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Alfalfa hay is a commonly used and important feed ingredient in dairy production. To better expand the alfalfa supply market, it is of great significance to explore the impact of alfalfa hay from different sources on dairy cow production performance. This study compared the effects of imported alfalfa hay from America (AAH) and Spain (SAH) on lactation performance and rumen microbiota of cows. Three hundred and sixty healthy mid-lactation Holstein cows with similar body weight, milk yield, and parity were randomly divided into two groups fed diets based on AAH or SAH for a 70-day experimental period. Each group was composed of four pens, with 45 cows in each pen. Daily records were kept for MY per cow and dry matter intake per pen. Twelve randomly selected cows per group were sampled to collect milk, feces, rumen fluid, and blood. The findings revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of production performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indices, or rumen fermentation parameters. However, rumen microbial composition differed significantly between the two groups of cows based on β-diversity. On the genus level, the relative abundance of Prevotella , Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002 increased while that of NK4A214_group , Ruminococcus , norank_f_F082 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group decreased in the SAH group compared with AAH group. There was no significant correlation between these core differential bacteria and the molar proportions of acetate and propionate, the concentration of total volatile fatty acids, and milk yield. In conclusion, the feeding effects of SAH were similar to those of AAH. These findings provided a reference for the application of alfalfa hay from different sources and for the improvement of the economic benefit of dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) and chitinase combinations on the conservation and nutritive value of alfalfa high-moisture hay (HMH). P. pentosaceus [1012 colony forming unit/g fresh forage] combined with (g/tonne of fresh forage) 1.5 (PP + LC), 7.5 (PP + MC), or 15.0 (PP + HC) g of LANiHay01 chitinase (Exp. 1) or with LANiHay02 (PP + Fe; 1.5 g), LANiHay01 (PP + Pe; 1.5 g), or Sigma (PP + Si; 55 mg) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 2) were used in 2016. In 2017, PP was applied alone or in combination with LANiHay01 at 1.5 g (PP + LC) or 7.5 g (PP + MC) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 3 and 4). Deionized water and propionic acid (4.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 1 and 2 and at 6.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 3 and 4) were applied as neutral (CON) and positive control (CON+), respectively. The maximum temperature (r2 = 0.66) and NH3-N concentration (r2 = 0.80) of the HMH were positively related to total microbial populations. PP + MC had lower (p ≤ 0.05) yeast and mold counts than CON in Exp. 3 and 4 while the neutral detergent fiber degradability was greater (p < 0.01) for PP + MC and PP + LC than CON in Exp. 1 and 3, respectively. P. pentosaceus in combination with chitinase has the potential in conserving the nutrient quality of alfalfa HMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is primarily stored as silage or hay in livestock production. Previous research has shown that the storage method of grass significantly influences milk composition. This study aimed to investigate milk production performance and lipid composition in dairy cows fed diets consisting of alfalfa hay or alfalfa silage as roughage. Forty-two mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were selected and randomly divided into three groups, each receiving a total mixed ration consisting of alfalfa hay (AH), 50% alfalfa silage + 50% alfalfa hay (AHAS), or alfalfa silage (AS). The results showed that milk fat content (P = 0.049) and milk fat yield (P

Introduction: Beef cattle in the Northern Great Plains of the United States of America are normally kept in open dry lot pens in winter. Practices such as bale grazing, swath grazing, stockpiling, and corn residue grazing, can be used to extend the grazing season and minimize dry lot use. Extending the grazing season has several advantages over dry lot use but arguably the most important benefit is cost savings due to lower labor and input costs. Strategies selected to supplement cattle in extended grazing systems should maintain cost savings while providing required nutrients to cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions. The study was conducted across variable winter conditions that are encountered in winters in the US Northern Great Plains. Methods: The study extended over four years. Each year, non-lactating pregnant beef cows (n = 64, year 1; n = 80, year 2, 3, 4) were divided into eight groups of similar average body weight and randomly assigned to one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) bale grazing grass hay, b) bale grazing grass hay treated with a liquid supplement, c) bale grazing grass hay and alfalfa hay, and d) bale grazing grass hay and plus 1.8 kg corn DDGS/head/day. Animal performance was assessed from two-day body weights and body condition scores taken at the start and end of the study. Data analysis considered the fixed effects of treatment, year, and treatment x year interaction. Results: Final BW tended (P = 0.09) to be greatest following corn DDGS supplementation and lowest when grass hay was offered. The treatment strategy x year interaction (P = 0.026) for ADG showed that corn DDGS supplementation resulted in positive ADG across the years regardless of environmental conditions. Liquid or alfalfa hay supplementation resulted in positive ADG when environmental conditions were favorable. Final BCS (P = 0.005) and BCS change (P = 0.004) were greater following corn DDGS supplementation, intermediate following alfalfa hay or liquid supplementation and lowest when grass hay was fed. Supplementation costs ranged from $1.33 to $1.90/head/day, the highest cost occurred with corn DDGS supplementation mainly due to cost of corn DDGS and labor required to deliver corn DDGS to cattle on pasture. Discussion: Alfalfa hay or molasses-based liquids increased diet CP content but did not supply adequate energy in severely cold winters. Despite relatively higher supplement costs, high energy supplements such as corn DDGS may be required in severely cold winters where cattle require extra energy. Supplement selection should consider supplement effectiveness to meet animal nutrient requirements particularly in adverse winter conditions such as those encountered in the US Northern Great Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to assess the effects of quinoa straw combined with alfalfa hay and corn straw on the in vitro fermentation characteristics of sheep rumen. Six diets with a ratio of concentrate, quinoa straw, alfalfa hay, or corn straw at 40: 20: 40, 40: 30: 30, and 40: 40: 20 were set for in vitro fermentation. The gas production (GP) of fermentation was collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours. After fermentation, the supernatant and residues were collected for pH, dry matter degrada tion rate (DMD), organic matter degradation rate (OMD), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content measure ment, and which were used for calculating the single combined effect index (SFAEI) and multicombined effect index (MFAEI). The results showed that the rapid gas production part (a), 48 hour gas production (GP48 h), OMD, and NH3-N of the combination of concentrate + quinoa straw + alfalfa hay were higher than those of the combination of concentrate + quinoa straw + corn straw. The corresponding index and comprehen sive combination effect index of the combination of concentrate + quinoa straw + alfalfa hay were higher than those of the combination of concentrate + quinoa straw + corn straw. The optimal combination ratio of concentrate + quinoa straw + alfalfa hay was 40: 20: 40, and the optimal combination ratio of concentrate + quinoa straw + corn straw was 40: 20: 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding starter diets containing either chopped wheat straw (WS), chopped alfalfa hay (ALF) or their mixture (WA), and forage free starter diet (CO) on feed and water intakes, growth rate, blood metabolites, feeding behavior, ruminal pH, and structural body characteristics of Holstein calves. Sixty newborn Holstein calves (30 males and 30 females) were blocked based on sex and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The treatments included feeding dry starter diets with 1) no forage (CO), 2) chopped wheat straw (WS), 3) chopped alfalfa hay (ALF), or 4) a 50:50 mixture of wheat straw and alfalfa hay (WA). The dietary inclusion rate of forage was 5% from d 3 to 21 and 10% from d 22 until weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning. The starter diets were offered as totally mixed rations. Feed intake of individual calves was measured daily and body weight (BW) was monitored biweekly. Jugular blood samples were taken to measure serum metabolites on d 21 and 63. The calves in the WS group had greater (P<0.05) starter DM (1327 vs. 902 (g/d]), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (233 vs. 98 (g/d]) intakes than calves in the CO group. Calves fed forage had greater acid-detergent fiber (ADF) intake than calves fed CO diet (P<0.01). The total starter intake preweaning (100 vs. 76 and 73 (kg]) and dry matter intake (DMI) post-weaning (63 vs. 43 and 42 (kg]) were greater (P<0.05) for WS compared with ALF and CO calves, respectively. The average daily gain (average daily gain (ADG), 727 vs. 633 (g/d]) and average BW (65 vs. 60 (kg]) tended to be greater for WS relative to others (P<0.10). The average final body weight (BW) (97.7 vs. 85.3 (kg]) and total post-weaning weight gain (13.4 vs. 9.5 (kg]) were greater in WS compared with ALF (P<0.05), but was similar among WS, CO and WA groups. Ruminal pH tended to be greater (P=0.09) for WS (6.28) and WA (6.36) than for CO (5.61) and ALF (5.88). There was a tendency to decrease in non-nutritive oral behaviors for WS (21 min/d) compared with CO (59 (min/d]). Overall, findings suggest that forage in calf starter diets (mashed) could improve DMI and growth, with chopped WS being more effective than ALF under the conditions of this study. To imply, the indigestible and physically effective fiber of WS was able to stabilize rumen conditions and successfully stimulate greater starter intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality detection of alfalfa hay is crucial for the development of animal husbandry. In this study, a method for quality detection of alfalfa hay based on the fusion of multisource information including near-infrared spectroscopy, image processing techniques, and electronic nose is proposed. After SG convolution smoothing, feature wavelengths were extracted using Competitive Adaptive Re-weighting Scheme and Successive Projections Algorithm from the spectral data. The image data were denoised using adaptive wavelet thresholding, and color and texture features were extracted using color histograms and random forest algorithms, respectively. Electronic nose data using principal component analysis was used for data dimensionality reduction. Support Vector Machine, Extreme Learning Machine, and Multi-Layer Perceptron were employed to establish quality detection models of alfalfa hay based on spectroscopy, image, gas information, and their combination, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the fusion of near-infrared spectroscopy, image data, and gas information effectively enhances the classification accuracy of the model. The accuracy of the test set reaches 100%, with root mean square error and determination coefficient values of 0.1728 and 0.9239, respectively, surpassing prediction models established solely on individual information. This study provides new insights into alfalfa hay quality detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ruminants and their products play an important role in providing food for many people. They are able to convert plants that cannot be digested by humans into usable protein for humans. New animal feed has been commonly developed for long years. To improve food production from ruminants, it is important to explore new feed sources. New or less exploited types of feed can replace or supplement traditional feeds in ruminant diets. Sesbania is a multipurpose plant that is cultivated for consumption as fodder and green manure. As a fast- growing plant, Sesbania has been mentioned as a food source to reduce feed costs. The food value of some of its species is equal to alfalfa and several other valuable plants. Due to proper digestibility, low fiber, and relatively high protein, it is possible to replace it with hay for livestock, especially small ruminants. In addition, as a tropical legume, Sesbania can easily withstand temperatures above 35°C, which are limiting for most legume plants, and grow well under salinity stress conditions if there is sufficient moisture in the soil. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the nutritional value of Sesbania sp. L. for ruminants. Methods: The present research was carried out in the laboratories and teaching-research station of animal husbandry at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. The experimental treatments included a control diet (without the Sesbania plant), 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacements of the Sesbania plant with alfalfa. The chemical compositions of the Sesbania plant, alfalfa hay, treatments, and other experimental samples, including crude protein, dry matter, ash, acid detergent fiber, and total tannin, were measured by standard methods. The neutral detergent fiber was quantified with the usual method without using the alpha-amylase enzyme and sodium sulfite by removing ash. The amount of gas produced by the samples was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after incubation, and gas production parameters, digestibility of organic matter, their metabolizable energy, ammonia nitrogen concentration, pH, and protozoa population of culture medium were estimated in the treatments. In the gas production experiment, rumen fluid was taken from the rumen of three male sheep fed with a forage-based diet at the maintenance level and before morning feeding using a stomach tube. Ruminal fluid was filtered with a four-layer cheesecloth, mixed, and transferred to the laboratory in a flask containing hot water at 39 °C. To count protozoa at the end of 24 hours, a sample was prepared from the gas culture medium and mixed with 10 ml of 10% formaldehyde, and protozoa were counted using a hemocytometer slide. The resulting data were analyzed with a completely randomized design. In the present experiment, the chemical composition, digestion, and fermentation of the Sesbania plant were also compared with alfalfa hay. Results: Compared to the control, Sesbania-containing diets replaced with alfalfa had significantly the lowest potential and gas production rate at all levels (P < 0.05). The comparison of the Sesbania plant and alfalfa hay showed that the potential and gas production rate of alfalfa were higher than that of the Sesbania plant. In the experimental diets, the partitioning factor, microbial biomass production, and microbial biomass production efficiency were higher at all levels of Sesbania replaced with alfalfa than the control diet, and the levels of 75% and 100% of Sesbania replaced with alfalfa had a significantly higher partitioning factor than the control and other treatments (P < 0.05). However, the truly degradable organic matter was not affected by the experimental treatments. The results of the comparison of the Sesbania plant and alfalfa hay showed that the partitioning factor, microbial biomass production, and microbial biomass production efficiency of the Sesbania plant were significantly higher than alfalfa (P < 0.05). The results of fermentation parameters after 24 hours of incubation showed that the pH of the rumen culture medium was not affected by the experimental treatments, but the ammonia nitrogen concentration was affected by the experimental treatments (P < 0.05), and the control treatment contained the highest ammonia nitrogen concentration. In the comparison of the Sesbania plant with alfalfa hay, the pH of the rumen culture medium was not affected by the experimental treatments, and the ammonia nitrogen concentration of the Sesbania plant was significantly lower than that of alfalfa hay (P < 0.05). The helotrich, entodinomorph, and cellulolytic protozoa population, and the total rumen protozoa population were the highest in the control treatment (29.33) and the lowest in the 100% replacement of the Sesbania plant with alfalfa hay (9.66). The results of the comparison of the Sesbania plant with alfalfa hay showed an increase in the population of Helotrich, Entodinomorph, and Cellulolytic protozoa and the total population of rumen protozoa in alfalfa hay, with a decrease in the population of the Sesbania plant. The results of in vitro digestibility indicated the highest digestibility of dry matter, NDF, and, ADF in the control treatment. The comparison of the Sesbania plant with alfalfa hay revealed that the digestibility of dry matter, NDF, and ADF of alfalfa was higher than that of the Sesbania plant. Conclusion: In general, the results of the present experiment demonstrate that the chemical composition and digestibility of the Sesbania plant are similar to alfalfa hay. Therefore, the Sesbania plant can be considered a suitable substitute for alfalfa hay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa hay is a commonly used and important feed ingredient in dairy production. To better expand the alfalfa supply market, it is of great significance to explore the impact of alfalfa hay from different sources on dairy cow production performance. This study compared the effects of imported alfalfa hay from America (AAH) and Spain (SAH) on lactation performance and rumen microbiota of cows. Three hundred and sixty healthy mid-lactation Holstein cows with similar body weight, milk yield, and parity were randomly divided into two groups fed diets based on AAH or SAH for a 70-day experimental period. Each group was composed of four pens, with 45 cows in each pen. Daily records were kept for MY per cow and dry matter intake per pen. Twelve randomly selected cows per group were sampled to collect milk, feces, rumen fluid, and blood. The findings revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of production performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indices, or rumen fermentation parameters. However, rumen microbial composition differed significantly between the two groups of cows based on β-diversity. On the genus level, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002 increased while that of NK4A214_group, Ruminococcus, norank_f_F082 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group decreased in the SAH group compared with AAH group. There was no significant correlation between these core differential bacteria and the molar proportions of acetate and propionate, the concentration of total volatile fatty acids, and milk yield. In conclusion, the feeding effects of SAH were similar to those of AAH. These findings provided a reference for the application of alfalfa hay from different sources and for the improvement of the economic benefit of dairy farms.

The use of hemp as a forage source in livestock diets has been less studied because bioactive residues in animal tissues may pose a risk to consumers. This study investigated the effects of partial substitution of alfalfa hay (AH) with hemp forage (HF) in growing goat diets on growth performance, carcass traits, ruminal fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial communities, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant indices. Forty Xiangdong black goats with body weight (BW) 7.82 ± 0.57 kg (mean ± SD) were grouped by BW and randomly assigned into one of the four treatment diets (n = 10/treatment) in a completely randomized design. The goats were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing 60% forage and 40% concentrate (DM basis). The diets included control (CON; 60% AH and 40% concentrate), 55% AH and 5% HF (HF5), 50% AH and 10% HF (HF10), and 40% AH and 20% HF (HF20). Increasing the substitution of HF for AH linearly decreased (P = 0.004) DM intake and improved feed conversion efficiency. However, final BW, average daily gain, carcass traits, meat quality, and most blood biochemistry indices did not differ among treatments. The ruminal NH3-N concentration (P = 0.003) and blood urine nitrogen (P = 0.050) linearly increased (P

In this study, a quantitative model was developed using near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze protein content in dried purple alfalfa, employing preprocessing methods (SG, SNV, MSC, FD) and variable selection algorithms (CARS, IRIV) to optimize spectra. Models using ELM, PLSR, SVM, and LSTM were tested; the MSC-CARS-PLSR-SVM model achieved the highest accuracy, with a calibration determination coefficient (R²) of 0.9982 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.1088, and a prediction R² of 0.9645 with RMSE of 0.5230, offering a precise and reliable method for protein content prediction.

The high nutritional value of alfalfa hay makes it a widely utilized component in animal feed. However, the current prevalent drying methods for forage have a significantly detrimental impact on the quality of alfalfa during the drying process. This study investigates the effects of high-voltage corona discharge (HVCD) treatment on post-cut alfalfa. Gradient experiments are conducted by adjusting the air-gap spacing at a voltage of 25 kV. The results demonstrate that as the distance decreases, there is an observed increase in the drying rate, rehydration rate, and color intensity of the HVCD-treated material. HVCD treatment significantly enhances crude protein content, which increases with decreasing air-gap spacing. Meanwhile, it negatively affects lignin, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels. The relative forage quality (RFQ) of alfalfa reaches its peak at an air-gap spacing of 7 cm. The application of HVCD disrupts the fiber structure and induces significant electroporation effects in cells. Minimal changes in functional groups preserve nutrient integrity. Furthermore, HVCD exhibits lower energy consumption compared to hot air dryers. The HVCD treatment is a highly efficient and effective method, with a gradual improvement in alfalfa hay quality as the air-gap distance decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the rumen microbiota plays an important role in the rumen development. However, little is known about the effects of alfalfa supplementation time on rumen microbiota establishment. Here, a total of 42 Hu lambs, sevenday-old, were chosen for the study. After a week of adjustment, six lambs were sacrificed to establish a baseline. The remaining 36 lambs were randomly split into two groups: one receiving alfalfa hay at 14 days (EAF), the other at 42 days (LAF), both groups received milk replacer and starter pellets. Introducing alfalfa at 14 days of age significantly improved total dry matter intake between 28 and 42 days (p = 0.04) and average daily gain from both 14 to 28 days (p = 0.04) and 28 to 42 days (p < 0.01), but this effect disappears from 56 to 70 days (p > 0.05). At 42 days, the abundances of Naganishia, Ascochyta, and Neosetophoma in the EAF group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the LAF group (17.8% vs. 3.97, 10.89% vs. 1.77, and 1.27% vs. 0.09%, respectively). At 56 days, the abundances of Ascochyta, Wallemia, and Aspergillus in the EAF group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (3.53% vs. 16.40, 8.78% vs. 18.89, and 2.14% vs. 4.69%). At 70 days, Aspergillus abundance in the EAF group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (2.69% vs. 0.85%). The LEfSe analysis showed that Methanobrevibacter_smithii was the archaeal biomarker at 14 days in both groups. Methanobrevibacter_sp_AbM4 was enriched at 56 days in the LAF group. Compared to the LAF group, the specific fungal biomarkers in the EAF group included Sporobolomyces and Bullera at 14 days, Naganishia, Didymella, Cleistothelebolus, and Alloleptosphaeria at 42 days, Ascochyta, Neoascochyta, and Alfaria at 70 days. Correlation analysis results showed strong patterns of association both within and between archaea and fungi, which were influenced by alfalfa supplementation time. In summary, alfalfa supplementation at 14 days of age promotes the growth performance of lambs before weaning, and alfalfa supplementation timing significantly affects rumen archaeal and fungal communities and dynamical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an economically important commodity in the Intermountain Western United States. A major concern for alfalfa producers in this region is the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal). Insecticide resistance development coupled with regulatory changes in pesticide use has resulted in renewed interest by producers in non-chemical control methods such as cultural control. One such cultural control method is early harvest, which consists of producers timing their harvests early in the season to decrease alfalfa weevil damage. This method is thought to be effective by exposing weevil larvae to adverse conditions before significant damage occurs. Still, early harvest can be difficult to employ because recommendations are often vague. To better understand how early harvest impacts both alfalfa weevils and their natural enemies and how producers are using this method across the Intermountain Western United States, we conducted a study in alfalfa production fields in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming over three growing seasons. We determined that the timing of the initial alfalfa harvest spanned more than 1 month across fields, and alfalfa plant stage at harvest ranged from late vegetative to early bloom. Harvest was more impactful on reducing alfalfa weevil densities the earlier it was implemented. Removing windrows in a timely manner is likely useful to further decrease alfalfa weevil densities. Harvest timing was not associated with parasitism rates of alfalfa weevil, but higher parasitism rates were associated with lower post-harvest alfalfa weevil densities. This work has increased our understanding of early harvest in an on-farm setting and to improve recommendations for producers across the Intermountain Western United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition, digestibility and fermentation of red Alternanthera sessilis and compare its nutritional value with alfalfa either individually or in the form of rations of fattened lamb diets. Four experimental treatments included 1: control (without Alternanthera sessilis), 2: ration containing 3% (20% alfalfa substitution), 3: 6% (40% alfalfa substitution) and 4: 9% (60% alfalfa substitution) Alternanthera sessilis. Digestibility and fermentation of experimental samples were measured by gas production and two-step digestion test. In terms of chemical composition, there was a great relationship between Alternanthera sessilis and alfalfa hay. Adding Alternanthera sessilis to feed of lambs significantly increased the amount of truly degraded organic matter, metabolizable energy, and apparent digestibility of organic matter, so that these parameters were highest in treatment containing 9% of Alternanthera sessilis plant. On the other hand, by using Alternanthera sessilis plant, dry matter digestibility tended to increased. The amount of microbial biomass production and microbial biomass production efficiency were not affected by experimental diets. Rations containing Alternanthera sessilis were cheaper than control diets. Therefore, it can be stated that the nutritional value of Alternanthera sessilis is comparable to alfalfa hay and can be replaced by alfalfa by up to 60% in the ration of fattening lambs. In vivo experiments are also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBeef cattle in the Northern Great Plains of the United States of America are normally kept in open dry lot pens in winter. Practices such as bale grazing, swath grazing, stockpiling, and corn residue grazing, can be used to extend the grazing season and minimize dry lot use. Extending the grazing season has several advantages over dry lot use but arguably the most important benefit is cost savings due to lower labor and input costs. Strategies selected to supplement cattle in extended grazing systems should maintain cost savings while providing required nutrients to cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions. The study was conducted across variable winter conditions that are encountered in winters in the US Northern Great Plains.MethodsThe study extended over four years. Each year, non-lactating pregnant beef cows (n = 64, year 1; n = 80, year 2, 3, 4) were divided into eight groups of similar average body weight and randomly assigned to one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) bale grazing grass hay, b) bale grazing grass hay treated with a liquid supplement, c) bale grazing grass hay and alfalfa hay, and d) bale grazing grass hay and plus 1.8 kg corn DDGS/head/day. Animal performance was assessed from two-day body weights and body condition scores taken at the start and end of the study. Data analysis considered the fixed effects of treatment, year, and treatment x year interaction.ResultsFinal BW tended (P = 0.09) to be greatest following corn DDGS supplementation and lowest when grass hay was offered. The treatment strategy x year interaction (P = 0.026) for ADG showed that corn DDGS supplementation resulted in positive ADG across the years regardless of environmental conditions. Liquid or alfalfa hay supplementation resulted in positive ADG when environmental conditions were favorable. Final BCS (P = 0.005) and BCS change (P = 0.004) were greater following corn DDGS supplementation, intermediate following alfalfa hay or liquid supplementation and lowest when grass hay was fed. Supplementation costs ranged from $1.33 to $1.90/head/day, the highest cost occurred with corn DDGS supplementation mainly due to cost of corn DDGS and labor required to deliver corn DDGS to cattle on pasture.DiscussionAlfalfa hay or molasses-based liquids increased diet CP content but did not supply adequate energy in severely cold winters. Despite relatively higher supplement costs, high energy supplements such as corn DDGS may be required in severely cold winters where cattle require extra energy. Supplement selection should consider supplement effectiveness to meet animal nutrient requirements particularly in adverse winter conditions such as those encountered in the US Northern Great Plains.

This study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) and chitinase combinations on the conservation and nutritive value of alfalfa high-moisture hay (HMH). P. pentosaceus [1012 colony forming unit/g fresh forage] combined with (g/tonne of fresh forage) 1.5 (PP + LC), 7.5 (PP + MC), or 15.0 (PP + HC) g of LANiHay01 chitinase (Exp. 1) or with LANiHay02 (PP + Fe; 1.5 g), LANiHay01 (PP + Pe; 1.5 g), or Sigma (PP + Si; 55 mg) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 2) were used in 2016. In 2017, PP was applied alone or in combination with LANiHay01 at 1.5 g (PP + LC) or 7.5 g (PP + MC) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 3 and 4). Deionized water and propionic acid (4.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 1 and 2 and at 6.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 3 and 4) were applied as neutral (CON) and positive control (CON+), respectively. The maximum temperature (r2 = 0.66) and NH3-N concentration (r2 = 0.80) of the HMH were positively related to total microbial populations. PP + MC had lower (p ≤ 0.05) yeast and mold counts than CON in Exp. 3 and 4 while the neutral detergent fiber degradability was greater (p < 0.01) for PP + MC and PP + LC than CON in Exp. 1 and 3, respectively. P. pentosaceus in combination with chitinase has the potential in conserving the nutrient quality of alfalfa HMH.

This study investigated the effects of harvest time, cellulase, lactic acid bacteria, and ensiling with alfalfa hay on the chemical parameters, bacterial community composition, and fermentation of corn stalk silage. Corn stalks were ensiled after the ear harvest at 0 days (D0) and 20 days (D20). Each harvest was treated with alfalfa hay [AL, 5% of fresh matter (FM)], Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) (1 × 106 CFU/g of FM), Trichoderma cellulase (TC) (100 mg/kg of FM), or both Lp and TC (Lp+TC). The silos were opened after 60 days of fermentation. The dry matter (DM) content of raw materials increased from 18.79% to 28.32% with the harvest time. The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content also significantly increased (p < 0.05), while water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After 60 days, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF contents increased, and all chemical composition and fermentation state parameters of silages had significant differences (p < 0.05) with the harvest time. Compared with the control group, the AL treatment resulted in higher (p < 0.05) DM and crude protein (CP) contents, and the Lp+TC treatment resulted in a lower NDF (p < 0.05) content. For D0, the TC and Lp+TC treatments resulted in a higher WSC content and lower NDF and ADF contents than in D20. Meanwhile, the ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) content in each treatment was less than 10% of the DM. The pH values were all approximately 3.70. The AL treatment significantly increased the lactic acid (LA) content and lactic/acetic acid ratio (LA/AA). Additionally, the silages had a similar microbial environment before and after fermentation. We recommend harvesting corn stalks for silage immediately after the corn ear harvest. Adding cellulase improved the corn stalk feed value, and ensiling with alfalfa hay improved its fermentation quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to assess the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, methane production, and biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids of diets with two protected fat (PF) sources from soybean or linseed oil, two levels of PF (0 and 6%) and two forage sources (canola silage (CS) or alfalfa hay (AH)) in a factorial 2x2x2 completely randomised design. Only fatty acids content at final incubation was affected (P<0.05) by triple interaction, where C18:2 was highest with AH plus 6% soybean PF (4.41mg/g DM), while C18:3 was with CS plus 6% linseed oil protected (1.98mg/g DM). C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 had high concentration (308 mg/g DM; P<0.05) with AH plus 6% PF regardless PF type, and C18:1 trans-11 was higher with 6% PF than without PF (13.41 vs 7.89 mg/g DM). Cumulative methane production was not affected by treatments (0.9973 ± 0.1549 mmol/g DM; P>0.05). Gas production and in vitro NDF digestibility were lower with 6% PF of linseed than soybean (160.88 vs 150.97 ml; and 69.28vs 62.89 %, respectively P<0.05). With linseed PF the NH3-N concentration was highest in CS than AH (41.27 vs 27.95 mg/dL; P<0.05) but IVDMD had the opposite result (78.54 vs 85.04). In conclusion, although methane production was not affected and in vitro digestibility and gas production were reduced with linseed PF, the concentration of C18:3 and C18:1 trans-11 was increased, which could improve the lipid profile of milk. The negative effects on digestibility were less with AH than of CS regardless of PF type and level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTRuminal microbiota is gradually established after birth, while microbiota maturation could be highly diverse because of varied solid dietary accessibility. However, how the ruminal microbiota accreted from postnatal hay diets alters rumen epithelial development, and how this affects animal health remains largely unknown. Here, neonatal lambs were introduced to starchy corn-soybean starter or corn-soybean starter + alfalfa hay (AH) to investigate the influences of early life ruminal microbiome on rumen epithelial development using integrated 16s rRNA sequencing-metagenome-transcriptome approaches. The results showed that AH introduction elevated average daily weight gain, rumen weight and volume, rumen epithelial papillae length, and rumen muscle layer thickness. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of fibrolytic bacteria (Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Succinivibrio), acetate producer (Acetitomaculum and Mitsuokella), and propionate producer Succiniclasticum was increased in the rumen content by AH supplementation (P < 0.05). Moreover, AH introduction decreased the relative abundance of total CAZymes, CBM, and GH and increased the abundance of KO genes related to volatile fatty acid (VFA) generation in the rumen content. AH lambs had a higher relative abundance of Succiniclasticum, Megasphaera, Succinivibrio, and Suttonella (P < 0.05), while a lower relative abundance of Cloacibacillus, Desulfovibrio, Dialister, Intestinimonas, Parabacteroides, and Pseudoscardovia (P < 0.05) in the rumen epithelial samples. Furthermore, these alterations in ruminal microbial structure and function resulted in ruminal epithelial cell proliferation and development pathways activation. In summary, AH introduction benefited ruminal fiber degradation and VFA generation bacteria colonization and promoted ruminal epithelial development. These findings provide new insights into ruminal microbial–host interactions in the early life.IMPORTANCEWhile it is established that a fiber-rich diet promotes rumen development in lambs, further research is needed to investigate the precise response of rumen microbiota and epithelium to high-quality alfalfa hay. Here, we observed that the inclusion of alfalfa hay led to a discernible alteration in the developmental trajectory of the rumen. Notably, there was a favorable shift in the rumen's volume, morphology, and the development of rumen papillae. Furthermore, ruminal microbial structure and function resulted in ruminal epithelial cell proliferation and development pathways activation, collectively provide compelling evidence supporting the capacity of alfalfa hay to enhance rumen development and health through ruminal micrbiota-host crosstalks. Our findings elucidate the functional response of the rumen to alfalfa hay introduction, providing new insights into strategies for promoting healthy development of the rumen in young ruminants.

The high nutritional value of alfalfa hay makes it a widely utilized component in animal feed. However, the current prevalent drying methods for forage have a significantly detrimental impact on the quality of alfalfa during the drying process. This study investigates the effects of high-voltage corona discharge (HVCD) treatment on post-cut alfalfa. Gradient experiments are conducted by adjusting the air-gap spacing at a voltage of 25 kV. The results demonstrate that as the distance decreases, there is an observed increase in the drying rate, rehydration rate, and color intensity of the HVCD-treated material. HVCD treatment significantly enhances crude protein content, which increases with decreasing air-gap spacing. Meanwhile, it negatively affects lignin, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels. The relative forage quality (RFQ) of alfalfa reaches its peak at an air-gap spacing of 7 cm. The application of HVCD disrupts the fiber structure and induces significant electroporation effects in cells. Minimal changes in functional groups preserve nutrient integrity. Furthermore, HVCD exhibits lower energy consumption compared to hot air dryers. The HVCD treatment is a highly efficient and effective method, with a gradual improvement in alfalfa hay quality as the air-gap distance decreases.

This study investigated the effects of harvest time, cellulase, lactic acid bacteria, and ensiling with alfalfa hay on the chemical parameters, bacterial community composition, and fermentation of corn stalk silage. Corn stalks were ensiled after the ear harvest at 0 days (D0) and 20 days (D20). Each harvest was treated with alfalfa hay [AL, 5% of fresh matter (FM)], Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) (1 × 106 CFU/g of FM), Trichoderma cellulase (TC) (100 mg/kg of FM), or both Lp and TC (Lp+TC). The silos were opened after 60 days of fermentation. The dry matter (DM) content of raw materials increased from 18.79% to 28.32% with the harvest time. The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content also significantly increased (p < 0.05), while water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After 60 days, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF contents increased, and all chemical composition and fermentation state parameters of silages had significant differences (p < 0.05) with the harvest time. Compared with the control group, the AL treatment resulted in higher (p < 0.05) DM and crude protein (CP) contents, and the Lp+TC treatment resulted in a lower NDF (p < 0.05) content. For D0, the TC and Lp+TC treatments resulted in a higher WSC content and lower NDF and ADF contents than in D20. Meanwhile, the ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) content in each treatment was less than 10% of the DM. The pH values were all approximately 3.70. The AL treatment significantly increased the lactic acid (LA) content and lactic/acetic acid ratio (LA/AA). Additionally, the silages had a similar microbial environment before and after fermentation. We recommend harvesting corn stalks for silage immediately after the corn ear harvest. Adding cellulase improved the corn stalk feed value, and ensiling with alfalfa hay improved its fermentation quality.

Protein grass hay (PGH) was used as a new feed source for lambs to study its effect on fattening performance and meat quality. Fifty-six male lambs were allotted to four experimental groups and fed for eight weeks either alfalfa hay (AH)-based diet (control) or diets in which AH was replaced with 33 %, 66 %, or 99 % PGH. The inclusion of PGH did not affect final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or carcass weight. Moreover, substituting AH with PGH at any level did not influence the ruminal fermentation or serum biochemical parameters, meat color, water holding capacity, shear force, or amino acid profile. However, relative liver weight was increased with 66 % substitutions. Furthermore, replacing 99 % AH with PGH decreased the meat's pH at 24 h. Higher levels of C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, and total n-3 PUFA and a lower ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA were also observed in meat from lambs fed PGH at 99 %. These findings suggest that PGH could be incorporated into the lamb's diet up to 99 % without compromising fattening performance and body health while improving their meat n-3 PUFA deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baling alfalfa hay at greater than optimal moisture (18% to 25%) can shorten wilting time and reduce field losses due to precipitation and leaf separation, but plant cellular respiration and the growth of spoilage microorganisms can reduce the nutritional value of baled hay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12674 (PP) with various sources and concentrations of chitinase on conservation and nutritive value of alfalfa high-moisture hay (HMH). P. pentosaceus (1012 colony forming unit/tonne) combined with 1.5 (PP+LC), 7.5 (PP+MC) or 15.0 (PP+HC) g of chitinase/tonne fresh weight of 1st cut alfalfa (Exp. 1) or PP with chitinase from three different suppliers (PP+Fe, PP+Pe and PP+Si) were applied to 2nd cut alfalfa (Exp. 2) in 2016. In 2017, PP was applied alone or in combination with chitinase at 1.5 (PP+LC) or 7.5 (PP+MC) g/tonne of 1st cut (Exp. 3) and 2nd cut (Exp. 4) alfalfa. In all experiments, deionized water and propionic acid (PA) were applied as neutral (CON) and positive control (CON+), respectively. Bale temperatures were measured at 4-h intervals over the initial 60-d storage. Core hay samples were collected on d 30, 60, 90, and 120 of storage for chemical and microbial evaluation. Samples collected after 120-d storage were used to measure in situ dry matter and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. Ambient-adjusted bale temperature was positively correlated (r² = 0.44) to the moisture content of HMH at baling. The maximum temperature (Tmax) during 60-d storage was positively related (r² = 0.66) to total microbial populations (bacteria + mold + yeast) with mold being the largest factor. The NH3-N concentration of the HMH increased with the total microbial population (r² = 0.80) with mean bacterial numbers during d 30 to 120 being the main contributing (r² = 0.83) factor. Treatments had no effect on total bacteria or lactic acid bacteria counts, while PP+MC had decreased yeast counts than CON after 60-d in Exp. 4 (P = 0.01) and after 120-d in Exp 3 (P < 0.001). Mold populations for bales treated with PP+HC at d 60 and PP+LC, PP+MC, and PP+HC at d 90 in Exp. 1, PP+MC at d 120 in Exp. 3 and CON+ at d 30 in Exp. 4 were all less (P < 0.05) than CON. The NDF digestibility after 72-h ruminal incubation was greater (P < 0.01) for PP+LC, PP+MC, and PP+HC than CON+ in Exp.1 and for PP+LC than CON in Exp 3 (P < 0.001). Combination of P. pentosaceus and chitinase have potential as additives to reduce microbial spoilage and to increase NDF digestibility of HMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is primarily stored as silage or hay in livestock production. Previous research has shown that the storage method of grass significantly influences milk composition. This study aimed to investigate milk production performance and lipid composition in dairy cows fed diets consisting of alfalfa hay or alfalfa silage as roughage. Forty-two mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were selected and randomly divided into three groups, each receiving a total mixed ration consisting of alfalfa hay (AH), 50% alfalfa silage + 50% alfalfa hay (AHAS), or alfalfa silage (AS). The results showed that milk fat content ( P  = 0.049) and milk fat yield ( P  < 0.001) were significantly higher in the AH and AHAS groups compared to the AH group. With increased supplementation of alfalfa silage in the diet, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased significantly ( P  < 0.001), while ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content ( P  = 0.007) and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased ( P  < 0.001). The contents of sphingomyelins, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylglycerols in the AHAS and AS samples were higher than in the AH samples, although the differences were not statistically significant. Additionally, the content of phosphatidylcholines was significantly higher in the AS group compared to the AH group ( P  = 0.032). In conclusion, feeding dairy cows a diet consisting of alfalfa silage can increase the major phospholipid content and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in raw milk, which is more conducive to human health. These findings provide valuable insights into the benefits of alfalfa silage for dairy cows., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, and there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The establishment of the rumen microbiota plays an important role in the rumen development. However, little is known about the effects of alfalfa supplementation time on rumen microbiota establishment. Here, a total of 42 Hu lambs, seven-day-old, were chosen for the study. After a week of adjustment, six lambs were sacrificed to establish a baseline. The remaining 36 lambs were randomly split into two groups: one receiving alfalfa hay at 14 days (EAF), the other at 42 days (LAF), both groups received milk replacer and starter pellets. Introducing alfalfa at 14 days of age significantly improved total dry matter intake between 28 and 42 days ( p  = 0.04) and average daily gain from both 14 to 28 days ( p  = 0.04) and 28 to 42 days ( p  < 0.01), but this effect disappears from 56 to 70 days ( p  > 0.05). At 42 days, the abundances of Naganishia , Ascochyta , and Neosetophoma in the EAF group were significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) than those in the LAF group (17.8% vs. 3.97, 10.89% vs. 1.77, and 1.27% vs. 0.09%, respectively). At 56 days, the abundances of Ascochyta , Wallemia , and Aspergillus in the EAF group were significantly lower ( p  < 0.05) than in the LAF group (3.53% vs. 16.40, 8.78% vs. 18.89, and 2.14% vs. 4.69%). At 70 days, Aspergillus abundance in the EAF group was significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) than in the LAF group (2.69% vs. 0.85%). The LEfSe analysis showed that Methanobrevibacter&#95;smithii was the archaeal biomarker at 14 days in both groups. Methanobrevibacter&#95;sp&#95;AbM4 was enriched at 56 days in the LAF group. Compared to the LAF group, the specific fungal biomarkers in the EAF group included Sporobolomyces and Bullera at 14 days, Naganishia, Didymella, Cleistothelebolus, and Alloleptosphaeria at 42 days, Ascochyta, Neoascochyta , and Alfaria at 70 days. Correlation analysis results showed strong patterns of association both within and between archaea and fungi, which were influenced by alfalfa supplementation time. In summary, alfalfa supplementation at 14 days of age promotes the growth performance of lambs before weaning, and alfalfa supplementation timing significantly affects rumen archaeal and fungal communities and dynamical changes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, Du, Guo, Na and Na.)

Ruminal microbiota is gradually established after birth, while microbiota maturation could be highly diverse because of varied solid dietary accessibility. However, how the ruminal microbiota accreted from postnatal hay diets alters rumen epithelial development, and how this affects animal health remains largely unknown. Here, neonatal lambs were introduced to starchy corn-soybean starter or corn-soybean starter + alfalfa hay (AH) to investigate the influences of early life ruminal microbiome on rumen epithelial development using integrated 16s rRNA sequencing-metagenome-transcriptome approaches. The results showed that AH introduction elevated average daily weight gain, rumen weight and volume, rumen epithelial papillae length, and rumen muscle layer thickness. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of fibrolytic bacteria ( Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Succinivibrio ), acetate producer ( Acetitomaculum and Mitsuokella), and propionate producer Succiniclasticum was increased in the rumen content by AH supplementation ( P < 0.05). Moreover, AH introduction decreased the relative abundance of total CAZymes, CBM, and GH and increased the abundance of KO genes related to volatile fatty acid (VFA) generation in the rumen content. AH lambs had a higher relative abundance of Succiniclasticum , Megasphaera, Succinivibrio , and Suttonella ( P < 0.05), while a lower relative abundance of Cloacibacillus , Desulfovibrio , Dialister , Intestinimonas , Parabacteroides , and Pseudoscardovia ( P < 0.05) in the rumen epithelial samples. Furthermore, these alterations in ruminal microbial structure and function resulted in ruminal epithelial cell proliferation and development pathways activation. In summary, AH introduction benefited ruminal fiber degradation and VFA generation bacteria colonization and promoted ruminal epithelial development. These findings provide new insights into ruminal microbial-host interactions in the early life.IMPORTANCEWhile it is established that a fiber-rich diet promotes rumen development in lambs, further research is needed to investigate the precise response of rumen microbiota and epithelium to high-quality alfalfa hay. Here, we observed that the inclusion of alfalfa hay led to a discernible alteration in the developmental trajectory of the rumen. Notably, there was a favorable shift in the rumen's volume, morphology, and the development of rumen papillae. Furthermore, ruminal microbial structure and function resulted in ruminal epithelial cell proliferation and development pathways activation, collectively provide compelling evidence supporting the capacity of alfalfa hay to enhance rumen development and health through ruminal micrbiota-host crosstalks. Our findings elucidate the functional response of the rumen to alfalfa hay introduction, providing new insights into strategies for promoting healthy development of the rumen in young ruminants., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The use of hemp as a forage source in livestock diets has been less studied because bioactive residues in animal tissues may pose a risk to consumers. This study investigated the effects of partial substitution of alfalfa hay (AH) with hemp forage (HF) in growing goat diets on growth performance, carcass traits, ruminal fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial communities, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant indices. Forty Xiangdong black goats with body weight (BW) 7.82 ± 0.57 kg (mean ± SD) were grouped by BW and randomly assigned into one of the four treatment diets ( n  = 10/treatment) in a completely randomized design. The goats were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing 60% forage and 40% concentrate (DM basis). The diets included control (CON; 60% AH and 40% concentrate), 55% AH and 5% HF (HF5), 50% AH and 10% HF (HF10), and 40% AH and 20% HF (HF20). Increasing the substitution of HF for AH linearly decreased ( P  < 0.01) DM intake and improved feed conversion efficiency. However, final BW, average daily gain, carcass traits, meat quality, and most blood biochemistry indices did not differ among treatments. The ruminal NH 3 -N concentration and blood urine nitrogen linearly increased ( P  < 0.01) with increasing substitution rate of HF, whereas the total volatile fatty acids concentration quadratically changed ( P  < 0.01). Substitution of AH with HF had no effect on the diversity and richness of ruminal microbes, though it linearly decreased ( P  = 0.040) Prevotella &#95; 1 and linearly increased ( P  = 0.017) Rikenellaceae&#95;RC9&#95;gut&#95;group . The cannabinoids and/or their metabolites were detected in both ruminal filtrates (8) and plasma (4), however, no detectable cannabinoid-related residues were observed in meat. These results indicate that the HF could be used to partially substitute AH in goat diets, whereas the effects vary between substitution rates of HF for AH. Although no cannabinoid-related residues were detected in meat, the presence of cannabinoids residues in blood warrants further study of HF feeding to confirm the cannabinoids residues are not present in the animal products., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, and there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)