• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.808-814
• /
• 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of essential oil mixture (EOM) supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial changes in an in vitro. Methods: Three experimental treatments were used: control (CON, no additive), EOM 0.1 (supplementation of 1 g EOM/kg of substrate), and EOM 0.2 (supplementation of 2 g EOM/kg of substrate). An in vitro fermentation experiment was carried out using strained rumen fluid for 12 and 24 h incubation periods. At each time point, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), pH, ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3-N$), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, and relative microbial diversity were estimated. Results: After 24 h incubation, treatments involving EOM supplementation led to significantly higher IVDMD (treatments and quadratic effect; p = 0.019 and 0.008) and IVNDFD (linear effect; p = 0.068) than did the CON treatment. The EOM 0.2 supplementation group had the highest $NH_3-N$ concentration (treatments; p = 0.032). Both EOM supplementations did not affect total VFA concentration and the proportion of individual VFAs; however, total VFA tended to increase in EOM supplementation groups, after 12 h incubation (linear; p = 0.071). Relative protozoa abundance significantly increased following EOM supplementation (treatments, p<0.001). Selenomonas ruminantium and Ruminococcus albus (treatments; p<0.001 and p = 0.005), abundance was higher in the EOM 0.1 treatment group than in CON. The abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, fungi and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (treatments; p<0.001, p<0.001, and p = 0.005) was higher following EOM 0.2 treatment. Conclusion: The addition of newly developed EOM increased IVDMD, IVNDFD, and tended to increase total VFA indicating that it may be used as a feed additive to improve rumen fermentation by modulating rumen microbial communities. Further studies would be required to investigate the detailed metabolic mechanism underlying the effects of EOM supplementation.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.59-74
• /
• 2012

Buffer solubility and protein fractionation were evaluated from the hays (timothy, alfalfa and klein) and straws (tall fescue and rice), and $In$ $vitro$ trial was conducted to examine the effect of buffer extraction on fermentation characteristics, degradability and gas ($CO_2$ and $CH_4$) production. Buffer soluble protein (SP) content and A fraction in total protein were highest in alfalfa hay as 61% and 41.77%, respectively while lowest in rice straw (42.8% and 19.78%, respectively). No difference was observed in B1 fraction among forages but B2 fraction was slightly increased in klein hay (12.34%) and tall fescue straw (10.05%) compared with other forages (6.34~8.85%). B3 fraction of tall fescue was highest as 38.49% without difference among other forages while C fraction was highest in rice straw. pH in incubation solution was higher in all forages after extraction than before extraction at 3h (P<0.01) and 6h (P<0.05), and pH from hays of timothy and alfalfa was higher than the other forages at 6h (P<0.05) and 12h (P<0.001). Regardless of extraction, ammonia-N concentration from alfalfa hay was increased at all incubation times and extraction effect was appeared only at 3h incubation time (P<0.01). Total VFA concentration from alfalfa hay was highest up to 24h incubation while those from tall fescue straw and rice straw were lowest. Buffer extraction decreased (P<0.01~P<0.001) the total VFA concentration. Acetic acid proportion was increased (P<0.001) before extraction of forages but no difference was found between forages. Propionic acid($C_3$) proportion was also increased(P<0.001) before extraction in all forages than in straws at 3h, 24h and 48h incubations, and $C_3$ from hays were mostly higher (P<0.05) than from straws. Butyric acid proportion, however, was not affected by extraction at most incubation times. Parameter 'a' regarding to the dry matter (DM) degradation was increase (P<0.001) in all forages before extraction, and was decreased (P<0.05) in tall fescue straw and rice straw compared with hays. Parameter 'b' was also increased (P<0.001) before extraction but no difference was found between forages. Effective degradability of DM (EDDM) was higher (P<0.001) before extraction in most forages except for rice straw. Buffer extraction decreased (P<0.05) all parameters (a, b, and c) regrading to the crude protein (CP) degradation but no difference was found between forages. Effective degradation of CP (EDCP) was lower (P<0.05) in straws than in hays. Parameters 'a' and 'b' regarding to the NDF degradation (P<0.01) and effective degradability of NDF (EDNDF, P<0.001) were also higher in forages before extraction than after extraction but no difference was found between forages. Buffer extraction reduced (P<0.05~P<0.001) $CO_2$ production from all the forages uo to 24h incubation and its production was greater (P<0.05~P<0.01) from hays than straws. Methane ($CH_4$) production was also greater (P<0.01~P<0.001) in all forages at all incubation times, and its production was greater (P<0.05) from hays than from straws at most incubation times. Based on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that buffer solubility and CP fractionation might be closely related with $In$ $vitro$ VFA concentration, degradability and gas ($CO_2$ and $CH_4$) production. Thus, measurement of buffer solubility and protein fractionation of forages might be useful to improve TMR availability in the ruminants.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.116-131
• /
• 2001

Experiments were conducted to determine effects of whole and processed corns on in situ disappearance rates of nutrients in the rumen and in vitro degradability of dry matter by rumen microorganisms. Whole corn(WC) was processed into four different types; ground corn(GC), cracked corn(CC), flaked corn(FC), and soaked corn(SC). In the in situ experiment, the rate of ruminal DM disappearance after 48 hour incubation was highest in GC(76.1%) and lowest in WC and SC(12% ; P<0.01). The rate of ruminal CP disappearance after 48 hour incubation was highest in GC and CC(48 and 38%, respectively; P<0.01). The rate of ruminal OM disappearance after 48 hour incubation was highest in GC(76.14%) and lowest in WC and SC(11.82 and 12.26%, respectively; P<0.01). In the in vitro experiment, the two-stage incubation technique was used to measure digestibilities of whole and processed corns. The digestibility of DM was higher in GC, CC and FC(86.95, 85.84 and 82.29%, respectively) than in WC(15.36%; P<0.01).

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.169-178
• /
• 2010

The present study was conducted with four ruminally fistulated cattle to examine the fermentation characteristics and effective degradability (ED) in the rumen, and whole tract digestibility and TDN values of various silages (whole crop rye, RS; whole crop barley, BS; Italian ryegrass, IRGS and sudangrass, SGS) which were produced in Korea. The pH of rumen fluid were not greatly affected by silage at most times after feeding but SGS decreased (p<0.049) the ruminal ammonia-N concentration as 7.28 mg/100 ml at 3h after feeding compared to other silages. An acetate proportion from SGS feeding was higher at 1h (p<0.018), 3h (p<0.004) and 6h (p<0.019) after feeding than those from other silages. The propionate ($C_2$) proportion, however, was greater (p<0.001~p<0.042) for the RS and BS than the corresponding values of other silages up to 6h after feeding while the lowest $C_2$ proportion was observed from SGS. The butyrate proportion was lowest (p<0.007~p<0.027) in the cattle fed BS at 1~6h after feeding among silages. An ED of dry matter (DM) in the rumen was highest (P<0.048) for RS as 59.64%, and was reduced in the order of BS (56.12%), IRGS (55.64%) and SGS (54.02%). Similar tendency was observed in the EDs of crude protein (p<0.014) and organic matter (OM, p<0.039). The whole tract digestibility of DM (p<0.032), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, p<0.034) and OM (p<0.041) of SGS was greatly reduced. The TDN value based on whole tract digestibility of silages was highest for RS as 61.1%, and TDN values of BS, IRGS and SGS were 57.1%, 57.9% and 50.7%, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the present study, components in various whole crop silages produced in Korea might affect the ruminal VFA proportion, and especially, NDF content could greatly influence on the TDN value of silage calculated based on the NDF content.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.464-469
• /
• 2000

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soybean meal (SBM) as a source of protein and sago meal (SM) as a source of carbohydrate on in situ and in vivo digestibility of dietary components in four male goats (Kambing Katjang) and four male sheep (Malin) weighing 25-35 kg. Rumen volume, as well as rumen fluid dilution rate were also determined. The animals were housed in single pens with individual feeding and drinking troughs and each animal was fitted with a rumen fistula. They were fed two diets : chopped rice straw+200 g soybean meal (SBM), and chopped rice straw+190 g soybean meal+300 g sago meal (SBM+SM). Rice straw was offered ad libitum. The supplements were isonitrogenous (80 g crude protein/animal/d), but the proportions of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were lower in the SBM supplement (191, 165, 11, 40, 15 g/animal/d for DM, OM, CF, NDF and ADF, respectively) than in the SBM+SM supplement (445, 423, 25, 102, 38 g/animal/d for DM, OM, CF, NDF and ADF, respectively). Two animals from each species were fed either supplement in a cross-over design in two periods. Each period lasted for four weeks. In situ and in vivo digestibility studies were carried out, followed by the determination of rumen volume and rumen fluid dilution rate. The results showed that straw DM and total DM intakes of goats (average of $48.7g/kg\;W^{0.75}$, $72.7g/kg\;W^{0.75}$, respectively) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than sheep (average of $3.56g/kg\;W^{0.75}$, $61.6g/kg\;W^{0.75}$, respectively), but OM, N and GE intakes were not significantly different between the two animal species. When the effect of supplements was compared, animals fed SBM+SM supplement had significantly (p<0.001) higher DM, OM and GE intakes than animals fed SBM supplement. Potential degradabilities of rice straw DM were significantly (p<0.01) higher in goats (average of 48.8%) than in sheep (average of 46.1 %). The supplements had no significant effect on the potential degradabilities of DM, OM and NDF, but they had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the degradation rates of DM and NDF. The addition of sago meal in the diet reduced the degradation rates of DM and NDF of rice straw in the rumen. Potential degradability of DM of soybean meal was not significantly different between animal species as well as between supplements. Sago meal was highly degradable. At 24 h of incubation in the rumen, 90-95% of DM loss was observed. There was a significant interaction between animal species and supplements in the in vivo digestibility of ADF and GE. In animals fed SBM supplement, the in vivo digestibility of ADF was significantly (p<0.05) higher in goats ($50.6{\pm}4.22%$) than in sheep ($44.4{\pm}3.21%$), but digestibility of GE was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sheep ($70.2{\pm}1.93%$) than in goats ($63.0{\pm}3.07%$). The digestibility values of CP and OM were significantly (p<0.05) higher in sheep when compared to goats. Animals fed SBM+SM supplement showed significantly (p<0.05) higher DM and OM digestibility values than animals fed SBM supplement, but digestibility values of CP were significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals fed SBM supplement. Differences in in vivo digestibility values of CF and NDF were not significantly different between animal species or supplements. Water intake, rumen volume ($1/kg\;W^{0.75}$), rumen fluid dilution rate and mean retention time were similar between the two animal species. However, rumen fluid dilution rate and mean retention time was significantly (p<0.01) affected by supplements. Animals fed SBM+SM had faster rumen fluid dilution rate and consequently shorter mean retention time.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.82-89
• /
• 2009

Two in vitro experiments were conducted to examine the effects of propionate precursors in the dicarboxylic acid pathway on ruminal fermentatation characteristics, $CH_4$ production and degradation of feed by rumen microbes. Fumarate or malate as sodium salts (Exp. 1) or acid type (Exp. 2) were added to the culture solution (150 ml, 50% strained rumen fluid and 50% artificial saliva) to achieve final concentrations of 0, 8, 16 and 24 mM, and incubated anaerobically for 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h at $39^{\circ}C$. For both experiments, two grams of feed consisting of 70% concentrate and 30% ground alfalfa (DM basis) were prepared in a nylon bag, and were placed in a bottle containing the culture solution. Addition of fumarate or malate in both sodium salt and acid form increased (p<0.0001) pH of culture solution at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h incubations. The pH (p<0.0001) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA, p<0.05) were enhanced by these precursors as sodium salt at 3, 6 and 9 h incubations, and pH (p<0.001) and total VFA (p<0.01) from fumarate or malate in acid form were enhanced at a late stage of fermentation (9 h and 12 h) as the addition level increased. pH was higher (p<0.001) for fumarate than for malate as sodium salt at 3 h and 6 h incubations. Propionate ($C_3$) proportion was increased (p<0.0001) but those of $C_2$ (p<0.05) and $C_4$ (p<0.01 - p<0.001) were reduced by the addition of sodium salt precursors from 3 h to 12 incubation times while both precursors in acid form enhanced (p<0.011 - p<0.0001) proportion of $C_3$ from 6h but reduced (p<0.018 - p<0.0005) $C_4$ proportion at incubation times of 1, 3, 9 and 12 h. Proportion of $C_3$ was increased (p<0.05 - p<0.0001) at all incubation times by both precursors as sodium salt while that of $C_3$ was increased (p<0.001) from 6h but $C_4$ proportion was decreased by both precursors in acid form as the addition level increased. Proportion of $C_3$ was higher (p<0.01 - p<0.001) for fumarate than malate as sodium salt from 6 h incubation but was higher for malate than fumarate in acid form at 9 h (p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.01) incubation times. Increased levels (16 and 24 mM) of fumarate or malate as sodium salt (p<0.017) and both precursors in acid form (p<0.028) increased the total gas production, but no differences were found between precursors in both chemical types. Propionate precursors in both chemical types clearly reduced (p<0.0001 - p<0.0002) $CH_4$ production, and the reduction (p<0.001 - p<0.0001) was dose dependent as the addition level of precursors increased. The $CH_4$ generated was smaller (p<0.01 - p<0.0001) for fumarate than for malate in both chemical types. Addition of fumarate or malate as sodium type reduced (p<0.004) dry matter degradation while both precursors in both chemical types slightly increased neutral detergent fiber degradability of feed in the nylon bag.

• ANNALS OF ANIMAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.111-120
• /
• 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different feed inoculation method on rumen fermentation in an in vitro. Three experimental treatments were used: control (CON, direct dispersion of feed (2 g) in rumen fluid), combinations of direct dispersion (1 g) and nylon bag (DNB, pore size: 50 ㎛, 1 g), and nylon bag (NB, 2 g). An in vitro fermentation experiment was carried out using strained rumen fluid for 48 h incubation time and timothy was used as a substrate. At the end of the incubation, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), and microbial community were evaluated and gas production was estimated at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 h incubation periods. Gas production was higher in CON than DNB and NB at 6 and 12 h incubation time (p<0.01). There were no differences in final gas production, pH, NH₃-N concentration, total VFA production, and VFA profiles among treatments. The IVDMD was lowest in CON (p<0.01) but the IVNDFD was not differed by feed distribution methods. There were no significant differences in general bacteria and fungi. Protozoa count was highest in NB treatment among treatments (p<0.01). The abundance of cellulolytic bacteria, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes, was highest in the CON among treatments (p<0.01).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.51 no.5
• /
• pp.369-378
• /
• 2009

Protein fractionation was evaluated from whole crop silages of rye (RS), wheat (WS), triticale (TS), oat (OS), barley (BS), and rice straw silage (RSS), and in vitro trial was carried out to examine the effect of silage and extraction of soluble protein on fermentation characteristics, total gas production and degradation. Soluble protein of silages was extracted with borate-phosphate buffer, and fermentation characteristics, gas production and degradation of silages were estimated by incubating anaerobically the mixed solution of strained rumen fluid and artificial saliva (1:1, v/v) containing dried and ground silages placed in nylon bag at $39^{\circ}C$ up to 48h. Soluble protein (SP) content was lowest for RSS as 2.11% in total CP compared to those for other silages. Highest A fraction (NPN) was observed from RS (74.33% of total CP) while those from TS and RSS were relatively low (48%). B2 fraction was relatively higher for RS, RSS and WS than for TS and BS. $B_3$ fraction was lowest in WS among silages. C fraction (27.07) in RSS was higher than in other silages (1.40~9.93%). pH in incubation solution was increased (P<0.01~P<0.001) for extracted silages up to 12h but decreased (P<0.01) at 48h for non-extracted ones. Contents of ammonia-N (P<0.001) and total VFA (P<0.01~P<0.001) were higher for non-extracted silages than for extracted ones. Acetate proportion was increased (P<0.001) in buffer extracted silages while those of propionate and butyrate were decreased (P<0.001) up to 24h incubation. Increased (P<0.001) total gas production was obtained from non-extracted silages up to 12h while gas production was increased (P<0.01) in extracted ones thereafter. In vitro degradation of dry matter and CP was increased (P<0.001) in non-extracted silages but that of neutral detergent fiber was increased (P<0.001) in extracted ones without difference among silages. Difference in mean values of degradability for each silage prior to- and post extraction with borate buffer, however, was not found among silages. It may be concluded that high NPN content of silages may reduce the protein availability in silages and borate buffer soluble components in silages can stimulate the early stage of fermentation.