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The increasing use of antibiotics in livestock poses environmental risks, leading to contamination of agricultural soils and propagation of microbial antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). This study examined the impacts of wood- and manure-derived biochar (BC) on antibiotic residues, ARGs, and microbial communities in sandy loam and clay loam soils amended with manure in Cynodon dactylon pastures. We hypothesized that BC amendments would influence the degradation of antibiotics and the structure of microbial communities based on their physicochemical properties and soil types. Our results demonstrated that wood BC reduced the concentrations of tetracycline and sulfonamides, particularly in sandy loam soil, due to its larger surface area and hydrophobic properties. In contrast, manure BC provided additional nutrients and supported atmospheric nitrogen-fixing microbial groups, especially in clay loam soil, while exhibiting variable efficiency in reducing antibiotic residues due to its lower surface area and higher ash content. These findings underscore the differential impacts of each BC type, emphasizing the need for tailored BC applications based on soil type to effectively mitigate antibiotic contamination and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In conclusion, wood BC was more effective in enhancing soil health by reducing antibiotic residues and improving microbial diversity, particularly in sandy loam soils, while manure BC was beneficial for nutrient cycling in clay loam soils.

We compared the effects of wood-, manure-, and blend-derived biochar (BC) saturated/unsaturated with dairy effluents on Vigna unguiculata and Cynodon dactylon performance and soil characteristics in a greenhouse pot study. Plant samples were assayed for herbage and root dry weight and N and C percentages. Soil samples were assayed for nutrients, pH, and conductivity. Variance analysis, Tukey’s tests, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple regression analysis were performed. The performance of C. dactylon was not affected. V. unguiculata’s herbage and root production responded negatively to manure BC and 2% of any BC, respectively, which is mainly explained by the conductivity and soil P increase, respectively. When V. unguiculata was grown, BC inclusion decreased NO3-N and increased the soil P content. When C. dactylon was grown, only P was altered (increased) when manure or the blend BC were applied. The soil total C increased as the BC loading rate increased. The application of high BC rates was detrimental for V. unguiculata, but showed a neutral effect for C. dactylon. To improve dairy waste recycling, saturated 1% blend BC and saturated 2% blend or manure BC could be applied to V. unguiculata and C. dactylon, respectively, with no short-term negative impacts. Only wood BC avoided soil P build-up. BC application increased the soil total C, showing potential for C sequestration.

Studies have determined the separate effects of biochar (BC) and manure application on forage species and soil, but few examined the effects of BCs made from different feedstock applied along with dairy manure. We compared the effect of wood- and manure-derived feedstock BC as well as dairy manure amendment application on Cynodon dactylon performance and soil properties in sandy loam and clay loam soils in a greenhouse pot study. Plant samples were assayed for herbage and root dry weight as well as herbage and root N and C percent and yield. Soil samples were assayed for macronutrients, micronutrients, metals, pH and conductivity. Data analyses involved variance analysis and Tukey’s tests using R in RStudio (the IDE). In general, C. dactylon yields or mineral content were not affected by either manure or BC. However, an increase in the total herbage dry weight (30%) and in herbage N% (55%) was observed for clay loam and sandy loam soil, respectively, due to manure amendment application. There were no alterations in clay loam NO3-N and P due to any treatment; however, in sandy loam, these nutrients were not altered only when wood BC was applied. In sandy loam soil, NO3-N and P increased when manure BC along with dairy manure and when manure BC alone were applied, respectively. Thus, wood BC application should be considered to avoid these nutrient buildups when dairy manure is used as a soil amendment. This research shows a neutral (BC) or positive (dairy manure amendment) impact on C. dactylon performance. BC incorporation increases soil total C, showing potential for C sequestration. Long-term field trials could corroborate plant performance and soil parameters.

Manure, a globally used soil amendment, can contribute to excessive N and P runoff, leading to water pollution. Biochar (BC) shows promise in mitigating nutrient loss by retaining soil nutrients. However, there is limited research exploring the combined effects of tillage practices, biochar, manure, forage crops, and soil types on soil nutrient characteristics in a single field study. Our objectives are to determine if, in North Central Texas, differing soil types, soil amendments, forage crops, and tillage practices affect soil nutrients when applied short term, and whether correlations exist among soil nutrient characteristics as affected by soil amendments, tillage practices, and the presence of forage crops. The study encompasses three field sites with five factors, including soil types, manure rates, biochar rates, tillage practices, and forage crop types. Soil samples were assayed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macronutrients, and micronutrients. Data analyses involved variance analysis, Fisher’s tests, and Pearson’s correlations using R in Rstudio (the IDE). Microplots treated with manure (average 2.16 ppm) retained 60% greater average nitrate levels at the end of the growing season than those treated with a synthetic fertilizer (average 1.35 ppm) (p ≤ 0.05). Moderate and strong correlations were observed between EC and S (r (106) = 0.43, p < 0.001 in loamy sand soil; r (106) = 0.80, p < 0.001 in clay loam soil) and between nitrate and Zn, (r (106) = 0.36, p < 0.001 in loamy sand soil; r (106) = 0.44, p < 0.001 in sandy loam soil) across different soil types. Soil type (texture) emerged as the primary influencing factor on plant-available soil nutrients and characteristics, followed by manure application and tillage practices. The impact of BC and forage crop type varied depending on other experimental factors. Understanding the influence of soil type, amendment application, and tillage on soil nutrient characteristics can guide sustainable forage production practices and soil nutrient management strategies.

Although various studies have investigated biochar (BC) soil amendments for improving soil microbial abundance, functions, and community structure, a comparison of dairy manure biochar (MBC) to wood biochar (WBC) is warranted given the large volume of manure produced in high-intensity dairy production. Additionally, the synergistic effects of different BC sources and loading percentages on microbial functions and community composition using massively parallel 16S DNA sequencing in BC-amended soils with different types of crops are limited. In this study, the synergistic effects of BC type, BC loading percentage, and crop types on soil fertility, prokaryote community diversity, and functions were investigated in a greenhouse study. The MBC and WBC were used to amend sandy loam soils at increasing BC loading percentages (0, 5, and 10%) to grow the cool-season forages crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum; an annual legume) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.; an annual forage grass) for 120 days. High nutrient concentrations in MBC shifted microbial communities towards r-strategists and alkaliphiles, potentially increasing the rate of nutrient bioremediation from high nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing soil amendments. This study enables emerging biochar agronomic use recommendations with different crops.

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort) is a cool-season forage grown in the mid-south United States of America that has the potential for spring silage. Ergovaline produced by the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum is preserved in tall fescue silage and can induce tall fescue toxicosis in livestock. Condensed tannins, such as quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley and T. Meyer) extract, can bind to the nitrogenous components of ergovaline, rendering it ineffective in the ruminant. Quebracho tannin (QT) can also bind to crude protein, reducing its conversion to ammonia. Quebracho tannin was either not added (0QT) or added at 10 (10QT) or 20 (20QT) g/kg of dry matter (DM) of silage to chopped endophyte-infected tall fescue of 670 g/kg of moisture (high moisture, HM) and 440 g/kg of moisture (low moisture, LM). A moisture × QT interaction affected the final pH (p = 0.02), with the lowest pH observed in HM silages with 0QT and 10QT. The ergovaline concentrations were not significantly different (p = 0.19) among the post-ensiled forages. Ammonia concentrations (g/kg DM) were affected by a moisture × QT interaction (p = 0.05), with greater concentrations observed in HM 0QT compared with HM 10QT, HM 20QT, and LM 20QT. Lactic acid concentrations (g/kg DM) decreased (p = 0.05) with the addition of QT. The moisture × QT interaction (p = 0.02) resulted in higher concentrations of acetic acid in the HM silages with 0QT and 20QT compared to the LM silage with 20QT. The total acid concentrations (g/kg DM) were higher (p < 0.01) at HM but did not differ (p = 0.54) across the QT concentrations. Ensiling tall fescue with quebracho tannin did not reduce the ergovaline concentrations, although proteolysis was reduced at the inclusion of 10 g/kg of QT in the HM silages and 20 g/kg of QT in the LM silages. The results indicate that QT as a tall fescue silage additive showed promise for modifying silage characteristics but it did not reduce ergovaline concentrations at the low QT levels used in this study.

The objective of our experiment was to evaluate preservation and revitalization strategies for rumen inoculum anticipating research and veterinary applications. Rumen fluid samples were collected from 12 harvested cattle. Liquid samples were divided into five 500-mL aliquots which were randomly allocated to one of five treatments in a 2 × 2 + 1 augmented factorial design. Factors included preservation method [freezing (FZN) or lyophilization (LYO)] and preservative (glycerol; + or –). A fresh control (CON) was maintained from each sample. Feedstuffs used in this experiment were alfalfa hay, Coastal bermudagrass hay, cracked maize, rice bran, and soybean meal. Reference feedstuffs were subjected to batch culture in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) assays using inoculum from each of the five treatments. There was an effect (P < 0.05) of preservation method, preservative, and their interaction for both IVTD and IVNDFD of each of the five references feedstuffs. Freezing or lyophilization of rumen inoculum reduced (P < 0.05) IVTD and IVNDFD of reference feeds relative to the CON. Despite lower degradation of feeds when frozen or lyophilized rumen fluid was used rather than fresh, differences between them in IVTD and IVNDFD suggest that, in the absence of fresh inoculum, preserved rumen fluid may be a viable option for veterinary applications, such as transfaunation, but likely will not be viable for research applications.

Biochar has many potential benefits in agroecosystems such as increasing productivity of crops and modifying soil nutrient content. Biochar is sourced from many waste materials which could easily and sustainably remedy current challenges in concentrated agricultural operations that use manure-based fertilizers. However, relatively little is known about its effects on forage species in conjunction with manure or biochar enriched with manure effluent. Our objective was to look at the effect of biochar and dairy effluent soil amendments on a forage legume and a grass. In this study, sandy loam soil was amended with a variety of biochar (BC) in a greenhouse setting. Factors included (1) BC type; (2) BC loading percentage; (3) effluent saturation of BC; and (4) forage inclusion. The study was repeated twice: once with Trifolium incarnatum and once with Lolium multiflorum. Plant material was assayed for biomass (BM) and C and N content. Soil was assayed for nutrient content and micronutrients. Data were not normally distributed and were consequently analyzed for variance using non-parametric methods in R. Overall, T. incarnatum showed a very strong negative (p ≤ 0.05) impact associated with increasing loading percentages of blend and manure BC on herbage BM, while effluent saturation showed no effect (p > 0.05). In contrast, L. multiflorum showed a strong (p ≤ 0.05) positive impact of increasing loading percentages of saturated wood, blend, and manure BC on herbage BM. BC impact on soil nutrients and forage varied greatly depending on type of BC, loading percentage, and forage species included. Results indicated the importance of BC properties and rates, as well as forage species for nutrient tolerances when choosing a BC amendment and loading rate.

This review provides an update of ecologically relevant phytochemicals for ruminant production, focusing on their contribution to advancing nutrition. Phytochemicals embody a broad spectrum of chemical components that influence resource competence and biological advantage in determining plant species' distribution and density in different ecosystems. These natural compounds also often act as plant defensive chemicals against predatorial microbes, insects, and herbivores. They may modulate or exacerbate microbial transactions in the gastrointestinal tract and physiological responses in ruminant microbiomes. To harness their production-enhancing characteristics, phytochemicals have been actively researched as feed additives to manipulate ruminal fermentation and establish other phytochemoprophylactic (prevent animal diseases) and phytochemotherapeutic (treat animal diseases) roles. However, phytochemical-host interactions, the exact mechanism of action, and their effects require more profound elucidation to provide definitive recommendations for ruminant production. The majority of phytochemicals of nutritional and pharmacological interest are typically classified as flavonoids (9%), terpenoids (55%), and alkaloids (36%). Within flavonoids, polyphenolics (e.g., hydrolyzable and condensed tannins) have many benefits to ruminants, including reducing methane (CH4) emission, gastrointestinal nematode parasitism, and ruminal proteolysis. Within terpenoids, saponins and essential oils also mitigate CH4 emission, but triterpenoid saponins have rich biochemical structures with many clinical benefits in humans. The anti-methanogenic property in ruminants is variable because of the simultaneous targeting of several physiological pathways. This may explain saponin-containing forages' relative safety for long-term use and describe associated molecular interactions on all ruminant metabolism phases. Alkaloids are N-containing compounds with vast pharmacological properties currently used to treat humans, but their phytochemical usage as feed additives in ruminants has yet to be exploited as they may act as ghost compounds alongside other phytochemicals of known importance. We discussed strategic recommendations for phytochemicals to support sustainable ruminant production, such as replacements for antibiotics and anthelmintics. Topics that merit further examination are discussed and include the role of fresh forages vis-à-vis processed feeds in confined ruminant operations. Applications and benefits of phytochemicals to humankind are yet to be fully understood or utilized. Scientific explorations have provided promising results, pending thorough vetting before primetime use, such that academic and commercial interests in the technology are fully adopted.

Recently, biochar has been proposed for various agronomic applications including improved plant growth and soil fertility. In this study, the effects of dairy effluent-saturated (SBC) and unsaturated wood-derived biochar (UBC) on Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) growth, soil fertility and microbial communities were investigated in a greenhouse pot study. SBC and UBC were mixed with sandy loam soil at various loading rates (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) to grow Bermudagrass for 10 weeks. Soil physicochemical properties and plant growth measurements were taken, followed by 16S rRNA (V3-V4) amplicon sequencing of soil bacterial communities. Amendment of SBC to soil altered the soil physicochemical properties and increased the concentrations of N and P in the soil at 2 to 8% loading rates compared to UBC treated soil. The addition of SBC to soil also increased the overall plant biomass compared to UBC with more effects on aboveground biomass. Differential abundance analysis of taxa showed enrichment of Proteobacteria in UBC-amended soil, whereas Firmicutes and Nitrospirae were abundant in SBC-amended soil. Interestingly, enrichment of photosynthetic and N-fixing bacteria was observed in both SBC and UBC-amended soils after 10 weeks of treatments. However, oxidative phosphorylation and biotin metabolisms were found to be more abundant in SBC-amended soil compared to UBC-amended soil. Overall, our study suggested that amendment of SBC to soil resulted in enhanced soil nutrients, microbial capacity and Bermudagrass growth than that of UBC. Therefore, application of SBC to soil in field trials would be merited to identify sustainable and effective practices for enhancing plant growth, soil fertility and soil bacterial community.

Drylands are highly vulnerable to desertification and among the most endangered ecosystems. To understand how biodiversity responds to environmental degradation in these fragile ecosystems, we examined whether arthropod, beetle, spider and ant diversity and assemblage structure differed (1) between seasons, (2) among locations (3) between protected areas of tropical dry forest and adjacent communal lands suffering from desertification, as well as (4) how vegetation impacts assemblage structures. We established 12 plots spaced homogenously throughout each protected area and the adjacent communal land at three locations: Beersheba, Bandia and Ngazobil. Within each plot, we measured canopy closure, vegetation height, percent cover of bare ground, leaf litter, grasses and forbs and collected arthropods using pitfall traps during the 2014 dry (May) and rainy (September) seasons. We collected 123,705 arthropods representing 733 morphospecies, 10,849 beetles representing 216 morphospecies, 4969 spiders representing 91 morphospecies and 59,183 ants representing 45 morphospecies. Results showed greater arthropod and beetle diversities (P = 0.002–0.040) in the rainy season, no difference in diversity among locations for any taxonomic group and a difference (P ≤ 0.001) in diversity for all taxa between protected areas and communal lands. Assemblage structures of all taxa responded (P = 0.001) to vegetation characteristics, differed (P = 0.015–0.045) between seasons and, with a few exceptions, locations and fragments. Our results illustrate the importance of a multi-taxa approach in understanding biodiversity response to anthropogenic disturbances as well as the value of protected areas in preserving biodiversity of the Sahel.

Sheep dietary selection from species-diverse Caatinga rangeland of semi-arid northeastern Brazil has not been documented. This study examined the botanical composition of the available forage and diets of Dorper x Saint Ines ewes on thinned Caatinga over-seeded with Cenchrus ciliaris and Urochloa mosambicensis. Sixty-three species from 23 families, dominated by shrubs and short trees of low forage nutritive value, were identified in the vegetation. The botanical composition revealed, on average, high presence of 29.2% Malvaceae and 13.0% C. ciliaris. Using the microhistological technique, sheep showed, on average, 59.6% preference for dicotyledons throughout the year. However, selectivity indexes indicated, on average, greater selection for Poaceae during the rainy season (1.5) and for dicotyledons in the dry season (1.8) with a year-round aversion for Malvaceae (0.3). These findings suggest that Caatinga vegetation management should include Malvaceae thinning and greater incorporation of grasses and herbaceous legumes to improve rangeland carrying capacity. Keywords: Brazil, continuous stocking, dietary selection, microhistological technique, principal components.DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(4)71-81

To address concerns regarding the potential impact of antibiotic use in animal husbandry on antibiotic resistance in humans, we conducted a greenhouse-based study examining uptake of the veterinary antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC) and monensin (MON) by Tifton 85 Bermudagrass (T85), the most commonly grown forage grass in the southeastern U.S.A. Since oxytetracycline is used in both veterinary and human medicine, its accumulation in animal products could impact human resistance to this antibiotic. Monensin is not used in human medicine but has a high potential for accumulating in the environment. Our research examined antibiotic uptake by forage grass T85, the effect of dairy manure application on its uptake, and antibiotic retention in soil. We compared unspiked, wet dairy manure to wet dairy manure spiked with MON or OTC that was soil surface applied to pots or incorporated into soil. After 6 wk, plant stem/leaf and root tissue, as well as soil samples, were assessed for antibiotic residues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results confirmed Tifton 85 MON and OTC uptake. Six weeks after adding the antibiotics, the greatest plant matter OTC and MON contents were 157.9 ± 70.6 and 234.4 ± 19.6 µg kg−1, respectively, and 17.6 and 369.5 µg kg−1, respectively, for soil. When spiked with OTC, manure incorporation led to decreased OTC uptake by T85 tissue. Bioaccumulation of these antimicrobials in livestock and in the environment is a potential concern for animal, environmental, and human health.

Biofuels produced from non-food lignocellulosic feedstocks have the potential to replace a significant percentage of fossil fuels via high yield potential and suitability for cultivation on marginal lands. Commercialization of dedicated lignocellulosic crops into single biofuels, however, is hampered by conversion technology costs and decreasing oil prices. Integrated biorefinery approaches, where value-added chemicals are produced in conjunction with biofuels, offer significant potential towards overcoming this economic disadvantage. In this study, candidate lignocellulosic feedstocks were evaluated for their potential biomass and silica yields. Feedstock entries included pearl millet-napiergrass (“PMN”; Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br. × P. purpureum Schumach.), napiergrass (P. purpureum Schumach.), annual sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), pearl millet (P. glaucum [L.] R. Br.), perennial sorghum (Sorghum spp.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus J.M. Greef and Deuter), and energy cane (Saccharum spp.). Replicated plots were planted at three locations and characterized for biomass yield, chemical composition including hemicellulose, cellulose, acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), and silica concentration. The PMN, napiergrass, energy cane, and sunn hemp had the highest biomass yields. They were superior candidates for ethanol production due to high cellulose and hemicellulose content. They also had high silica yield except for sunn hemp. Silica yield among feedstock entries ranged from 41 to 3249 kg ha−1. Based on high bioethanol and biosilica yield potential, PMN, napiergrass, and energy cane are the most promising biorefinery feedstock candidates for improving biofuel profitability.

Understanding the dynamics of nutritive values in warm-season perennial bunch grasses with change in ontogenesis is essential to managing their use as forage for livestock or cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. Accumulated growth (not previously harvested) of Alamo lowland and accession 9065018 upland switch grass (Panicum virgatum), Lometa Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), Earl big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), San Marcos eastern gama grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and Haskell sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula ), all native to the southern Great Plains of North America, as well as Selection 75 Klein grass (Panicum coloratum), originating in southern Africa but selected in North America, was harvested every 28 d for 3 yr, commencing 1 yr after establishment. Growth stage, crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) over 48 h were evaluated at each date. Some entries, such as Haskell, San Marcos and Selection 75, initiated reproductive growth earlier in the growing season and had higher nutritive value [up to 119 g CP/kg dry matter (DM) and 630 g IVDMD/kg DM] at seed set than those reproducing later in the season. Nutritive value of San Marcos and Selection 75 responded to autumn rainfall with resurging nutritive value (over 100 g CP/kg DM and over 600 g IVDMD/kg DM), whereas others did not. These nuances in nutritive value may be useful in manipulating species composition and season of utilization for grazing bunch grasses, especially when incorporated into opportunistic harvests of bioenergy feedstock.

ABSTRACT Tree legumes are an underexploited resource in warm-climate silvopastures. Perceived benefits of tree legumes include provisioning (browse/mast, timber, fuel, human food, natural medicines, and ornamentals), regulating (C sequestration, greenhouse gas mitigation, soil erosion control and riparian buffers, shade, windbreaks, and habitat for pollinators), supporting (biological N2-fixation, nutrient cycling, soil fertility and soil health, photosynthesis, and primary productivity), and cultural ecosystem services. Tree legumes, however, have not been assessed to the same extent as herbaceous legumes. Once tree legumes are established, they are often more persistent than most herbaceous legumes. There are limitations for extended research with tree legume silvopastures, but extensive research has been done in Africa and Australia and recent efforts have been reported in South America. Economic benefits must be demonstrated to land managers to increase adoption. These benefits are apparent in the research and successes already available, but more long-term research, including the livestock component is necessary. Other factors that reduce adoption include paucity of domesticated germplasm, lag in research/technology, challenges of multipurpose trees and management complexity, challenges to mechanization, dangers of invasive weeds, and social and cultural barriers. In the current scenario of climate change and the need to increase food security, tree legumes are a key component for the sustainable intensification of livestock systems in warm-climate regions.

Abstract Introducing legumes into C4-dominated tropical pastures, may enhance their sustainability but has some pasture management constraints. One potential alternative is using arboreal legumes, but several of these species have relatively high condensed tannin (CT) concentrations, which negatively impact forage quality. There is limited knowledge, however, on how arboreal legume leaf CT content varies over the year and how this might impact forage quality. The objective of this 2 year study was to assess the seasonal variation of CT and nutritive value for ruminants of the tropical tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp.] and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The research was carried out in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil on well-established pastures in which either legume was present with signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf.). We determined CT and nitrogen concentrations, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and leaf δ13C and δ15N from January to October of 2017 and 2018. All parameters were affected (P

Essential oils (EOs), as rumen additives, decreased CH4 emissions in in vitro trials but results from in vivo studies are still limited. We investigated the effects of Origanum vulgare (OEO) and Thymus vulgaris (TEO) EOs on in vivo methane emissions from Nellore beef cattle. Six adult rumen-cannulated Nellore cattle were used in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of three diets containing either 3 mL OEO per kg of concentrate, 3 mL TEO/kg of concentrate, or no EO addition. The experimental period consisted of three 21 d feeding periods and methane production was measured using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) technique from Day 16 to Day 21 of each feeding period. Intake, total apparent digestibility (dry matter as well as neutral and acid detergent fiber), and rumen parameters (pH, ammoniacal nitrogen concentration, and short-chain fatty acids) were also evaluated. The EOs did not decrease CH4 emissions and had no effect on rumen parameters.

Tropical pasture canopy characteristics can alter lamb ingestive behavior. Our study evaluated the ingestive behavior of young lambs in different tropical pastures to identify which variables interfere in their grazing activity. Two years of study were carried out with 54 weaned lambs distributed in three different pasture canopies: 1) monoculture of an upright grass, guinea grass (Panicum maximum; GG); 2) monoculture of a shrubby legume pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan; PP) and 3) contiguous paddock with half GG and half PP (GP). The experiment was set out in a randomized complete block design (3 blocks). Lamb ingestive behavior was observed from sunrise to sunset with records every 5 minutes. To identify the main variables that affected lamb grazing activity, a multivariate analysis of the Decision Tree was performed. Our results showed that there was no difference in the ingestive behavior parameters of young lambs in different canopies (P > 0.05). There was interaction among the canopies and the experimental periods for the variables idleness time and biting rate (P ≤ 0.05). Lambs in all canopies showed more idleness time in the first evaluation period. Lambs in canopies containing grass (GG and GP) exhibited greater bites per minute throughout the experimental period. Lamb grazing time increased 40% as experimental period progressed and plants matured. The Decision Tree identified leaf:stem ratio as the variable that most influenced lamb grazing time in GG and GP canopies while in the PP, grazing time was directly related to canopy height. The behavior of young lambs on tropical pasture is variable as there is a change in the behavioral response to canopy characteristics over time. In addition, the grazing time of these animals can be estimated by means of variables related to canopy structural characteristics (leaf:stem ratio and height) together with chemical variables.

We evaluated the effects of the inclusion of copaíba (Copaifera officinalis L.) essential oil at 0.05 and 0.1% as a possible replacement of synthetic additive butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in sheep burgers during 14 days of storage in a refrigerated display case (4°C). During the shelf life days, analyzes of antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, pH, color, cooking loss, texture and consumer acceptability were carried out on refrigerated burgers. The addition of copaíba essential oil showed an antioxidant effect in sheep burgers (P > 0.05), reducing lipid oxidation. Copaiba essential oil added at 0.05% showed the highest antioxidant activity, decreased cooking losses and delaying discoloration (loss of redness) during storage; it further improved, the tenderness of sheep burgers (P < 0.05). The treatments had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer acceptability. Copaiba essential oil is a promising natural antioxidant to increase the shelf life of meat products, as well as being a viable solution to replace synthetic antioxidant BHT, thereby promoting the fresh-like quality appeal of sheep burgers.

There is increasing pressure to identify natural feed additives to mitigate methane emissions from livestock systems. Our objective was to investigate the effects of essential oils (EO) extracts star anise (Illicium verum), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllus), staigeriana eucalyptus (Eucalyptus staigeriana), globulus eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), ginger (Zingiber officinale), ho wood (Cinnamomum camphora), melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), oregano (Origanum vulgare) and white thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on in vitro methane emissions from four rumen-cannulated Nellore cattle grazing a tropical grass pasture as inoculum donors. The semi-automated gas production technique was used to assess total gas production, dry matter degradability, partitioning factor, ammoniacal nitrogen, short-chain fatty acids and methane production. All essential oils were tested in four doses (0, 50, 250 and 500 mg/L) in a randomized block design, arranged with four blocks, 10 treatments, four doses and two replicates. Within our study, oregano and white Thyme EO reduced net methane production at 250 mg/L, without affecting substrate degradation. Essential oils from oregano and white thyme have the potential to modify ruminal fermentation and suppress rumen methanogenesis without negative effects on feed digestibility, indicating promise as alternatives to ionophores for methane reduction in beef cattle.

Sheep production on pasture plays an important role in subtropical climates around the world, with great economic and environmental relevance to those regions. However, this production is much lower than its true potential in subtropical regions, largely due to lack of knowledge of how to feed grazing lambs, and mitigate gastrointestinal parasite infections. Due to weather instability and the high growth rate of tropical grasses, it is difficult to adjust the quality and quantity of feed consumed by lambs. In addition, due to warm, wet weather during spring, summer, and autumn, gastrointestinal parasite infection can be intense on subtropical pastures. Thus, the objective of this paper is to summarize 17 years of research in southern regions of Brazil testing alternative management for sheep farmers under these challenging conditions. Our review indicates that ewes play important roles raising their lambs. Besides protecting and providing milk, they leave a better pasture structure for lamb nutrition. The use of creep feeding and creep grazing are additional alternatives to improve lamb growth. However, feeding supplementation with concentrate can deteriorate pasture quality at the end of the summer–autumn season. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections can be reduced with improved lamb nutrition, although L3 larvae of Haemonchus contortus can be present at various pasture heights. This indicates that it is difficult to control L3 ingestion solely by manipulating grazing heights. We summarize important technologies for raising lambs on pasture-based systems to make the best of high herbage growth and minimize intense parasitic infections common in subtropical regions. We discuss research results in light of the latest studies from other ecoregions and climates, although there is a lack of similar research in subtropical regions of the world.

Increasing milk production in countries such as Brazil, India and Pakistan implies the generation of dairy by-products such as nutrient-rich bovine whey which, if used in feeding small ruminants would reduce environmental waste and add value to this by-product. Twenty entire male kids weighing an average 17 kg and 5 months age were used. The diet control was composed by Aruana hay, milled whole maize, pelleted soybean and limestone. Bovine cheese whey at 1.5; 3.0 and 4.5% (DM basis) was added to experimental diets. Variables measured included intake, nutrient apparent digestibility, energy balance, and nitrogen balance. Regression equations and Pearson correlations (P ? 0.05) were determined. The 3% diet resulted in greater ether extract (EE) (g/kg0.75) and digestible EE (P ? 0.05) concentrations compared to 0% whey. The consumption of cellulose (g/kg0.75) was greater (P ? 0.05) for kids on the 3.0% diet compared to 0 or 1.5%. Nutrient apparent digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of whey. Kids on the 4.5% diet excreted more (P ? 0.05) fecal N than those fed no whey; these also retained less N (P ? 0.05) compared to animals fed 3.0% or less whey in their diet. All diets resulted in positive energy and nitrogen balances. Bovine whey can be included in male kid diets up to 4.5% of diet without negatively affecting consumption or apparent digestibility of those diets.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to characterize condensed tannins (CT) from six tropical forage legumes and to determine their biological activity. The monomers propelargonidin, prodelphinidin and procyanidin were analyzed, as well as extractable condensed tannin (ECT), protein-bound CT (PBCT) and fiber-bound CT (FBCT), molecular weight, degree of polymerization, polydispersity index, and biological activity by protein precipitate by phenols (PPP) of leaves of the legumes Cajanus cajan, Gliricidia sepium, Stylosanthes capitata x Stylosanthes macrocephala (stylo), Flemingia macrophylla, Cratylia argentea, and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, and of the bark of this latter species. Differences were observed in the concentrations of ECT, PBCT, PPP, and total condensed tannin among species, but not in that of FBCT. The highest value of PBCT occurred in F. macrophylla. Total CT varied from nondetected concentration in C. argentea to the highest concentration in M. caesalpiniifolia leaves that contain the greatest levels of PPP. No differences were observed for polymerization degree in stylo, F. macrophylla, and M. caesalpiniifolia. Leaves of stylo, C. cajan, and G. sepium, all containing between 20 and 50 g kg-1 total CT, should be beneficial CT sources, if offered as sole feeds in ruminant diets. The ratio of prodelphinidin:procyanidin varies from 10:80 (stylo) to 65:35 (F. machrophylla), and propelargonidin is only determined in C. argentea.

Hempseed meal (HSM) is left after oil extraction of hemp and may act as a protein source in livestock. The first phase of this research evaluated variation in nutritive value and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of HSM from various sources in North America; the second phase utilized IVDMD to evaluate the efficacy of hempseed meal as an ingredient in ruminant feed. In phase one, the source had no contribution to variance for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), or crude protein (CP) (p ≥ 0.20). However, batch within source contributed to variation for NDF (50%), ADF (37%), ADL (13%), and CP (31%; p ≤ 0.01). Irrespective of differences in nutritive value, there was no contribution to variation (p = 0.23) of any measured response on in vitro true digestibility (53.0%). In phase two, two experiments evaluated HSM IVDMD as (1) a concentrate replacement or (2) a protein replacement in rations at varying rates. In the first experiment, IVDMD decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of HSM. In the second experiment, IVDMD decreased (p < 0.01) as HSM inclusion increased. Although IVDMD decreased as HSM inclusion increased, values still met the digestibility threshold for ruminant rations, indicating that HSM has potential as an alternative protein ingredient.

Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.

This two-year study evaluated the effect of Pennisetum purpureum genotypes under rainfed or irrigated conditions, during the dry and rainy seasons, on herbage, leaf, and stem dry matter (DM) accumulation rates, nutritive value, and carbohydrate and protein fractionation. Treatments were tall (Iri 381 and Elefante B) or dwarf (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) genotypes under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Taiwan A-146 2.37 (146 kg DM ha per day) showed similar herbage accumulation rate (HAR) to tall genotypes during the rainy season (124 and 150 kg DM/ha per day, respectively). Dwarf genotypes showed differences in leaf accumulation rate (LAR) (66 and 49 kg DM/ha per day). Mott leaf had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (589 g/kg DM) than Taiwan A-146 2.37 (598 g/kg DM), and tall genotypes had generally greater NDF (668 g/kg DM) than the dwarf genotypes. Irrigation increased fiber deposition in the leaf. Stems of all genotypes had lower in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) (378 g/kg DM) under rainfed conditions in the rainy season. Leaf from irrigated plots had 23% more carbohydrate C fraction (160 g/kg CHO) than those from rainfed plots (122 g/kg CHO). Dwarf genotypes had generally greater nutritive value than tall genotypes. These genotypes show promise under irrigation to fill forage gaps during dry periods.

Animal feeding behavior and diet composition determine rumen fermentation responses and its microbial characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the rumen fermentation kinetics of domestic ruminants feeding diets with or without condensed tannins (CT). Holstein dairy cows, Nelore beef cattle, Mediterranean water buffalo, Santa Inês sheep and Saanen goats were used as inoculum donors (three animals of each species). The substrates were maize silage (Zea mays), fresh elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Acacia (Acacia molissima) extract was used as the external CT source. The in vitro semi-automated gas production technique was used to assess the fermentation kinetics. The experimental design was completely randomized with five inoculum sources (animal species), four substrates (feeds) and two treatments (with or without extract). The inclusion of CT caused more severe effects in grazing ruminants than selector ruminants.

ABSTRACT Despite tremendous advancements in the livestock sector, additional opportunities exist to improve even further livestock production around the globe. Forecasting is not an exact science and it relies heavily on past and current knowledge. Improvements in the nutritional sciences (both human and animal) include a better understanding of agents that cause deterioration of human health, improving the quality of animal products, applying effective fetal programming, developing new feeds and feeding strategies, and revisiting longstanding technologies. Improvements in the understanding of the rumen microbiome will enable scientists to increase the fermentation efficiency and, hopefully, select microbial species of greater interest. Improvements in remote sensing and ground-based instrumentation, telecommunications, and weather forecasting technologies will aid in the continued improvements of early warning systems to assist livestock producers in reducing risk and adapting to the changing environment. Broad utilization of sensor technologies will allow scientists to collect real-time data and, when combined with mathematical modeling, decision support systems will become an indispensable managerial tool for livestock production with the possibility to automate low-level decisions on the farm, such as supplementation schedules, sorting of animals, and early detection of disease and outbreaks. The identification of feed efficient animals may be the single most impactful advancement towards long-term livestock sustainability and the promise of feeding the world animal products. We contend that education across societal levels is the first step to solve current and future challenges of the livestock industry. The dilemma has been who will take the first step forward.

ABSTRACT If the world population continues to increase exponentially, wealth and education inequalities might become more pronounced in the developing world. Thus, offering affordable, high-quality protein food to people will become more important and daunting than ever. Past and future challenges will increasingly demand quicker and more innovative and efficient solutions. Animal scientists around the globe currently face many challenging issues: from ensuring food security to prevent excess of nutrient intake by humans, from animal welfare to working with genetic-engineered animals, from carbon footprint to water footprint, and from improved animal nutrition to altering the rumen microbiome. Many of these issues are most likely to continue (or to exacerbate further) in the coming years, but animal scientists have many options to surmount the obstacles posed to the livestock industry through tools that are presently available. The frequency, interval, and intensity of livestock impacts, however, differ across regions, production systems, and among livestock species. These differences are such that the generalization of these issues is impossible and dangerous. For instance, when we discuss domesticated ruminant nutrition in the human food context, we look for the most efficient ruminant feeds that complement, rather than compete with, grains grown for direct human nutrition. Greater scrutiny and standardization are needed when developing and validating methodologies to assess short- and long-term impacts of livestock production. Failure in correctly quantifying these impacts may lead to disregard and disbelief by the livestock industry, increased public confusion, and the development of illusionary solutions that may amplify the impacts, thereby invalidating its original intent.