• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.308-314
• /
• 2017

This study was conducted with two ruminally cannulated Holstein steers to examine the effect of micronized and steam flaked corn on ruminal fermentation characteristics. The in situ dry matter degradability after 48 h incubation was the highest (P<0.05) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corn treatments. The steam flacked corn (3.3 mm thickness) was degraded lower (P<0.05) than the 2.9 and 3.1 mm thickness of steam flacked corn. Effective dry matter degradability and the rate of constant were the highest (P<0.05) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corns as well. The in vitro dry matter degradability after 48 h incubation was tended to higher (P=0.088) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) than steam flaked corns, whereas there is no significantly difference between steam flaked corn treatments. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was higher at steam flaked corn (2.9 mm thickness) than micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) and steam flaked corn (3.1 and 3.3 mm thickness). The acetate : propionate ratio was the highest (P=0.008) at steam flaked corn (2.9 mm thickness) and the lowest (P=0.008) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness). Total gas and methane production after 48h ruminal incubation was the highest (P=0.001) at micronized corn (2.5 mm thickness) compared with steam flaked corns. According to these results, the thickness of steam flaked corn as resulted corn processing is believed to do not affect methane production. However, further study is needed to better understand the present results to verify the correlation between corn processing method and their thickness on methane production using the same thickness corns by difference processing methods.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.205-212
• /
• 2021

Objective: The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) on lactation performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters of dairy cows. Methods: A total of 75 healthy Holstein cows with the same parity (milk production = 35±2.5 kg, body weight = 570±28 kg) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups. One group served as control group (CON; no CMS), whereas the other 4 groups were CMS1 (accounted for 1% of the diet), CMS2 (2%), CMS3 (3%), and CMS4 (4%). All cows were fed regularly three times each day at 0800, 1600, and 2400 h. Cows received diet and water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results: Results showed that the dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein of CMS2 were maximum and higher (p<0.05) than CMS4. The ruminal pH was observed less than 6 in CMS3 and CMS4 groups. No noticeable difference of microbial protein was found between CON and CMS2 groups, while the microbial protein in these groups was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in CMS2 group was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. Compared to CMS3 and CMS4 groups, the CMS2 group increased (p<0.05) the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M on d 60. Conclusion: Therefore, it is practicable that CMS substitutes for a part of concentrates in lactating cows' diets, but higher addition of CMS (more than 3% of the diet) could decrease production performance of dairy cows as seen in the present study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.536-542
• /
• 2007

The responses of whole body protein and glucose kinetics and of nitrogen (N) metabolism to non-protein energy intake (NPEI) were determined using an isotope dilution approach and measurement of N balance in three adult male goats. The diets containing 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times ME maintenance requirement, with fixed intake of CP (1.5 times maintenance) and percentage of hay (33%), were fed twice daily for each 21 d experimental period. After an adaptation period of 11 d, N balance was determined over 3 d. On day 17, whole body protein synthesis (WBPS) and glucose irreversible loss rate (ILR) were determined during the absorptive state by a primed-continuous infusion of [$^2H_5$]phenylalanine, [$^2H_2$]tyrosine, [$^2H_4$]tyrosine and [$^{13}C_6$]glucose, with simultaneous measurements of plasma concentrations of metabolites and insulin. Ruminal characteristics were also measured at 6 h after feeding over 3 d. Nitrogen retention tended to increase (p<0.10) with increasing NPEI, although digestible N decreased linearly (p<0.05). Increasing NPEI decreased (p<0.01) ammonia N concentration, but increased acetate (p<0.05) and propionate (p<0.05) concentrations in the rumen. Despite decreased plasma urea N concentration (p<0.01), increased plasma tyrosine concentration (p<0.05), and trends toward increased plasma total amino N (p<0.10) and phenylalanine concentrations (p<0.10) were found in response to increasing NPEI. Increasing NPEI increased ILR of both glucose (p<0.01) and phenylalanine (p<0.05), but did not affect ($p{\geq}0.10$) that of tyrosine. Whole body protein synthesis increased (p<0.05) in response to increasing NPEI, resulting from increased utilization rate for protein synthesis (p<0.05) and unchanged hydroxylation rate of phenylalanine ($p{\geq}0.10$). These results suggest that increasing NPEI may enhance WBPS and glucose turnover at the absorptive state and improve the efficiency of digestible N retention in goats, with possibly decreased ammonia and increased amino acid absorption. In addition, simultaneous increases in WBPS and glucose ILR suggest stimulatory effect of glucose availability on WBPS, especially when sufficient amino acid is supplied.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.513-520
• /
• 2006

A series of four in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate condensed molasses solubles (CMS) as a source of nitrogen for ruminal microbes. In experiment 1, as compared with urea, the value of CMS as a nitrogen source was examined. In experiment 2, to determine the time needed for maximal response of microbial synthesis, the treatments were incubated for increasing times (from 6 h to 16 h). Because a sediment that was assumed to cause nitrogen loss was found after incubation in experiments 1 and 2, it was decided to avoid formation of sediment using sugar instead of molasses or a shorter time incubation (experiments 3 and 4). Furthermore, in experiment 4, because the extent to which ammonia nitrogen is released from CMS and urea before 6 h of incubation was uncertain, it was decided to examine the peaks of concentrations of ammonia nitrogen released from CMS and urea by sampling after 2 h incubation. There was no significant difference in the concentration of microbial-N between molasses/CMS and molasses/ urea treatments in experiment 1, although there were greater decreases in ammonia concentration with the molasses/CMS treatment. The microbial protein synthesis was increased progressively until 10 h for both treatments (experiment 2). Although ingredients that were completely soluble (sucrose, urea) were used in experiment 3, the sediment was still evident suggesting that the sediment was largely of microbial not feed origin. Ammonia release from CMS was much faster than from urea during 2 h incubation. In conclusion, the results of the present studies suggest that the feed value of CMS as a source of nitrogen for ruminal bacteria was similar to that of urea when it was estimated in vitro.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.325-334
• /
• 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the roughage to concentrate (R:C) ratio with rain tree pod meal (RPM) supplementation on in vitro fermentation using gas production technique. The experiment design was a 6${\times}$4 factorial arrangement in a CRD. Factor A was 6 levels of R:C ratio (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) and factor B was 4 levels of RPM (0, 4, 8 and 12 mg). It was found that gas kinetic, extent rate (c) was linearly increased (p<0.01) with an increasing level of concentrate while cumulative gas production (96 h) was higher in R:C of 40:60. In addition, interaction of R:C ratio and RPM level affected $NH_3-N$ and IVDMD and were highest in R:C of 0:100 with 0, 4 mg of RPM and 40:60 with 8 mg of RPM, respectively. Moreover, interaction of R:C ratio and RPM level significantly increased total volatile fatty acids and propionate concentration whereas lower acetate, acetate to propionate ratios and $CH_4$ production in R:C of 20:80 with 8 mg of RPM. Moreover, the two factors, R:C ratio and RPM level influenced the protozoal population and the percentage of methanogens in the total bacteria population. In addition, the use of real-time PCR found that a high level of concentrate in the diet remarkably decreased three cellulolytic bacteria numbers (F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus). Based on this study, it is suggested that the ratio of R:C at 40:60 and RPM level at 12 mg could improve ruminal fluid fermentation in terms of reducing fermentation losses, thus improving VFA profiles and ruminal ecology.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.10
• /
• pp.1627-1634
• /
• 2018

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat bran for cactus cladodes plus urea (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the intake of nutrients, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, and rumen fermentation for steers. Methods: Five crossbred steers (1/2 Holstein-Zebu), with rumen cannula and an average body weight of $180{\pm}5.3kg$, were assigned to a $5{\times}5$ Latin square design. Dietary treatments consisted of the replacement of the total of wheat bran in basal diet by cactus cladodes using the following proportions: 0% for basal diet, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% cactus cladodes replacing wheat bran. Urea was added to the diets to adjust the crude protein (CP) content to 130 g/kg dry matter. Results: Maximum dry matter intake (5.73 kg/d) and maximum nitrogen balance (103 g/d) were estimated for 54.6% and 70.8% replacement levels of wheat bran. The maximum microbial protein production (44.6 g/d) was obtained at a replacement level of 49.7%, and a medium value (125 g CP mic/kg total digestible nutrients) of microbial protein efficiency was observed. The rumen pH increased linearly according to cactus cladodes inclusion, while the ammonia nitrogen medium value was 24.5 mg/dL. Conclusion: The replacement of 55% wheat bran for cactus cladodes plus urea in the diet of crossbred steers is recommended.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.66-74
• /
• 2012

The effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE; a mixture of two preparations from Trichoderma spp., with predominant xylanase and ${\beta}$-glucanase activities, respectively) on colonization and digestion of ground barley straw and alfalfa hay by Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 and Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD1 were studied in vitro. The two levels (28 and 280 ${\mu}g$/ml) of EFE tested and both bacteria were effective at digesting NDF of hay and straw. With both substrates, more NDF hydrolysis (p<0.01) was achieved with EFE alone at 280 than at 28 ${\mu}g$/ml. A synergistic effect (p<0.01) of F. succinogenes S85 and EFE on straw digestion was observed at 28 but not 280 ${\mu}g$/ml of EFE. Strain R. flavefaciens FD1 digested more (p<0.01) hay and straw with higher EFE than with lower or no EFE, but the effect was additive rather than synergistic. Included in the incubation medium, EFE showed potential to improve fibre digestion by cellulolytic ruminal bacteria. In a second batch culture experiment using mixed rumen microbes, DM disappearance (DMD), gas production and incorporation of $^{15}N$ into particle-associated microbial N ($^{15}N$-PAMN) were higher (p<0.001) with ammoniated (5% w/w; AS) than with native (S) ground barley straw. Application of EFE to the straws increased (p<0.001) DMD and gas production at 4 and 12 h, but not at 48 h of the incubation. EFE applied onto S increased (p<0.01) $^{15}N$-PAMN at 4 h only, but EFE on AS increased (p<0.001) $^{15}N$-PAMN at all time points. Prehydrolysis increased (p<0.01) DMD from both S and AS at 4 and 12 h, but reduced (p<0.01) $^{15}N$-PAMN in the early stage (4 h) of the incubation, as compared to non-prehydrolyzed samples. Application of EFE to barley straw increased rumen bacterial colonization of the substrate, but excessive hydrolytic action of EFE prior to incubation decreased it.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.642-651
• /
• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of different roughages in total mixed ration (TMR) inoculated with or without coculture of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial population. Methods: Three TMRs formulations composed of different forages were used and each TMR was grouped into two treatments: non-fermented TMR and fermented TMR (F-TMR) (inoculated with coculture of L. acidophilus and B. subtilis). After fermentation, the fermentation, chemical and microbial profile of the TMRs were determined. The treatments were used for in vitro rumen fermentation to determine total gas production, pH, ammonianitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Microbial populations were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All data were analyzed as a 3×2 factorial arrangement design using the MIXED procedure of Statistical Analysis Systems. Results: Changes in the fermentation (pH, lactate, acetate, propionate, and NH3-N) and chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and ash) were observed. For in vitro rumen fermentation, lower rumen pH, higher acetate, propionate, and total VFA content were observed in the F-TMR group after 24 h incubation (p<0.05). F-TMR group had higher acetate concentration compared with the non-fermented group. Total VFA was highest (p<0.05) in F-TMR containing combined forage of domestic and imported source (F-CF) and F-TMR containing Italian ryegrass silage and corn silage (F-IRS-CS) than that of TMR diet containing oat, timothy, and alfalfa hay. The microbial population was not affected by the different TMR diets. Conclusion: The use of Italian ryegrass silage and corn silage, as well as the inoculation of coculture of L. acidophilus and B. subtilis, in the TMR caused changes in the pH, lactate and acetate concentrations, and chemical composition of experimental diets. In addition, F-TMR composed with Italian ryegrass silage and corn silage altered ruminal pH and VFA concentrations during in vitro rumen fermentation experiment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.86-91
• /
• 2012

An in vitro rumen batch culture study was completed to compare effects of common grasses, leguminous shrubs and non-leguminous shrubs used for livestock grazing in Australia and Ghana on $CH_4$ production and fermentation characteristics. Grass species included Andropodon gayanus, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Pennisetum purpureum. Leguminous shrub species included Cajanus cajan, Cratylia argentea, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Stylosanthes guianensis and non-leguminous shrub species included Annona senegalensis, Moringa oleifera, Securinega virosa and Vitellaria paradoxa. Leaves were harvested, dried at $55^{\circ}C$ and ground through a 1 mm screen. Serum bottles containing 500 mg of forage, modified McDougall's buffer and rumen fluid were incubated under anaerobic conditions at $39^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. Samples of each forage type were removed after 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation for determination of cumulative gas production. Methane production, ammonia concentration and proportions of VFA were measured at 24 h. Concentration of aNDF (g/kg DM) ranged from 671 to 713 (grasses), 377 to 590 (leguminous shrubs) and 288 to 517 (non-leguminous shrubs). After 24 h of in vitro incubation, cumulative gas, $CH_4$ production, ammonia concentration, proportion of propionate in VFA and IVDMD differed (p<0.05) within each forage type. B. ruziziensis and G. sepium produced the highest cumulative gas, IVDMD, total VFA, proportion of propionate in VFA and the lowest A:P ratios within their forage types. Consequently, these two species produced moderate $CH_4$ emissions without compromising digestion. Grazing of these two species may be a strategy to reduce $CH_4$ emissions however further assessment in in vivo trials and at different stages of maturity is recommended.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.355-365
• /
• 2004

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatment (1% NaOH+1.5% $H_2O_2$; 1 AHPMS, 2% NaOH+1.5% $H_2O_2$; 2AHPMS) on rate and extent of degradation of mustard straw (MS) in sacco in sheep, and its in vivo digestion and ruminal fermentation characteristics when fed to sheep with concentrate (200 g per sheep daily). The treatment of straw with 1 and 2% AHP increased its sodium content by 148 and 296% to that of untreated straw (UMS). There was significant decrease in NDF and hemicellulose contents of AHP treated straw and increase in cellulose and lignin contents. Phenolic acids like ferrulic, $\rho$-coumaric and o-coumaric significantly (p<0.001) reduced by AHP treatment of mustard straw. In first experiment the in sacco degradation of DM, OM and NDF was significantly (p<0.01) greater for 2 AHPMS than for UMS at all incubation periods. The disappearance of nutrient from 1 AHPMS and 2 AHPMS treated straws continue to increase up to 96 h whereas in UMS the peak disappearance was found at 48 h. By using the equation {(y=a+b) ($1-e^{-ct}$)} the degradation rates (c) for DM, OM, and NDF were significantly higher for UMS than AHP treated straws. Level of alkali (1 and 2%) had significant effect on degradation characteristics (a, b, c and $P_{0.05}$) of DM and NDF fraction of MS. However, the effect was not pronounced on OM fraction of MS. In feeding experiment, the intake of nutrients for DM, OM, cell wall constituents and energy was higher on 2 AHPMS, whereas no effect on the digestibility of these nutrients was observed. The apparent nitrogen retention was higher (p<0.05) both in 1 and 2 AHPMS groups. Water intake by animals was significantly increased due to AHP treated mustard straw feeding. Rumen liquor pH was higher in 2 AHPMS fed animals. The $NH_3-N$ of rumen liquor was not affected by feeding of AHP treated MS based diets. Total VFA concentration was significantly (p<0.01) higher in UMS fed group. The fractional out flow rate of DM was higher (p<0.05) in animals fed on 2 AHPMS diets compared to UMS and lAHPMS fed groups. The population of large holotrichs was higher (p<0.05) on AHP treated MS fed diets compared to UMS. The study indicated that treatment of mustard straw with AHP changed its chemical composition towards a better feed. The nutritive value of 2% AHP treated mustard straw was better in terms of dry matter intake and apparent nitrogen retention. The higher in sacco DM, OM and NDF disappearance however, was not confirmed by in vivo data in this study.