• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.193-199
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• 2001

Twenty-four new born crossbred (Bos indicus$\times$Bos taurus) calves were distributed in two equal groups and assigned to two different pre-starter diets with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) fish meal to study the effect of replacement of animal protein by vegetable protein in the diet and the age of animals on ruminal metabolic development. All calves were fed colostrum for 24 h and whole milk until weaning at 8 weeks of age. Rumen fluid samples were collected on 4 d, 1 wk, and then weekly interval up to 8 wk of age. Rumen fluid samples were analysed for pH, TVFA, lactic acid and N fractions (total N, total soluble N, trichloro acetic acid (TCA) soluble N, TCA precipitable N and ammonia N). Weekly feed intake and live weight gain pattern showed an increasing trend with the advancement of age, but were similar in both groups. The pH fell steadily during 0-4 wk of age and then stabilized in later period. A close relationship (r=0.80) between starter intake and TVFA concentration was observed in both the groups. Lactic acid (meq/l) and ammonia N (mg/dl) concentration showed initial rise (0.55 and 14.97 on day 4 to 3.38 (7 wk) and 32.85 (4 wk), respectively) to fall (2.74 and 17.60) again during 8 wk of age in response to increase in dry feed consumption (10% initially to 83% of diet dry matter at 8 wk of age). The TCA precipitable fraction of N did not show any change during 0-8 wk of age. Data indicate that the metabolic changes responded rapidly to dry feed intake which did not differ in fish meal and non-fish meal groups, and a poor voluntary consumption of oat hay retards the progressive changes in live weight and rumen microbial development.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.56-65
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum on the ensiling quality and in vitro rumen fermentation of sudangrass silage prepared with or without wilting. Methods: The ensiling experiment, measured with 3 replicates, was carried out according to a 2×4 (wilted stages×additives) factorial treatment structure. Dry matter of the fresh (210 g/kg fresh matter) or wilted (305 g/kg fresh matter) sudangrass were ensiled (packed into 5.0-L plastic jars) without additive (control) or with molasses (M), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), or molasses + Lactobacillus plantarum (M+LP). After 60 days of ensiling, the silages were analyzed for the chemical, fermentation, and in vitro characteristics. Results: After 60 days of ensiling, the fermentation parameters were affected by wilted, the additives and the interactions of wilted with the additives (p<0.05). The M+LP treatment at wilted had higher lactic acid levels and V-score (p<0.05) but lower pH values and butyric acid concentrations than the other treatments. In comparison with sudangrass before ensiling, after ensiling had lower dry matter and higher non-fibrous carbohydrate. The in vitro gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro crude protein digestibility, and in vitro acid fiber detergent digestibility changed under the effects of the additives. Significant interactions were observed between wilted and the additives in terms of in vitro gas production at 48 h, asymptotic gas production, gas production rate, half time, and the average gas production rate. The total volatile fatty acid levels in the additive treatments were higher than those in the control. Conclusion: Wilting and supplementation with molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum had the ability to improve the ensiling quality and in vitro nutrient digestibility of sudangrass silage. The M+LP treatment at wilted exhibited the strongest positive effects on silage quality and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.625-634
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• 2004

The objective of this experiment is to study the possibility of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) enzyme to prevent lactate accumulation in the rumen, For understanding capacity of bacterial LDH in rumen environments, this study was conducted to explore the effects of temperature, pH, VFAs and metal ions on Lactobacillus sp. FFy111-1's LDH activity, and the LDH activation in rumen fluid accumulated lactate. The optimum pH and temperature of LDH were pH 7.5 and 40$^{\circ}C$, respectively. The LDH activity had a good thennostability at range from 30 to 50$^{\circ}C$. The highest pH stability of the enzyme was at ranges from pH 7.0 to 8.0 and the enzyme activities showed above 64% level of non-treated one at pH 6.0 and 6.5. The LDH was inactivated by VFAs treatments but was enhanced by metal ion treatments without NaCl and $CuSO_4$ Especially, the LDH activity was increased to 127% and 124% of its original activity by 2 mM of $BaCl_2$ and $MnSO_4$, addition, respectively. When the acidic rumen fluid was treated by LDH enzyme of Lactobacillus sp. FFy111-1, the lactate concentration in the rumen fluid was lower compared with non-treated rumen fluid(P<0.05). This lactate reduction was resulted from an action of LDH. It was proved by result of purified D,L-LDH addition that showed the lowest lactate concentration among the treatments(P<0.05). Although further investigation of microbial LDH and ruminal lactate is needed, these findings suggest that the bacterial LDH has the potential capability to decrease the lactate accumulated in an acidic rumen fluid. Also, screening of super LDH producing bacteria and technical development for improving enzyme activity in rumen environment are essential keys for practical application.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.230-236
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• 2018

Objective: Two ex vivo experiments were conducted to verify the effect of barley grain (Nusrat cultivar) treated with alkaline compounds (AC) including alum, ammonium, and sodium hydroxide or cation-exchanged organic extracts (OE) prepared from alfalfa hay, sugar beet pulp and Ulva Fasciata, on extent and digestion of starch. Methods: In the first study, the in vitro first order disappearance kinetic parameters of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and starch were estimated using a non-linear model ($D_{(t)}=D_{(i)}{\cdot}e^{(-k_d{\cdot}time)}+I$, where: $D_{(t)}$ = potentially digestible residues at any time, $D_{(i)}$ = potentially digestible fraction at any time, $k_d$ = fractional rate constant of digestion (/h), I = indigestible fraction at any time). In the second experiment, the ruminal and post-ruminal disappearance of DM, CP, and starch were determined using in situ mobile nylon bag. Results: Barley grains treated with alum and alfalfa extract had a higher constant rate of starch digestion (0.11 and 0.09/h) than others. Barley grain treated with OE had a higher constant rate of CP digestion and that of treated with AC had a higher constant rate of starch digestion (0.08 and 0.11/h) compared with those of the other treatments. The indigestible fraction of starch treated with alum and sugar beet pulp extract was higher than that of the control group (0.24 and 0.25 vs 0.21). Barley grain treated with AC and OE had significant CP disappearance in the rumen, post-rumen and total tract, and also starch disappearance for post-rumen and total tract compared with the untreated (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that AC and OE might have positive effects on the starch degradation of the barley grain. In addition, treating barley grain with alum and sugar beet pulp extract could change the site and extend digestion of protein and starch.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.667-673
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• 2014

Eight multiparous Holstein cows ($632{\pm}12$ kg BW; $135{\pm}16$ DIM) were used in a replicated $4{\times}4$ Latin square design to evaluate the effects of forage sources on rumen fermentation characteristics, performance, and microbial protein (MCP) synthesis. The forage portion of the diets contained alfalfa hay (AH), oat hay (OH), Leymus chinensis (LC), or rice straw (RS) as the primary source of fiber. Diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and cows were fed four corn silages based total mixed rations with equivalent nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) and forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Dry matter intake was not affected by the source of dietary forages, ranging from 18.83 to 19.20 kg/d, consequently, milk yield was similar among diets. Because of the numerical differences in milk fat and milk protein concentrations, 4% FCM and ECM yields were unchanged (p>0.05). Mean rumen pH, NH3-N content, and concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid were not affected by the treatments (p>0.05). Dietary treatments did not affect the total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (p>0.05); however, digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber in RS diet was higher compared with AH, OH, and LC diets (p<0.05). Total purine derivative excretion was higher in cows fed AH, OH, and LC diets compared with those fed RS diet (p<0.05), consequently, estimated MCP synthesis was 124.35 g/d higher in cows fed AH diet compared with those fed RS diet (p<0.05). The results indicated that cows fed AH, OH, LC, and RS diets with an equivalent forage NDF and NFC have no unfavourable effect on the ruminal fermentation and productive parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.265-271
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• 1994

The effect of soybean meal and barley supplementation of the utilization of rice straw was investigated. Balance trials were conducted with three Japanese Corriedale wethers fed rice straw supplemented with soybean meal and barley at three different levels of protein: low (40 g CP/d, LCP), medium (67 g/d, MCP) and high (94 g/d, HCP). In addition, all the supplements were formulated to contain the same amount of TDN (275 g/d). Voluntary intake of rice straw was not affected by any supplementation, while digestibility of organic matter in sheep given HCO diet was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those on LCP diet. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities of MCP and HCP diets were significantly improved (p<0.05) over the LCP diet. Average daily gain of the animals under MCP and HCP diets were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those under LCP diet. Differences of rumen pH among the treatments were not significant, while concentration of rumen $NH_3-N$ was significantly higher (p<0.05) for HCP diet than for LCP and MCP diets. Total volatile fatty acids ($VFA_s$) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in sheep fed MCP and HCP diets than those fed LCP diet, while plasma total protein concentration was not affected by any supplementation. Sheep fed MCP diet had a higher nitrogen retention than those fed LCP and HCP diets. It was concluded that rice straw was utilized better by sheep when SBM and barley were supplemented at the medium level of protein.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 2013

Two digestion trials, one with sheep and another with goats, were conducted to evaluate the long-term bias (LTB) of the indigestible dry matter (iDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) internal markers. The study used eight Santa In$\hat{e}$s castrated male sheep (average body weight of 16.6 kg) distributed in two $4{\times}4$ Latin squares and eight Saanen castrated male goats (average body weight of 22.6 kg) distributed in two $4{\times}4$ Latin squares. The experiments were conducted simultaneously, and the animals were housed in 1.2 $m^2$ individual pens with wood-battened floors equipped with individual feeders and drinkers. The animals received isonitrogenous diets that were offered ad libitum and contained 14% crude protein and 70% sugar cane (with 0, 0.75, 1.5 or 2.25% CaO, in natural matter percentage), corrected with 1% urea and 30% concentrate. The experiment consisted of four experimental periods of 14 d each, with the feed, leftovers and feces sampled on the last four days of each period. The marker concentrations in the feed, leftovers and fecal samples were estimated by an in situ ruminal incubation procedure with a duration 240 h. The relationship between the intake and excretion of the markers was obtained by adjusting a simple linear regression model, independently from the treatment (diets) fixed effects and Latin squares. For both the sheep and goats, a complete recovery of the iDM and iNDF markers was observed (p>0.05), indicating the absence of LTB for these markers. However, the iADF was not completely recovered, exhibiting an LTB of -9.12% (p<0.05) in the sheep evaluation and -3.02% (p<0.05) in the goat evaluation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.529-536
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of levels of cottonseed meal with various carbohydrate sources in concentrate on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in dairy bulls. Four, 6 months old dairy bulls were randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Factor A was carbohydrate source; cassava chip (CC) and cassava chip+rice bran in the ratio of 3:1 (CR3:1), and factor B was cotton seed meal levels in the concentrate; 109 g CP/kg (LCM) and 328 g CP/kg (HCM) at similar overall CP levels (490 g CP/kg). Bulls received urea-lime treated rice straw ad libitum and were supplemented with 10 g of concentrate/kg BW. It was found that carbohydrate source and level of cotton seed meal did not have significant effects on ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration, microbial protein synthesis or feed intake. Animals which received CC showed significantly higher BUN concentration, ruminal propionic acid and butyric acid proportions, while dry matter, organic matter digestibility, populations of total viable bacteria and proteolytic bacteria were lower than those in the CR3:1 treatment. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids was higher in HCM than LCM treatments, while the concentration of butyric acid was higher in LCM than HCM treatments. The population of proteolytic bacteria with the LCM treatments was higher than the HCM treatments; however other bacteria groups were similar among the different levels of cotton seed meal. Bulls which received LCM had higher protein digestibility than those receiving HCM. Therefore, using high levels of cassava chip and cotton seed meal might positively impact on energy and nitrogen balance for the microbial population in the rumen of the young dairy bull.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.831-838
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• 2008

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of mixed microbes addition on physico-chemical, fermentative and microbial parameters of sawdust-based spent mushroom substrates(SMS). The SMS was inoculated with mixed microbes(Enterobacter ludwigii, Bacillus cereus, 2 strains of Bacillus subtillis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum) at 1% level(wet basis) and anaerobically fermented during the different periods(up to 8th week). Compared with the SMS before ensiling, the ensiled one had higher CP, NDF and ADF percentages and lower DM and NFC percentages. However, levels of change were very low. The in situ ruminal disappearance of SMS DM and NDF decreased with the ensiling period prolonged. For fermentative parameters, pH reduced and lactic acid contents increased after ensiling, compared with those after ensiling. At 8th week of ensiling, pH increased and lactic acid contents reduced again, compared with those at 4th week of ensiling; however, the silage still showed favorable fermentation status. Lactic acid bacteria counts did not change throughout 8 weeks of ensiling. Counts of total microbes and yeast reduced after 4th week of ensiling period. Counts of lactic acid bacteria and yeast at 8th week of ensiling were in the levels of 108cfu/g. These results indicate that anaerobic fermentation with microbial addition could be an effective way for the long term(8 weeks) storage of the SMS.

• 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.