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Simple Summary As a result of the recent ban on antibiotics in feed, animal probiotics are becoming increasingly popular. Yeast is extensively used as both a probiotic and prebiotic in the gastrointestinal tracts of ruminants. The purpose of this study is to determine how adding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to the diet and changing the roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) affects nutrient consumption, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and protozoal population in Thai native beef cattle. The roughage source was urea–calcium-hydroxide-treated rice straw. The findings suggest that supplementing with a R:C ratio of 40:60 and a LY of 4 g/hd/d boosted nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, propionic acid (C3) in particular, and microbial protein synthesis while lowering protozoal population. Abstract The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) adding and roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) on nutrients utilization, rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, and protozoal population in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai native beef cattle, weighing an average of 120 ± 10 kg live weight, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was the level of roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) at 60:40 and 40:60; factor B was the levels of live yeast (LY) supplementation at 0 and 4 g/hd/d; urea–calcium-hydroxide-treated rice straw were used as a roughage source. Findings revealed that total intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) were increased (p < 0.05) by both factors, being greater for steers fed a R:C ratio of 40:60 supplemented with 4 g LY/hd/d. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and propionate (C3) were increased (p < 0.05) at the R:C ratio of 40:60 with LY supplementation at 4 g/hd/d, whereas rumen acetate (C2) and the C2 to C3 ratio were decreased (p < 0.05). With a high level of concentrate, LY addition increased total bacterial direct counts and fungal zoospores (p < 0.05), but decreased protozoal populations (p < 0.05). High-concentrate diet and LY supplementation increased nitrogen absorption and the efficiency of microbial nitrogen protein production. In conclusion, feeding beef cattle with 4 g/hd/d LY at a R:C ratio of 40:60 increased C3 and nutritional digestibility while lowering protozoal population.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing rice bran with mao pomace meal on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Four crossbred (50% Brahman × 50% Thai native) beef cattle with an initial body weight of 195 ± 13 kg and 16 months of age were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments included four levels of RB replacement with mao pomace meal at 0, 33, 67, and 100% in concentrate diets. Rice straw was used as a roughage source, fed ad libitum. Replacement of mao pomace meal with rice bran did not affect (p > 0.05) the intakes of concentrate, rice straw, and total dry matter intake. Ether extract intake decreased linearly when increasing the levels of mao pomace meal (p < 0.01). The experimental diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the digestibility of fiber and crude protein, while dry matter, organic matter, and ether extract digestibility decreased linearly in the group of mao pomace meal replacing rice bran (p < 0.05). Increasing levels of mao pomace meal in concentrate diets did not alter rumen pH, ammonia–nitrogen, or total volatile fatty acid concentration (p > 0.05). The proportion of propionate increased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas acetate and the acetate to propionate ratio decreased linearly (p < 0.05) when replacing rice bran with mao pomace meal. Moreover, the proportion of propionate was greatest, while acetate was lowest when mao pomace meal was included at 100% in the concentrate diet. In conclusion, the replacement of rice bran with mao pomace meal in a diet could enhance the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Nonetheless, it reduced the digestion of nutrients in tropical beef cattle.

Fresh cassava root is not recommended for animal feeding due to high quantities of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which produces symptoms of poisoning. The purpose of this study was to find out how a rhodanese enzyme addition affects rumen fermentation, HCN content, feed utilization, and blood metabolites in beef calves fed fresh cassava root. Four Thai native beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 95 ± 10.0 kg (1–1.5 years old) were randomly allocated to receive fresh cassava root containing HCN at 0, 300, 450, and 600 ppm according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Rice straw was the basal diet. The rhodanese enzyme was combined with concentrated feeds at a concentration of 1 mg/104 ppm HCN. The fresh cassava root was cleaned to remove dirt and chopped into 3 to 5 mm sized pieces before being fed to the animals at their various levels. The total feed intake of beef cattle increased when fed with fresh cassava root (p < 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was different among various fresh cassava root levels (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-N levels were measured 4 hours after feeding, and the average concentration declined considerably in animals fed fresh cassava root at 300–600 ppm HCN (p < 0.05). Cyanide concentration in the rumen was linearly increased by 270.6% (p < 0.05) when it was supplemented with a high level of fresh cassava root. Blood urea-N concentration was altered and decreased when supplemented with fresh cassava root (p < 0.01). The blood thiocyanate concentration was altered by the levels of fresh cassava root and rhodanese enzyme, which ranged from 4.1 to 27.9 mg/dL (p < 0.01). Cattle given fresh cassava root showed no influence on total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, or butyric acid concentrations in the rumen (p > 0.05). However, the concentration of propionic acid increased slightly (p < 0.05) 4 hours after feeding. Supplementing fresh cassava root up to 600 ppm HCN/day improved N absorption, retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake (p < 0.05). Therefore, increasing the inclusion of fresh cassava root with a rhodanese enzyme addition improves total feed intake, CP digestibility, nitrogen utilization, blood thiocyanate, and propionate concentrations, which may remove HCN without harming animal health.

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of indigo waste on the feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, hematology, immune response and growth performance in growing beef cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 145 ± 11 kg were fed four levels of indigo waste for 90 days in a trial. Additions of indigo waste at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% in a concentrate diet using a completely randomized design (CRD). Cattle were fed concentrate at 1.8% BW, with rice straw fed ad libitum. The concentrate intake decreased linearly (p = 0.01) with the addition of indigo waste. The supplementation with indigo waste reduced dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility cubically (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively), while increasing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility cubically (p = 0.02). The final BW of beef cattle decreased linearly (p = 0.03) with the addition of indigo waste. The inclusion of indigo waste decreased the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) linearly (p < 0.01) from 0 to 90 days. The nutrient digestibility, ADG and G:F of beef cattle fed 10% indigo waste in the diet was similar when compared with the control (0% indigo waste). The ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). The proportion of acetate increased linearly (p < 0.01) but propionate decreased linearly (p < 0.01), resulting in an increase in the acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.01) when cattle were fed with indigo waste supplementation. Increasing indigo waste levels did not influence blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, hematological parameters or immune responses (IgA, IgM and IgG) (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of indigo waste at 10% in a concentrate diet did not have a negative effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, hematology, immune function or growth performance in growing beef cattle.

Urea–lime-treated rice straw fed to Thai native beef cattle was supplemented with dry yeast (DY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to assess total feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen microorganisms, and methane (CH4) production. Sixteen Thai native beef cattle at 115 ± 10 kg live weight were divided into four groups that received DY supplementation at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/hd/d using a randomized completely block design. All animals were fed concentrate mixture at 0.5% of body weight, with urea–lime-treated rice straw fed ad libitum. Supplementation with DY enhanced total feed intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p < 0.05), but dry matter, organic matter and crude protein were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) increased (p < 0.05) with 3 g/hd/d DY supplementation, while acetic acid (C2) and butyric acid (C4) decreased. Protozoal population and CH4 production in the rumen decreased as DY increased (p < 0.05). Populations of F. succinogenes and R. flavefaciens increased (p < 0.05), whereas methanogen population decreased with DY addition at 3 g/hd/d, while R. albus was stable (p > 0.05) throughout the treatments. Thus, addition of DY to cattle feed increased feed intake, rumen fermentation, and cellulolytic bacterial populations.

This review paper is aimed at presenting and discussing the effects of rumen digesta (RD) as an alternative protein source on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, growth performances, and milk production in ruminants. RD is a by-product of abattoir; it is a partially digested feed that mainly originates from rumen of ruminants. RD consisted of 13.5-46.1% crude protein and some essential nutrients (microbial cells, amino acids, minerals, and volatile fatty acids [VFAs]), which beneficially affect the ruminant production. Recent studies have shown that transfer of RD from buffalo to cattle improved nutrient digestibility. Ensiling RD with agro-industrial by-products improved the nutritional value of agro-industrial by-products, such as by improving protein contents and increasing their digestibility. In addition, dried RD could enhance ruminal fermentation, diet utilization, and rumen microorganisms in in vitro, beef cattle and buffalo, which has no adverse effect on production performance. Therefore, utilization of RD is suggested because it improves nutrient utilization, reduces feed costs, and controls waste disposal to the environment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of crude protein (CP) levels in concentrate and Sesbania grandiflora pod meal (SG) supplementations on feed intake, rumen fermentation, and methane (CH4) mitigation in Thai purebred beef cattle. Four cattle with 100 ± 5.0 kg body weight were used in this study. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment in a 4 × 4 Latin square design were conducted, in which factor A was the CP contents in concentrate of 14, and 16% of dry matter (DM) and factor B was the supplement contents of SG at 0.4% and 0.6% DM intake, respectively. The results showed that the CP contents in concentrate and SG had no interaction effect on intake, digestibility, ruminal ecologies, ruminal fermentation products, and nitrogen utilization. Increasing CP contents in concentrate did not influence DM intake and nutrients’ digestibility, and SG supplementation at 0.6% significantly (P

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulphur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites. Four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (1.5-2.0 years old) with initial body weight (BW) of 150 ± 15.0 kg were allocated with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20 g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulphur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30 g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p 0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p 0.05), whereas sulphur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p 0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p 0.05). FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p 0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effect from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p 0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30 g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p 0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20 g/kg BW was supplemented (p 0.01). FCR at 20 g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4 h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15 g/kg BW (p 0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30 g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4 h post-feeding was enhanced (p 0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulfur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics, and blood metabolites. Four male Thai native beef cattle (150 ± 15.0 kg of body weight (BW)) were allocated with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20 g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulfur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30 g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p > 0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p < 0.05), whereas sulfur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p < 0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05). FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p < 0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effects from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p < 0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30 g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p >0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20 g/kg BW was supplemented (p < 0.01). FCR at 20 g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4 h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15 g/kg BW (p < 0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30 g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4 h post-feeding was enhanced (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations, and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of s-glucan on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients and ruminal fermentation in Thai native beef cattle that were fed low-quality roughage. Four, Thai native beef cattle with initial body weight (BW) of 100 ± 20.0 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four treatment by s-glucan at 0, 1.6, 3.1 and 4.7 g/day respectively. Supplementation of s-glucan at 0-4.7 g in cattle did not affect the intake of DM, OM, CP, NDF or ADF. However, supplementation with s-glucan significantly improved rice straw intake (g/kg BW0.75 ), compared to the nonsupplemented group (p 0.05). The experimental diet had no effect (p > 0.05) on the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF or ADF. However, the digestibility of CP was significantly different among treatment and supplementation at 4.7 g/day s-glucan which was the highest level (63.2%) among all diets. s-glucan supplementation did not affect rumen pH, temperature or ruminal NH3 -N concentration. In addition, blood urea-N levels were similar among experimental groups. The population of protozoa at 4 hr post-feeding increased along with s-glucan supplementation and was highest at 4.7 g of s-glucan. Based on this experiment, it could be concluded that supplementation of s-glucan at 4.7 g improved rice straw intake, as well as total intake and digestibility of CP in Thai native beef cattle.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of feeding fresh cassava root (CR) along with a feed block containing high was to sulfur (FBS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood thiocyanate concentration in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai male native beef cattle, initial body weight (BW) of 130 + 20.0 kg, were used in this study. The experiments were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The main factors were supplemented fresh CR levels (1.0 and 1.5% BW) and across to a feed block supplemented with sulfur added 2% (FBS-2) and 4% (FBS-4). Intakes of rice straw, concentrate diets, and FBS were not affected by treatments. Intakes of CR, sulfur, and total intake were significantly altered by the FBS treatment. The apparent dry matter and organic matter digestibility coefficient were significantly higher in animals fed FBS-4 than in those fed FBS-2. The ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration was not affected by treatment and ranged from 15.6 to 17.6 mg/dl. Populations of protozoa and fungal zoospores were similar across treatments, whereas the bacterial population was significantly different between sulfur levels in the feed block. Feeding CR with FBS did not change total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and VFA profiles except for the propionic acid concentration, which was higher in the group with CR supplementation at 1.5% BW. Cattle fed CR with FBS showed similar blood urea nitrogen concentration at various feeding times and overall. In contrast, CR supplementation at 1.5% BW with FBS-2 increased blood thiocyanate concentrations. Therefore, supplementation of FBS-2 was beneficial to Thai native beef cattle fed with 1.5% BW fresh CR as it improved digestibility and rumen fermentation presumed, because HCN from fresh cassava root was converted into thiocyanate, which is nontoxic to farm animals.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of supplementing Delonix regia (DR) seed meal on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance and CH 4 production in Thai native beef cattle fed on rice straw. Four Thai native beef cattle with the initial body weight (BW) of 100 ± 5.0 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive DR seed meal supplementation at 0, 90, 180 and 270 g/d. The present results revealed that the total intake (g/kg BW 0.75 ) was significantly increased with the inclusion of dry matter (DM) seed meal at 270 g (P 3 -N concentration increased in beef cattle receiving DR seed meal. Supplementation of DR seed meal did not alter fungal zoospores’ concentration (P > 0.05), whereas the protozoal population was at 0, 4 h post feeding, and the mean values reduced when increasing the levels of DR seed meal supplemented (P 4 concentrations and CH 4 per dry matter intake were found reduced when increasing its DR seed meal concentration. In addition, N absorption, N retention and proportion of N retention to N intake were enhanced when 270 g DR seed meal was supplemented (P 4 production in beef cattle fed rice straw base.

The goal of the current research was to study the effects of a diet of dried rumen digesta pellets (DRDP) on diet utilization, ruminal microorganisms, and ruminal microbes in Thai native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle. Four Thai native, Wagyu-crossbred, beef cattle were assigned to a 4 &times, 4 Latin square design to supplement DRDP levels at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/d, respectively. Rice straw intake, total intake, and estimated energy intake varied significantly among the different DRDP levels. Nitrogen intake, apparent N absorption, and apparent N retention were significantly enhanced when compared to the 0 g/d DRDP. DRDP supplementation at 150 g/d produced the greatest apparent digestibility of crude protein compared to the group that was not fed DRDP. Supplementation of DRDP did not alter the population of protozoa, whereas the addition of 150 g DRDP significantly increased the fungal zoospore. Supplementation of DRDP at various levels did not change the concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) or the VFA profiles. Thus, DRDP could be an alternative strategic supplement for Thai-native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle in order to enhance N utilization and fungal zoospores.

This objective is to elucidate the effect of purple field corn stover treated with Pleurotus ostreatus and Volvarialla volvacea on feed utilization, ruminal ecology, and CH4 synthesis in tropical beef cattle. Four male Thai native beef cattle (100 &plusmn, 30 kg of body weight (BW) were assigned randomly as a 2 &times, 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 &times, 4 Latin square design. Factor A (roughage sources) was rice straw and purple field corn stover and factor B was species of white-rot fungi (P. ostreatus and V. volvacea). After fermentation, crude protein (CP) was increased in rice straw and purple field corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus and V. volvacea. The unfermented purple field corn stover contained 11.8% dry matter (DM) of monomeric anthocyanin (MAC), whereas the MAC concentration decreased when purple field corn stover was fermented with white rot fungi. There were no changes (p &gt, 0.05) in DM intake of body weight (BW) kg/d and g/kg BW0.75 among the four treatments. The organic matter (OM), CP, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake were different between rice straw and purple field corn stover and were the greatest in the purple field corn stover group. Moreover, the current study showed that neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF digestion was higher in purple field corn stover than in rice straw, but there were no significant differences between P. ostreatus and V. volvacea. There were significant effects of roughage sources on ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) at 4 h after feeding. Bacterial population was changed by feeding with purple field corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus and V. volvacea. On the other hand, the number of protozoa was reduced by approximately 33% at 4 h after feeding with purple field corn stover (p &lt, 0.01). Propionic acid concentration was different between roughage sources (p &lt, 0.01) enhanced with purple field corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus and V. volvacea. In addition, methane production decreased by 15% with purple field corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus and V. volvacea compared to rice straw. There were significant differences on all nitrogen balances parameters (p &lt, 0.05), except the fecal N excretion (p &gt, 0.05) were not changed. Furthermore, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were enhanced when purple field corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus and V. volvacea was fed compared to rice straw group. Base on this study, it could be summarized that P. ostreatus or V. volvacea can enhance the quality of purple field corn stover and modulate rumen fermentation and feed digestion in Thai native beef cattle.

The influence of sulfur included in fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) containing fresh cassava root on rumen characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, and blood metabolites in cattle was evaluated. Four Thai native beef cattle were randomly assigned according to a 2 &times, 2 factorial in a 4 &times, 4 Latin square design, and dietary treatments were as follows: factor A included a level of sulfur at 1% and 2% in total mixed ration, and factor B featured ensiling times at zero and 7 days. Digestibility of dry matter was increased when FTMR was supplemented with 2% sulfur. Blood thiocyanate increased by 69.5% when ensiling time was 7 days compared to no ensiling (p &lt, 0.01). Bacterial populations were significantly different in the FTMR containing sulfur at 2% and 7 days of ensiling. Furthermore, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were higher in the FTMR containing 2% sulfur and 7 days of ensiling (p &lt, 0.01). Thus, high levels of hydrocyanic acid from fresh cassava root could be detoxified by a sulfur addition with an ensiling process to become nontoxic to cattle.

Four beef cattle with initial body weight of 283 ± 14 kg were randomly allocated according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study on the effect of feeding sugarcane bagasse (SB) treated with urea and/or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation. The treatments were as follows: rice straw (RS), untreated SB (SB), 4 % urea-treated SB (SBU), and 2 % urea + 2 % Ca(OH)2-treated SB (SBUC), respectively. The results revealed that cattle fed with SBU and SBUC had higher feed intake and apparent digestibility. Ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen were increased in cattle fed with SB as roughage source (P

The objectives of this study were to determine an optimal cultivation time for populations of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) co-cultured in fermented milk and effects of soybean meal fermented milk (SBMFM) supplementation on rumen degradability in beef cattle using nylon bag technique. The study on an optimal cultivation time for yeast and LAB growth in fermented milk was determined at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-cultivation. After fermenting for 4 days, an optimal cultivation time of yeast and LAB in fermented milk was selected and used for making the SBMFM product to study nylon bag technique. Two ruminal fistulated beef cattle (410±10 kg) were used to study on the effect of SBMFM supplementation (0%, 3%, and 5% of total concentrate substrate) on rumen degradability using in situ method at incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h according to a Completely randomized design. The results revealed that the highest yeast and LAB population culture in fermented milk was found at 72 h-post cultivation. From in situ study, the soluble fractions at time zero (a), potential degradability (a+b) and effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM) linearly (p

Four Thai native beef cattle with initial body weight (BW) of 91.8 ± 4.75 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four concentrates replacement levels of soybean meal (SBM) by dried rumen digesta (DRD) at 0, 33, 67, and 100 % on dry matter (DM) basis. All cattle were fed rice straw ad libitum while additional concentrate was fed at 0.5 % BW daily. The experiment was conducted for four periods of 21 days. Rumen fluid was analyzed for predominant cellulolytic bacterial population by using real-time PCR technique. Increasing levels of DRD did not alter total feed intake, ruminal pH and temperature, and plasma urea nitrogen (P > 0.05). Protozoa and fungal population were not differed by DRD supplementation while population of bacteria at 4 h post feeding was increased when SBM was replaced with DRD at 66 and 100 % DM. Population of total bacteria and R. flavefaciens at 4 h post feeding were significantly highest with inclusion of 100 % of DRD in the ration. The experimental diets has no effect on excretion and absorption of purine derivatives (P > 0.05), while microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were significantly increased with DRD inclusion in the diet and highest with 100 % DRD replacement (P > 0.05). Replacement of SBM by DRD at 100 % DM improved the rumen ecology and microbial population in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Four Thai native beef cattle were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of urea calcium sulphate mixture (U-cas) levels in feed block on feed intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and rumen fermentation fed on rice straw based diet. The four dietary treatments were different levels of U-cas supplementation in feed block at 0, 120, 150 and 180 g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. The present results revealed that rice straw intake increased with the increasing levels of U-cas inclusion in the feed block. The highest total intakes of DM and energy (ME, MJ/d) were in cattle receiving feed block containing U-cas at 180 g/kg DM, and followed by 150, 120 and 0 g/kg DM, respectively. Apparent digestibility of nutrients enhanced the increasing levels of U-cas supplementation in feed blocks, except acid detergent fiber. Rumen pH and temperature were not affected by U-cas levels inclusion in feed block. At 4 h post feeding, the concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen decreased with increasing levels of U-cas in feed blocks (P

This study assessed the feed intake, nutrient intake, apparent digestibility of nutrient, rumen fermentation and nitrogen utilization of beef cattle fed with different soybean meal (SBM) replacement levels with dried rumen digesta (DRD) at 0, 33, 67 and 100%. Four 1.5-year-old Thai native beef cattle steers with initial body weight (BW±SD) of 92.1±4.59 kg were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. All animals were fed rice straw ad libitum while additional concentrate was fed at 0.5% BW daily. Replacement of DRD for SBM were not altered (P>0.05) on total DM intake while the intake of rice straw of the 100% DRD diet was higher than that of the other diets, and it significantly increased with increase in the replacement level of SBM with DRD (P 0.05). The experimental diets has no effect (P>0.05) on the apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP and ADF while aNDF digestibility increased with an increase of DRD in the diet and was highest when inclusion of 100% DRD. No differences (P>0.05) were found in ammonia nitrogen concentration, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and VFAs profiles in the rumen fluid of cattle fed with DRD when compared to those on control diet. Similarly, N use efficiencies were not altered with level of DRD in the diet. Based on this study, it could be concluded that replacement of SBM by DRD as feed ingredient in cattle diets up to 100% dietary level resulted in improved rice straw intake and aNDF digestibility in beef cattle, without affecting the rumen fermentation or nitrogen use efficiency.

The object of this present work was to determine the effects of supplementation with pellets containing royal poinciana seed meal (PEREM) on feed use, ruminal fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions in cattle. The animals used in this experiment were four male Thai native beef cattle (Bos indicus) with initial body weights (BWs) of 125 &plusmn, 5.0 kg. Each of the animals were randomly assigned to receive PEREM doses at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/d, respectively, according to a 4 &times, 4 Latin square design. Concentrates were fed at 0.5% BW daily, and rice straw was fed ad libitum. There were no significant differences (p &gt, 0.05) on intakes of rice straw, concentrate and total diet. The intake of nutrients did not change among the levels of PEREM supplementation (p &gt, 0.05), except for an intake of crude protein, which was linearly enhanced when increasing the dose of PEREM (p &lt, 0.05). The inclusion of different doses of PEREM did not adversely affect the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p &gt, 0.05). Adding various doses of PEREM did not alter ruminal pH and ruminal temperature, while concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen were significantly increased with an increased dose of PEREM supplementation (p &lt, 0.01). The increasing doses of PEREM linearly reduced protozoal numbers (p &lt, 0.01), with the lowest concentration when PEREM was added at 150 g. PEREM supplementation did not change (p &gt, 0.05) the concentration of acetic acid or butyric acid or the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Nevertheless, the total volatile fatty acid and propionic acid content were changed among PEREM levels (p &lt, 0.05), which were linearly increased with an increasing dose of PEREM. At 4 h post feeding, the CH4 concentrations in the rumen of the animal were linearly reduced when the dose of pellets was increased (p &lt, 0.01). In addition, the inclusion of PEREM did not adversely affect other blood metabolites, namely total protein, creatinine and albumin (p &gt, 0.05). Furthermore, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were linearly enhanced when increasing levels of PEREM were added. The feeding of PEREM at 150 g/d might be an alternative with the potential to improve rumen fermentation efficiency and reduce the environmental effects produced by ruminants.

Methane (CH4) is an end-product of enteric fermentation in cattle [...]

Four, ruminally fistulated crossbred (Brahman×native) beef cattle with initial body weight of 420±15 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were mulberry leaf pellet (MUP) supplementation at 0, 200, 400 and 600 g/hd/d with rice straw fed to allow ad libitum intake. All steers were kept in individual pens and supplemented with concentrate at 5 g/kg of body weight daily. The experiment was 4 periods, and each lasted 21 d. During the first 14 d, all steers were fed their respective diets ad libitum and during the last 7 d, they were moved to metabolism crates for total urine and fecal collection. It was found that increasing MUP levels resulted in linearly increasing rice straw and total intakes (p

The aim of this study was to determine the ruminal cellulolytic bacterial population in swamp buffalo and beef cattle fed on rice straw by real-time PCR techniques. Four, rumen-fistulated swamp buffalo and four beef cattle (Native × Brahman) were randomly assigned to receive rice straw as a main feed with minimal amount of concentrate. All animals were allowed to adapt to feeds respective before samplings were conducted. It was found that diurnal ruminal pH and NH 3 –N concentration of buffalo were not different with those found in cattle, population of bacteria and fungal zoospores while the protozoal population were lower (P Ruminococcus albus ) in the digesta of swamp buffalo, the results revealed significant higher in buffalo than those in cattle. However, at 4 h post-feeding R. albus were significantly higher in buffalo than those in cattle measured in rumen fluid, while F. succinogenes resulted in higher number in cattle than those in buffalo. Interestingly, the values found in the digesta samples were higher in cellulolytic bacteria than those found in the rumen fluid. This finding indicates higher ability of swamp buffalo in digesting low-quality roughages, especially rice straw.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various N sources in concentrates containing high levels of cassava chips, with rice straw as the basal forage, on rumen ecology, rumen microbial counts, microbial crude (CP) protein synthesis, and digestibility of nutrients. Four ruminally fistulated crossbred (Brahman × native) beef steers with initial body weight (BW) of 400 ± 40.2 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were different sources of N in the concentrates and were: T1 = urea (control; urea); T2 = soybean meal (SBM); T3 = urea CaCl2 mixture (U-Cal); T4 = urea CaSO4 mixture (U-Cas). All steers were kept in individual pens and supplemented with concentrate at 5 g/kg of BW daily. The experiment was 4 periods, and each lasted 21 d. During the first 14 d, all steers were fed their respective diets ad libitum and for during the last 7 d, they were moved to metabolism crates for total urine and fecal collection. Dry matter intake ranged from 9.8 to 10.5 kg daily and was not altered by diet, while digestibility of NDF differed among treatments and was highest with U-Cas supplementation (P

This experiment was conducted to in- vestigate the effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) powder (LGP) on rumen ecology, rumen microorganisms, and digestibility of nutrients. Four ruminally fistulated crossbred (Brahman native) beef cattle were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were LGP supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/d with urea- treated rice straw (5%) fed to allow ad libitum intake. Digestibilities of DM, ether extract, and NDF were sig- nificantly different among treatments and were great- est at 100 g/d of supplementation. However, digest- ibility of CP was decreased with LGP supplementation (P 0.05). To- tal viable bacteria, amylolytic bacteria, and cellulolytic bacteria were significantly different among treatments and were greatest at 100 g/d of supplementation (4.7 × 10 9 , 1.7 × 10 7 , and 2.0 × 10 9 cfu/mL, respectively). Protozoal populations were significantly decreased by LGP supplementation. In addition, efficiency of rumen microbial N synthesis based on OM truly digested in the rumen was enriched by LGP supplementation, es- pecially at 100 g/d (34.2 g of N/kg of OM truly di- gested in the rumen). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of LGP at 100 g/d improved digestibilities of nutrients, rumen microbial population, and microbial protein synthesis efficiency, thus improving rumen ecology in beef cattle.

The influence of slow-release urea ( urea-calcium sulphate mixture; U-CaS) in feed blocks on rumen micro-organisms, predominant cellulolytic bacteria, microbial protein synthesis and ecology was studied in Thai native beef cattle. Four animals with an initial body weight of 100 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four dietary treatments (U-CaS in iso-nitrogen feed blocks at 0, 120, 150 and 180 g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively; U-CaS replaced urea). After 21 days of experimental feeding, rumen fluid was collected at 0 and 4 h after feeding. The mean intake of feed blocks and other feedstuffs offered (rice straw and concentrates) amounted to 0.3, 2.3 and 0.6 kg DM/day, respectively. Inclusion of U-CaS did not altered pH and temperature in the rumen. However, ruminal NH3-N concentration decreased quadratically (p0.05) in response to U-CaS inclusion, with the lowest value at 180 g U-CaS per kg feed block. With inclusion of U-CaS, the populations of rumen bacteria increased quadratically (p0.05) and counts of fungal zoospores were linearly enhanced (p0.05), being highest at 180 g U-CaS per kg feed block. Supplementation of U-CaS increased the concentration of total bacteria linearly (p0.05) and of Fibrobacter succinogenes quadratically (p0.05), whereas Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by dietary treatments. Microbial crude protein yield and efficiency of microbial nitrogen (N) synthesis were linearly increased with different levels of U-CaS addition. Furthermore, current data clearly indicate that inclusion of U-CaS in feed blocks can affect micro-organism diversity and major cellulolytic bacteria.

Four Thai male native beef cattle, initial body weight (BW) of 100 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments with inclusion of urea calcium sulphate mixture (U-cas) in feed block (FB) at 0, 120, 150, and 180 g/kg dry matter (DM). Total intakes were increased with the increasing level of U-cas supplementation in FB and the result obtained the highest when supplementation of U-cas in FB at 180, followed by 150, 120, and 0 g/kg DM, respectively. Moreover, supplementation of U-cas in FB at 180 g/kg DM could reduce total N excretion (4.1 g/day), as compared to others treatments, while N retention and proportion of N retention to N intake were increased up to 6.9 g/day and 14.9 %, respectively. On the other hand, the blood biochemistry and hematological parameters were not different among treatments except concentration of plasma urea N, plasma glucose, and total blood protein were improved especially with U-cas supplementation at 180 g/kg DM in FB. In conclusion, supplementation of U-cas at 180 g/kg in FB improved feed intake, N utilization, and blood biochemistry in Thai native beef cattle fed on rice straw.