($NH_3$) treatments on in sacco digestivility. Three non-lactating ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were fed a diet containing 90% forage and 10% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. The AHP treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced acid detergent lignin content of the straw, resulting in significant (p<0.05) increase of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose concentrations. Disappearance rates of DM and NDF of the straw significantly (p<0.05) increased at the incubation time of 24 h. On the other hand, those of ADF and cellulose were significantly (p<0.05) higher at the incubation time of 12 h than those of the others. The effective degradability of DM(EDDM), NDF(EDNDF), ADF(EDADF) and cellulose (EDCE) were determined using in sacco nylon bag technique on the basis of 0.05/h solid outflow rate. The greater differences (p<0.05) of EDDM, EDNDF, EDADF and EDCE were found between AHP treated straw and the others. In general, AHP treatment of the straw recorded higher digestion coefficients than untreated straw as well as NaOH and $NH_3$ treated straws. The results of this study demonstrate that AHP treatment can be used as a effective method for improving the nutritive value of rice straw for ruminants.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.801-818
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• 2007

This study was carried out to determine the effects of processing methods of barley as a proper source of grain in diets of Hanwoo on fermentation pattern in the rumen fluid and digestibility of the diets, the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo. The degree of ruminal pH change in the cows fed diets of the Corn(corn basis) and GDRB(ground and dry-rolled barley) tended to be greater than those in the cows fed other two diets (ground barley, GB and dry-rolled barley, DRB). The diet of GDRB showed the lowest ruminal pH(5.5), indicating the rapid degradation of the diet in the rumen. Although ammonia concentration was not affected by diet, the GR and DBR diets maintained the low concentrations of ruminal ammonia compared with other two treatments. And the effects of feeding processed barley grain on body weight gain and meat quality of Hanwoo steers were as follows. Steers fed DRB diet had the highest body weight, 683.0kg at 28 months old, while those fed the GDRB showed the lowest body weight, 653.3kg. The average daily gain(ADG) was similar between the steers fed Corn and GR throughout the whole period, but the GDRB showed the lowest ADG. The steers fed the DRB showed the significant increase in ADG(0.89kg/d from 19 to 23 months old and 0.43kg/d from 24 to 28 months old) compared with those fed other diets. Feeding diets containing corn and/or barley did not influence live body weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, back-fat thickness and carcass grade of Hanwoo steers.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.323-334
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• 2007

An in vitro study was conducted to examine the influence of alcohol-fermented feedstuff formulated with byproducts on the fermentation characteristics and NDF disappearance in the rumen. Dietary treatments were either a soybean curd-based alcohol-fermented feedstuff (AFS) or brewery grain-based alcohol-fermented feedstuff (AFB). The AFS and AFB are composed of 50% commercial beef cattle feed, 50% soybean curd dreg, 5% molasses and 0.5% yeast and 25% commercial beef cattle feed, 25% brewery grain, 25% soybean curd dreg, 25% corn grit, 5% molasses and 0.5% yeast, respectively. The change of ammonia, pH alcohol, volatile fatty acids, and NDF disappearance were measured at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hr after in vitro incubation in the rumen. After 2 hr incubation, higher ammonia concentrations were resulted in AFS (12.47 mg/dl) and AFB (12.85 mg/dl) compared to control (11.84 mg/dl) (p<0.05). Ruminal pH of AFS and AFB were significantly higher than control during 1 to 6 hr fermentation, but the pH of AFS and AFB were decreased after 6 hr. At 12 hr fermentation, the alcohol concentration of AFS and AFB was significantly increased by 43.9% and 48.0%, respectively. The acetate concentration was rapidly decreased in control, while the concentration was slowly decreased in AFS and AFB with increasing the fermentation time. Lower concentrations propionate and butyrate were observed in AFS and AFB during every fermentation time (p<0.05). The NDF disappearance was significantly lower in AFS and AFB after 4 hr fermentation. These results suggest that alcohol fermented feedstuff can control the fermentation pattern in the rumen.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of eucalyptus (E. Camaldulensis) crude oils (EuO) supplementation on voluntary feed intake and rumen fermentation characteristics in swamp buffaloes. Four rumen fistulated swamp buffaloes, body weight (BW) of $420{\pm}15.0$ kg, were randomly assigned according to a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. The dietary treatments were untreated rice straw (RS) without EuO (T1) and with EuO (T2) supplementation, and 3% urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) without EuO (T3) and with EuO (T4) supplementation. The EuO was supplemented at 2 mL/h/d in respective treatment. Experimental animals were kept in individual pens and concentrate mixture was offered at 3 g/kg BW while roughage was fed ad libitum. Total dry matter and roughage intake, and apparent digestibilites of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber were improved (p<0.01) by UTRS. There was no effect of EuO supplementation on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. Ruminal pH and temperature were not (p>0.05) affected by either roughage sources or EuO supplementation. However, buffaloes fed UTRS had higher ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen as compared with RS. Total volatile fatty acid and butyrate proportion were similar among treatments, whereas acetate was decreased and propionate molar proportion was increased by EuO supplementation. Feeding UTRS resulted in lower acetate and higher propionate concentration compared to RS. Moreover, supplementation of EuO reduced methane production especially in UTRS treatment. Protozoa populations were reduced by EuO supplementation while fungi zoospores remained the same. Total, amylolytic and cellulolytic bacterial populations were increased (p<0.01) by UTRS; However, EuO supplementation did not affect viable bacteria. Nitrogen intake and in feces were found higher in buffaloes fed UTRS. A positive nitrogen balance (absorption and retention) was in buffaloes fed UTRS. Supplementation of EuO did not affect nitrogen utilization. Both allantoin excretion and absorption and microbial nitrogen supply were increased by UTRS whereas efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was similar in all treatments. Findings of present study suggested that EuO could be used as a feed additive to modify the rumen fermentation in reducing methane production both in RS and UTRS. Feeding UTRS could improve feed intake and efficiency of rumen fermentation in swamp buffaloes. However, more research is warranted to determine the effect of EuO supplementation in production animals.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.631-639
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• 2001

Two experiments were carried out concerning the effects of urea-molasses cake (UMC) and its separate components as supplements on rumen environment, in sacco feed degradability and intake of swamp buffaloes fed rice straw, grasses or a mixture of grasses and rice straw. Experiment 1 was a change-over design with 4 animals and 6 treatments. The buffaloes were fed rice straw ad libitum, and the experimental treatments were: no supplementation (R); 700 g of the complete urea-molasses cake (RUMC); 53.2 g urea (RU); 276 g rice bran and 52.5 coconut meal (RRC); 26.6 g salt, 26.6 g bone meal and 2.1 g trace minerals (RMi); and 25 g molasses (RMo). Experiment 2 was a Latin square design with four diets and four animals. The treatments were: rice straw ad libitum and mixed grass (RG) at 2.5 g dry matter per kg live weight (LW); RG plus 700 g urea-molasses cake (RGUMC); mixed grass ad libitum (G); and G plus 700 g cake (GUMC). In both experiments the supplements were fed once daily. In Exp. 1 although the rumen pH was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets, it varied only from 6.90 to 7.06. The ruminal ammonia was also significantly (p<0.05) different among the diets with RUMC significantly higher than R. Total bacterial and protozoal counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RUMC, RU, RMo and RRC diets. Total feed and rice straw intakes were highest for RUMC (p<0.05) and lowest for the RMi and RMo diets, but in sacco degradability of four different roughages were not significantly different among diets. In Exp. 2, rumen pHs of the diets differed significantly and (p<0.01) ranged from 7.04 - 7.19. Ruminal $NH_3-N$ concentrations (mg/100 ml) were also significantly different (p<0.05), and higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total counts of bacteria and protozoa were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total feed intake and roughage intake were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets compared to the RG diet. Correspondingly, LW changes also differed among treatments (p=0.06). It was concluded that there were significant increases in rumen $NH_3-N$ concentration, microbial populations and feed intake in the buffaloes by UMC supplementation, whereas the significant difference in in sacco DM degradation was not found by any type of supplementation. There seemed to be a need of a combination of urea, molasses, minerals and other protein nitrogen sources to enhance rice straw intake. Adding grass to the rice straw diet at 0.25% LW (DM) should also be considered to maintain buffalo rumen function and production with UMC supplementation, when rice straw is the main roughage.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1652-1662
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• 2014

The present study investigated the optimum blending condition of protected fat, choline and yeast culture for lowering of rumen temperature. The Box Benken experimental design, a fractional factorial arrangement, and response surface methodology were employed. The optimum blending condition was determined using the rumen simulated in vitro fermentation. An additive formulated on the optimum condition contained 50% of protected fat, 25% of yeast culture, 5% of choline, 7% of organic zinc, 6.5% of cinnamon, and 6.5% of stevioside. The feed additive was supplemented at a rate of 0.1% of diet (orchard grass:concentrate, 3:7) and compared with a control which had no additive. The treatment resulted in lower volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and biogas than the control. To investigate the effect of the optimized additive and feed energy levels on rumen and rectal temperatures, four rumen cannulated Hanwoo (Korean native beef breed) steers were in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Energy levels were varied to low and high by altering the ratio of forage to concentrate in diet: low energy (6:4) and high energy (4:6). The additive was added at a rate of 0.1% of the diet. The following parameters were measured; feed intake, rumen and rectal temperatures, ruminal pH and VFA concentration. This study was conducted in an environmentally controlled house with temperature set at $30^{\circ}C$ and relative humidity levels of 70%. Steers were housed individually in raised crates to facilitate collection of urine and feces. The adaptation period was for 14 days, 2 days for sampling and 7 days for resting the animals. The additive significantly reduced both rumen (p<0.01) and rectal temperatures (p<0.001) without depressed feed intake. There were interactions (p<0.01) between energy level and additive on ruminal temperature. Neither additive nor energy level had an effect on total VFA concentration. The additive however, significantly increased (p<0.01) propionate and subsequently had lower acetate:propionate (A/P) ratios than non-additive supplementation. High concentrate diets had significantly lower pH. Interactions between energy and additive were observed (p<0.01) in ammonia nitrogen production. Supplementation of diets with the additive resulted in lower rumen and rectal temperatures, hence the additive showed promise in alleviating undesirable effects of heat stress in cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.797-803
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• 2017

Objective: Effects of nitrogen supplementation associated with different levels of starch on voluntary intake, digestibility, and rumen and metabolic characteristics of cattle fed low-quality tropical forage (Brachiaria decumbens hay, 7.4% crude protein, CP) were evaluated using ruminal and abomasal cannulated steers. Methods: Five European${\times}$Zebu young bulls (186 kg body weight, BW) were distributed according to a $5{\times}5$ Latin square. The following treatments were evaluated: control, supplementation with 300 g CP/d (0:1), supplementation with 300 g starch/d and 300 g CP/d (1:1), supplementation with 600 g starch/d and 300 g CP/d (2:1), and supplementation with 900 g starch/d and 300 g CP/d (3:1). A mixture of nitrogenous compounds provided 1/3 from true protein (casein) and 2/3 from non-protein nitrogen (mixture of urea and ammonium sulphate, 9:1) was used as the nitrogen supplement. In order to supply energy a unique source of corn starch was used. Results: Supplements increased (p<0.05) dry matter intake, but did not affect (p>0.05) forage intake. There was a cubic effect (p<0.05) of starch on voluntary intake. This was attributed to the highest forage intake (g/kg BW) when using the 2:1 starch:CP ratio. Supplements increased (p<0.05) organic matter (OM) digestibility, but did not affect (p>0.05) neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) digestibility. There was a positive linear effect (p<0.05) of the amount of starch supplemented on OM digestibility. Total NDFap digestibility was not affected (p>0.05) by the amount of supplemental starch. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations were higher (p<0.05) in supplemented animals, however, a negative linear effect (p<0.05) of amount of starch was observed. Supplements increased (p<0.05) the nitrogen balance (NB) and efficiency of nitrogen utilization. These effects were attributed to increased body anabolism, supported by higher (p<0.05) serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1. Increasing the amount of starch tended (p<0.06) to linearly increase the NB. In spite of this, there was a highest NB value for the 2:1 starch:CP ratio amongst the treatments with supplementation. Conclusion: Nitrogen supplementation in cattle fed low-quality tropical forage increases nitrogen retention in the animal's body. An additional supply of starch increases nitrogen retention by increasing energy availability for both rumen and animal metabolism.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2004

An experiment was conducted to evaluate condensed molasses solubles(CMS, a by-product from monosodium glutamate production) as a source of nitrogen for ruminant with particular reference to its effects on microbial protein synthesis. Four non-lactating dairy cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used in a 4 ${\times}$ 4 Latin square with 14-day periods. The four treatments were (1) basal diet consisting of barley straw ad libitum and 3 kg/d of rolled barley, (2) basal diet plus 200 gld molasses and 300 g/d water, (3) basal diet plus 200 g/d molasses, 100 g/d CMS and 200 g/d water, (4) basal diet plus 200 g/d molasses, 200 g/d CMS and 100 g/d water. Ruminal pH remained at high levels and showed little variation during the day between treatments. The concentration of total and individual VFA in the rumen was similar between treatments. There was no difference in the concentration of ammonia in the rumen between treatments, although the intake of nitrogen in molassesl CMS mixture treatments was higher than that of control and molasses treatment. But there was a suggestion of an increased synthesis of microbial protein with the higher level of inclusion of CMS when the allantoin/creatinine ratio was used as an index of microbial protein production(P <0.10).

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.453-463
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• 2016

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dicarboxylic acid supplementation, as replacement antibiotics, of on in vitro ruminal parameters and milk yield and milk composition in lactating cows. in vitro treatments were 1) Con (4 g of basal diet), 2) CM (4 g of basal diet + 0.05 ml of monensin), 3) CR (4 g of basal diet + 0.1 ml of dicarboxylic acid) and in vivo treatments were 1) Con (25 kg of basal diet/head/day), and 2) CR (25 kg of basal diet + 5 g of dicarboxylic acid/head/day), respectively. A total 10 lactating dairy cows ($649{\pm}19kg$ average body weight, $99{\pm}65$ average milking days) were divided in to two groups according to mean milk yield and number of days of postpartum. The cows fed a basal diet during adaptation (2 wk) and experimental diets during the treatment periods (4 wk). In the first in vitro experiment, there were no statistical differences between treatments in pH, gas production, and ammonia-N and lactic acid concentration during incubation. However, dry matter digestibility was significantly higher in CR treatment compared to control or CM treatment (P<0.05). Total VFA was tended to higher in CR treatment than those of control and CM treatment (P>0.05). In the second experiment, milk yield was significantly higher in treatment (40.39 kg) compared to control (35.19 kg), (P<0.05). Milk composition and MUN were not changed by dietary supplementing dicarboxylic acid. Therefore the present results reporting that supplementation of dicarboxylic acid might enhance the stabilization of ruminal fermentation and increase the milk yield of lactating cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.230-240
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• 2016

Information on the effects of different yeast species on ruminal fermentation is limited. This experiment was conducted in a $3{\times}4$ factorial arrangement to explore and compare the effects of addition of three different live yeast species (Candida utilis 1314, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1355, and Candida tropicalis 1254) at four doses (0, $0.25{\times}10^7$, $0.50{\times}10^7$, and $0.75{\times}10^7$ colony-forming unit [cfu]) on in vitro gas production kinetics, fiber degradation, methane production and ruminal fermentation characteristics of maize stover, and rice straw by mixed rumen microorganisms in dairy cows. The maximum gas production (Vf), dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber disappearance (IVNDFD), and methane production in C. utilis group were less (p<0.01) than other two live yeast supplemented groups. The inclusion of S. cerevisiae reduced (p<0.01) the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3$-N), isobutyrate, and isovalerate compared to the other two yeast groups. C. tropicalis addition generally enhanced (p<0.05) IVDMD and IVNDFD. The $NH_3$-N concentration and $CH_4$ production were increased (p<0.05) by the addition of S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis compared with the control. Supplementation of three yeast species decreased (p<0.05) or numerically decreased the ratio of acetate to propionate. The current results indicate that C. tropicalis is more preferred as yeast culture supplements, and its optimal dose should be $0.25{\times}10^7$ cfu/500 mg substrates in vitro.