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Energy requirements for ingestion and standing were determined in open-circuit respiration chambers with four ruminally cannulated German Red Pied steers weighing 617 [+ or -] 53 kg of BW (mean [+ or -] SD). The requirement for standing over lying was derived by regressing heat production on time spent standing within 2-h periods when no feed was offered to avoid any interference with eating activity, and amounted to 14 kJ/(d*kg of BW). The energy requirement for ingestion was determined by calculating the difference between heat production during a 2-h period without feed and during a consecutive 2-h period in which straw of different particle sizes, fresh and conserved grass, or rolled barley were offered for ad libitum intake. Before measurements, the rumens of the steers were emptied, washed, and filled with a buffer solution to avoid heat production by metabolism of absorbed nutrients from the feed ingested during the experimental periods. The mean value for all feeds tested was 20 J/(min of ingestion * kg BW). Relating heat production to the amount of DM or fiber ingested did not decrease variation among feeds. This confirms the observations of earlier studies, that energy requirement for ingestion is mainly determined by time spent eating. Results of additional measurements, in which the same amounts of the respective feeds ingested in preceding periods were put into the emptied rumens via the cannulas, showed that the presence of the feed in the rumen did not increase heat production, indicating that the increment of heat production during eating is mainly caused by ingesting and chewing the feed. Further measurements in the same animals with an ingesta-filled rumen showed that ingestion of straw led to an increase in heat production per minute of chewing similar to those with emptied rumens, which confirms the validity of the experimental procedure using ruminally emptied animals to determine the energy requirement for ingestion. Key Words: Cattle, Energy Cost of Activities, Energy Requirements, Ingestion, Rumen

The article presents a study which evaluated the nutritive value of 10 commonly available tree leaves of Bangladesh to underscore their suitability as feed for ruminant. The species include Streblus asper, Ficus infectoria, Morus alba, Mangifera indica, Erythrin indica, Albizia spp., Artocarpus integrifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Zizyphus mauritiana and Sesbania sesban. There was a wide variation in the chemical composition, fractions, mineral concentration, amino acid contents, in vitro organic matter digestibility and energy values among the species. The study also found that all the leaves were quite rich in gross and metabolizable energy (ME) but poor in net energy for lactation.

In 36 female weaned piglets, the effect of different dosages (0, 300, 600 and 1200 μg/kg feed) of isolated, pure Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) was examined during a period of 8 weeks. Standardised trial conditions were provided. Pigs were fed restrictively to allow a complete feed intake of all animals. Parameters of liver integrity, haematological data and blood concentrations of some selected metabolic components of energy and protein metabolism were examined weekly. Enzyme aspartate aminotransferase was affected subclinically by age and significantly by dosage, which was proved by Wald F-test. Some additional enzymes, for instance alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and sorbit dehydrogenase, showed no clear systematic effect. Urea and glucose in the blood were inter-related. Depending on DON load with increasing glucose concentrations, the urea level declined. Albumin and total protein in serum showed no significant DON-related effect. Haemoglobin in blood was found to be significantly affected by DON, which was proved by the Wald F-test, where the effect was more pronounced with 600 μg DON/kg diet compared to 1 200 μg DON/kg. An obvious DON-related affection of liver, N-metabolism and stimulation of haematopoiesis depending on dosage and time is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the thiamine concentration and the fermentation patterns [pH, concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)] in the free liquid (FRL) and particle-associated liquid (PARL) of the rumen in dairy cows fed with graded concentrate levels in the diet. Four ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid lactation were fed [semi- ad libitum, 18 kg dry matter (DM)/day] diets consisting of hay (H) and slowly degradable concentrate (C), offered in five different H:C ratios (% DM basis) in the following sequence: period 1, 30:70; period 2, 40:60; period 3, 50:50; period 4, 60:40 and period 5, 75:25. A negative quadratic relationship was observed between thiamine concentration in FRL and intake of dietary thiamine ( R2 = 0.36), of concentrate ( R2 = 0.38) and of digestible non-fibre carbohydrates ( R2 = 0.37). The thiamine concentration in PARL was higher (p ≤ 0.05) compared to FRL. The ruminal thiamine concentration correlated negatively to pH and positively to concentrations of SCFA and propionate in the rumen. R2 of these relationships varied markedly (0.002 and 0.77), depending on time after feeding and fluid digesta compartment. The higher R2 were observed at 8 and 11 h after the morning feeding for FRL ( R2 0.46–0.71) and PARL ( R2 0.41–0.77), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nutritive value of Morinda lucida leaves (Indian Morus) was evaluated using twelve 24-month-old West African dwarf (WAD) sheep (25.0kg body weight, BW) fed Agrostis stolonifers hay. Six of the sheep were fistulated ruminally and used for rumen pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acid (VFA) determination in the rumen fluid. Dried leaves of M. lucida were offered at two levels [25 and 50% of dry matter intake (DMI), diets 2 and 3, respectively] as supplement to basal hay diet. The basal hay diet without supplement was the control diet designated diet 1. The crude protein (CP) contents of diets 1, 2 and 3 were 102, 120 and 138g/kg, respectively, and their digestible energy (DE) intake amounted to 5.63, 5.09 and 4.94MJ/d, respectively. In the fermentation profile trial, the pH of diet 3 was lower (P <0.05) than the controls and diet 2. The ruminal pH dropped (P <0.05) during feeding, reaching its lowest value 1h after feeding stopped, and then began to increase to pre-feeding values after 5h. The ruminal ammonia concentration of sheep fed diet 2 and the controls was higher (P <0.05) than that of diet 3. Diet 3 showed a higher (P <0.05) volatile fatty acid concentration compared to the controls and diet 2. There was a higher (P <0.05) concentration of acetate and propionate in diet 3 compared to the controls and diet 2. Nitrogen intake in the supplemented groups was higher (P <0.05) compared to the controls. However, retained N was higher (P <0.05) in diet 3 than in diet 2. There were differences (P <0.05) in organic matter (OM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and ether extract (EE) digestibility with level of supplementation. A decrease (P <0.05) of 5.6% in OM digestibility and 7.7% in ADF digestibility was observed in diet 2 compared to the controls, respectively. The energy partitioning trial showed a depression (P <0.05) of methane energy with supplementation level. Diet 2 had a higher (P <0.05) faecal energy loss than the controls but not with diet 3. There were no differences in retained energy and heat loss between treatments. However, the lowest heat loss observed in diet 3 could be responsible for the marginal increase in retained energy observed in this group. This study showed that livestock farmers could offer 50% of dried M. lucida leaves as supplement to A. stolonifers hay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A comprehensive review is given on pectin effects in pigs. Its effects on feed passage and digestion in the small intestine, the composition of ileal digesta and fermentation in the colon are described. Pectins promote fermentation at the terminal ileum and in the first part of the colon. It is shown, that pectin opposite to cellulose is degraded to high extents in the colon. Dietetic effects in relation to composition of ileocaecal digesta, endogenous secretions, buffering and pH-stability, high fermentability of organic matter in the colon and resulting volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the cranial part of the colon and even its possible interactions to colonization of the gut by infectious bacteria are described. Pectin effects concerning volume of the intestinal tract, distribution of VFA and lactic acid, role of endogenous secretions are described. The negative effect of pectins on praecaecal digestibility, their high degradation rates in the large intestine and consequences for their dietetic effects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of fibre content of hay (H) and concentrate level (C) on local differences in the composition of ruminal digesta (ratio of solid to fluid digesta, DM, NDF, ADF and ADL content), particle size (MPL), specific gravity (SG) and fermentation (pH and concentrations of SCFA and bicarbonate) have been tested on two ruminally cannulated Friesian cows (520 kg BW) which were fed restricted, using individual cows as experimental units. Digesta samples were collected via cannula from three rumen layers: 5 to 10 cm (top) and 25 - 35 cm beneath the top of the particle mat (middle) and 5 - 10 cm above the rumen floor (bottom). For a main plot treatment (H·C), repeated samples were collected at four time intervals (1 h before and 2, 5 and 10 h after morning feeding) on each of two days. From top to bottom rumen the share of solid digesta mass (SM), DM and NDF contents of squeezed digesta fluid (SRF) and concentration of SCFA decreased ( P  < 0.05); pH and bicarbonate concentration increased ( P  < 0.05), while DM, NDF, ADF and ADL contents in SM, MPL and SG did not differ. Higher NDF content of hay (from 47 - 62%) increased SM, fibre fractions in SM, MPL, pH and concentration of bicarbonate in ruminal digesta, especially when 50% concentrate was given, while SG decreased. When the concentrate level was enhanced from 20 to 50%, digesta SM, MPL and the content of DM and NDF in SRF increased, while pH, concentrations of SCFA and acetate decreased when low-fibre hay was given. With longer time after feeding the digesta SM was reduced and fibre content in SM increased. The increase of the fibre content of hay reduced the possible negative effect of high concentrate level on the stratification of ruminal digesta. The decrease of the fibre content of hay promised better conditions for fibre digestion in the rumen when concentrate availability is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effect of pectin on fermentation parameters in the faeces and caecal digesta of weaned pigs 18 castrated male crossbred pigs with an average body weight of 8 kg were fitted with T-cannulas at the caecum. The animals were randomly distributed into three groups and fed with diets supplemented with 0,5 and 10% pectin. Faeces were collected over a period of 3 days. Thereafter the diets were withdrawn for 24 h followed by ad libitum feeding to enhance the feed intake. Caecal chyme was collected 0,8 and 24 h postprandial. In the faeces the addition of 5% pectin to the diet lowered the content of dry matter and lactic acid. The pH and the digestibility of pectins, the concentration of total SCFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, bicarbonate and chloride increased. Dietary pectin of 10% increased the content of total SCFA and acetate further. When the diets were withdrawn and fed ad libitum 24 h later, a decline of the pH and an increased concentration of lactate in the caecal chyme could be observed in all groups up to 8 h after feeding. With an interval of 8 to 24 h after feeding, a further decline in pH and a rise of lactate only occurred when the diet was not supplemented with pectin. It was concluded that pectin might be beneficial for the development of fermentative processes in the large intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In contrast to supplemented microbial phytases, considerably lower cereal phytase activities were found after application of an enzyme solution extracted in citrate/NaOH buffer (pH 5.5) for 1 h as compared with the direct incubation of the plant material. Differences between both methods obtained were 70% for wheat and spelt and 50% for barley and rye. The determination of phytase activity of a wheat sample by direct incubation was affected by the sample size and amount of substrate (Na-phytate) added. Optimal conditions are a maximal level of phytase activity of ≤ 0.05 U incubated for 60 min in a buffered solution (citrate/NaOH, pH 5.5) with 10 ml of 32.6 mmol/l Na-phytate at 37 ∘ C. Possible reasons for the differences between both methods and for the factors affecting phytase activity by direct incubation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrolysis of phytate in the stomach and the small intestine as influenced by intrinsic plant (wheat) and supplemented microbial phytase (Aspergillus niger) were investigated with six minipigs (40–50 kg initial body weight) fitted with re-entrant cannulas in the duodenum, 30 cm posterior to the pylorus (animals 1, 4, 5 and 6) and ileocecal re-entrant cannulas, 5 cm prior the ileocecal junction (animals 1, 2 and 3), respectively. Dietary treatments were as follows: (1) diet 1, a corn-based diet [43 U phytase/kg dry matter (DM)]; (2) diet 2, diet 1 supplemented with microbial phytase (818 U/kg DM); and (3) diet 3, a wheat-based diet (1192 U/kg DM). At 07 30 h and 19 30 h, each animal was fed 350 g diet mixed with 1050 ml de-ionized water. Digesta were collected continuously and completely during a 12-h period after feeding. Mean hydrolysis rates of IP6 in the stomach as measured at the proximal duodenum of animals 1, 4, 5 and 6 were 9.0, 77.2 and 66.2% for diet 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Microbial phytase was much more effective in phytate hydrolysis than wheat phytase. Mean IP6 hydrolysis rates of the respective diets in the stomach and small intestine as measured at the distal ileum of animals 1, 2 and 3 were 19.0, 62.6 and 64.6% and were lower than treatment means of the stomach only. Differences existed between experimental animals with respect to their ability to hydrolyse IP6 in the stomach independent of the presence and source of dietary phytase. Considerable amounts of hydrolysis products occurred in both the duodenal and ileal digesta when diets 2 and 3 were fed; however, only traces were determined after ingestion of diet 1. Independent of dietary treatment, four IP5 isomers were detected, but in different amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A method was developed for studying local differences in ruminal fermentation. The developed sampler consisted of an acrylic glass container (460 cm⊃3) with an aperture for digesta sampling, which could be opened and closed by the scaled "T" rod. The scale was a reference for defined rumen layers: top. middle, 5 to 10 cm and 25 to 35 cm beneath the top of particles mat, respectively, and bottom 5 to 10 cm above the rumen floor. The repeatability of the method was proved in two rumen cannulated cows. Particle/fluid ratio, pH and sample amount were measured 2 to 2 1/2 h after morning feeding in four replicates each day (over 5 days), tureen layer and animal. No significant differences between replicates were observed. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the particle/fluid ratio varied between 8.7% and 13.6%. Top layer had higher CV than middle and bottom layer. CV of pH ranged between 0.59% and 1.27%. The developed method of sampling showed satisfactory repeatability for investigation of digesta properties and fermentation in different rumen layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts to determine the effects and interactions of different particle sizes on feed intake and digestion processes at different intake and concentrate levels in cows and sheep. Determination of particle and fluid passage; Effects of hay particle size on nutrient digestibility and feed intake; Cause of dilation of the hindgut or an increased rate of escape; Influence of the intake level on the fiber digestibility.

Studies the effects of rations with high amounts of sugar beet mash silage (BMS) substituting concentrates on ruminal fermentation, chewing activity, digestion, feed intake and milk yield and composition in dairy cows. Change in the acidity of rumen liquor after feeding; Factors affecting the apparent digestibility of crude nutrients and energy of the rations; Influence of structural fiber content of BMS on chewing and rumination.

Summary In 1994 and 1995 leaves from 10 selected West African trees and shrubs with varying tannin content were tested to determine their suitability as an alternative and supplementary browse feed for West African dwarf sheep to improve productivity in small-scale holdings in Benin. Dry matter intake per kg metabolic body weight (DM g/kg W0.75) varied between the different browse feeds and between the different trials and ranged from zero (Leucaena leucocephala) up to 26.7 DM g/kg W0.75 (Margaritaria discoidea). The digestibility of the organic matter varied between 58.9 % (L. leucocephala) and 68.2 % (Mallotus oppositifolius). Agelaea obliqua showed the highest levels of total phenols (10.2 %), tannin phenols (8.8 %) and extractable condensed tannins (8.0 %). Leaves from various browse feeds are a good and protein-rich supplementary fodder in addition to the grass Panicum maximum. However, feeding of A. obliqua and Cnestis ferruginea should be avoided due to toxic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features a study which evaluated the feeding value of Phyllanthus discoideus, also called Margaritaria discoidea leaves, using West African Dwarf sheep fed with natural grass hay. Background of study; Materials and methods; Results and discussion; Conclusions.