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Introduction: Today, the use of antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics in livestock diets is facing reduced social acceptance because of the appearance of residues in milk and meat, and therefore, ruminant nutritionists are seeking for appropriate alternatives for these feed additives. The study of essential oils (EOs) as natural feed additives capable of improving rumen microbial fermentation has taken into consideration by nutritionists. Among the EOs, thyme (THY) and cinnamon (CIN) oil have attracted significant attention due to their antimicrobial activity against ruminal microorganisms. Therefore, more research is required to understand their impacts on rumen microbial fermentation in ruminants. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, few studies has synchronously compared the influences of THY and CIN on rumen fermentation and microorganisms. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of THY and CIN on performance, and rumen microbial fermentation under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Materials and methods: In the in vitro experiment, different concentrations (0, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/l) of THY and CIN were incubated for 24-h in batch culture. In the in vivo study 18 growing Holstein calves were used in a completely randomized design to examine effects of supplementing a basal diet (CON) with thyme oil (THY, 5 g/d/calf) or cinnamon oil (CIN, 5 g/d/calf) on performance and rumen microbial fermentation. Calves were fed ad libitum diets consisting of 15% forage and 85% concentrate for 80 d. Results and discussion: The high concentration of THY and CIN (1000 mg/l) inhibited rumen microbial fermentation thereby decreasing total gas production and DM disappearance at 24 of incubation, and total VFA concentration. Cinnamon oil at 1000 mg/l increased final pH of batch culture (P<0.05). The lower concentration of THY and CIN (125 and 250 mg/l) decreased the acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05), without reducing VFA concentration. Supplementation of THY or CIN did not affect DMI and ADG. There were also no effects of EOs on ruminal pH, rumen concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and total VFA; whereas molar proportion of acetate and ratio of acetate to propionate decreased (P<0.05), and the molar proportion of propionate increased (P<0.05). Rumen molar proportion of butyrate was significantly increased (P<0.05) by adding CIN. The population of protozoa and methanogens bacteria decreased in the rumen of calves receiving EOs (P<0.05). Ruminal population of Fibrobacter succinogenes was not affected by treatments, but populations of Ruminococcus albus and flavefaciens decreased by THY and CIN (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, although dietary addition of THY and CIN did not have a significant effect on the performance of feedlot calves, but it improved the rumen fermentation properties, which may be considered as potential alternatives for antibiotics in beef production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill) is widely cultivated in arid regions of every continent for its nutritious fruits and various commercial applications, cactus pear cladodes are used as forage in the most arid regions, while recently prickly pear by-products are studied as ruminant feed. They are characterised by a high moisture and sugar content; therefore, it is necessary to study suitable conservation methods. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of silage to preserve prickly pear peels (PP) in a mixture with other by-products at different inclusion levels (5% straw and 6% or 12% wheat bran). For each treatment, six under vacuum micro-silos were prepared and, after 40 d of storage, the state of preservation was evaluated. Subsequently, the aliquots were analysed for chemical composition and incubated with sheep rumen fluid to evaluate the fermentation kinetics. The use of wheat bran and straw added to PP resulted in an increase in dry matter (DM); PP silage with wheat bran was found to have higher protein content and nutritional value. The greater presence of lactic acid was found in PP, such as acetic acid, therefore the lactic/acetic ratio was 2.33, significantly lower than silages with the addition of wheat bran. Silage with 5% straw showed the lowest level of organic matter disappearance (OMD) and the cumulative volume of gas (OMCV) produced during the incubation. The PP showed the fastest fermentation rate achieved after 12 h of fermentation, while those containing wheat bran, presented a higher maximum fermentation rate (Rmax), which need longer time to be achieved. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) showed clear discrimination of different silages based on their chemical characteristics and parameters detected during in vitro incubation. Overall, the silages with the addition of wheat bran can be considered the best and, of the two, those produced with the addition of 12% bran. Finally, ensilage represents a conservation technique suitable for preserving the nutritional characteristics of PP.

Iodoform has been shown to be an enteric methane-reducing agent. This study aimed to investigate if iodoform differentially affected maize (MS) and clover grass silage (GS). These substrates were used in four 22 h in vitro gas production fermentations with and without 0.032 mg/g of dry matter substrate of 0.064% iodoform in zeolite (IZ). The results of organic matter degradation (dOM, g/g), volatile fatty acids (VFAs, mMol/L), partitioning factor (PF, mg/mL), total gas production (TGP, mL/g OM), and periodic hydrogen and methane yield (mL/g OM) were evaluated. The interaction between substrate and IZ for dOM was significant with significantly less in GS. The interaction between substrate and additive was continuously significant for TGP. The additive in GS numerically decreased the TGP, but significantly increased TGP in MS. The interaction between substrate and additive was sporadically significant with methane, increasing the yield when IZ was added to MS, but a consistent, non-significant, decrease in yield was found when IZ was added to GS. Total VFA production and propionate content increased in both substrates with the addition of IZ, but only significantly in GS. Iodoform significantly decreased the efficiency of microbial conversion (PF) in both substates. Differential effects of iodoform on GS and MS were evident. More research is needed to determine the modes of action of iodoform.

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]

Simple Summary: The implementation of new strategies for the reduction of methane emissions by cattle is necessary. Iodoform is an additive that has the potential to inhibit methane production during digestion in ruminants. The present research investigated the effect of iodoform on maize silage and clover grass silage in four 22 h in vitro gas production fermentations with periodic gas chromatography sampling. Iodoform decreased organic matter degradation in both substrates but only significantly in grass silage. The total volatile fatty acid production increased, and the profile was altered, but only significantly in grass silage. There were consistently opposite effects of 0.032 mg/g of dry matter substrate of 0.064% iodoform in zeolite on total gas production and methane production in the two substrates, although not all differences were significant. Iodoform decreased total gas production and methane yield when added to grass silage but consistently and significantly increased both total gas and methane yield when added to maize silage. The efficiency of microbial conversion decreased significantly when iodoform was added to both substrates. These results show differential effects of iodoform on maize silage and clover grass silage and suggest that more research is needed to study the mechanism of methane reduction by iodoform in enteric methane production. Iodoform has been shown to be an enteric methane-reducing agent. This study aimed to investigate if iodoform differentially affected maize (MS) and clover grass silage (GS). These substrates were used in four 22 h in vitro gas production fermentations with and without 0.032 mg/g of dry matter substrate of 0.064% iodoform in zeolite (IZ). The results of organic matter degradation (dOM, g/g), volatile fatty acids (VFAs, mMol/L), partitioning factor (PF, mg/mL), total gas production (TGP, mL/g OM), and periodic hydrogen and methane yield (mL/g OM) were evaluated. The interaction between substrate and IZ for dOM was significant with significantly less in GS. The interaction between substrate and additive was continuously significant for TGP. The additive in GS numerically decreased the TGP, but significantly increased TGP in MS. The interaction between substrate and additive was sporadically significant with methane, increasing the yield when IZ was added to MS, but a consistent, non-significant, decrease in yield was found when IZ was added to GS. Total VFA production and propionate content increased in both substrates with the addition of IZ, but only significantly in GS. Iodoform significantly decreased the efficiency of microbial conversion (PF) in both substates. Differential effects of iodoform on GS and MS were evident. More research is needed to determine the modes of action of iodoform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our results revealed that the total gas production, CH4 production, and dry matter digestibility reduced significantly as 3NPA doses increased in both yak and cattle. In addition, the H2 accumulation increased significantly in the tubes cultured with 3NPA compared to the control in both yak and cattle. The dynamic profile of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) production, acetate concentration, and propionate concentration in both yak and cattle at 12 and 24 h incubation was consistent, in which they decreased as 3NPA doses increased, while those for 48 and 72 h incubation were divergent between them. These data demonstrated that the effects of 3NPA on fermentation characteristics between yak and cattle were divergent, and these effects were dose-dependent, and 3NPA regarded as a potential additive to mitigate methane production; although, it inhibits the dry matter digestibility in vitro, which is beneficial to determine the effective and safe dose for use to improve animal productivity in vivo. 3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA on ruminal fermentation characteristics of grazing ruminants in vitro. Rumen fluid from grazing yak and cattle were collected and incubated with additions of 0, 8, and 16 mM 3NPA. The total gas production, CH4 production, and dry matter digestibility significantly decreased with increasing 3NPA doses in both ruminant species (p < 0.05) and methane production decreased to almost 100% in cattle at 8 mM NPA but not yak, while H2 accumulation showed an opposite trend. The total fatty acid (TVFA) production, acetate concentration, and propionate concentration in cattle decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. For yak, the H2 accumulation reached its apex at 8 mM NPA (p < 0.05). The TVFA in yak decreased significantly with increasing 3NPA doses at 12 and 72 h incubation. Moreover, the acetate concentration and propionate concentration in yak decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. Overall, these findings demonstrated that 3NPA could be used as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions; although, it negatively affected the dry matter degradability in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between DM yield/cutting and the fermentable organic matter (FOM) content of tropical grasses was appropriately investigated to re-assess optimal grass maturity to feed dairy cattle. Nine different grass species belonging to the genera Brachiaria spp. (Mulato II, Ruzi), Panicum spp. (Guinea, Hamil, Mombasa, TD58), and Pennisetum spp. (King, Napier, VA06) were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (IVGP) test. For 72 h, gas production (GP) was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles. Across all the grasses, it was found that the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents increased with increasing maturity of the grass while the CP contents decreased with increasing NDF contents. In all nine grasses, digestible organic matter (dOM) was significantly affected by the week of cutting but IVGP was similar between the weeks of cutting in Ruzi, Hamil, Mombasa, and Napier grasses. Except for Guinea grass, the lowest dOM values were found when the grasses were cut after ≥5 weeks of regrowth. Harvesting grass one or two weeks earlier than the normal cutting time is a practically relevant intervention in increasing forage quality and productivity of dOM and fermentation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of different edible fungus bran beef cattle diet formula designed at the lowest cost by in vitro gas production method. The single factor experiment design was used, with different kinds of fungus bran total mixed rations (TMR) as fermentation substrate, control (CON), Lentinula edodes treatment, Auricularia auricula treatment, Pleuro⁃ tus ostreatus treatment, Hohenbuehelia serotina treatment, Pleurotus ostreatus treatment, Pleurotus citrinopileatus treatment, Morchella esculenta treatment, Pleurotus eryngii treatment. Through in vitro gas production method, comprehensively analyzed according to gas production, gas production parameters, fermentation parameters and in vitro nutrient digestibility, combined with membership function. The results showed that: ① At 4 to 10 h of fermentation, gas production in the CON was significantly higher than that in other treatments (P<0.05). At 12-16 h of fermentation, the gas production of Auricularia auricula treatment, Pleurotus ostreatus treatment, Pleuro⁃ tus citrinopileatus treatment and Morchella esculenta treatment were significantly lower than the CON (P< 0.05). At 48 h of fermentation, the gas production of Auricularia auricula treatment, Hohenbuehelia sero⁃ tina treatment, Pleurotus ostreatus treatment, Pleurotus citrinopileatus treatment and Morchella esculenta treatment were significantly lower than those in the CON (P<0.05). ② Except for Auricularia auricula treatment and Hohenbuehelia serotina treatment, the theoretical maximum gas production in other treatments was significantly higher than the CON (P<0.05). Except for Hohenbuehelia serotina treatment, the gas production rate in other treatments was significantly lower than the CON (P<0.05). ③ The pH in the CON and Pleurotus eryngii treatment were significantly higher than other treatmentss (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acids (VFA), and methane production among all treatments (P>0.05). ④ Except for Lentinula edodes treatment and Pleurotus ostrea⁃ tus treatment, the digested organic matter (DOM), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) values in other treatments were significantly lower than those in the CON (P<0.05). ⑤ At 24 h of in vitro fermentation, in addition to Lentinula edodes treatment and Pleurotus ostreatus treatment, the in vitro digestibility of nutrients in all other treatments were significantly lower than the CON (P< 0.05). At 48 h of in vitro fermentation, in addition to Lentinula edodes treatment, Pleurotus ostreatus treatment, and Pleurotus eryngii treatment, the in vitro digestibility of nutrients in all other treatments were significantly lower than the CON (P<0.05). Comprehensive analysis showed that there were some differences in rumen fermentation parameters and degradation characteristics of beef cattle diets with different kinds of fungus bran, among which Lentinula edodes fungus bran and Pleurotus ostreatus fungus bran had the potential to be used as beef cattle diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for roughage in the animal nutrition industry has led to the search for various alternative roughage. In this context, as a result of the research, tree leaves have the potential to be considered as a nutritious and balanced forage source for animals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usability of apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), cherry (Prunus avium), grape (Vitis vinifera), and umber mulberry (Morus rubra) leaves in ruminant nutrition. As a result of the research, nutritional contents of tree leaves (dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, crude oil, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, tannin), in vitro gas, carbon dioxide and methane gas production, in vitro gas post-production rumen fluid volatile fatty acid contents were found to be different from each other (P<0.05). In addition, although metabolic energy, organic matter digestion, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed values were found to be different in tree leaves (P<0.05), the highest values of these parameters were found in mulberry leaves. Metabolic energy (ME-J/kgDM) in grape, mulberry, apple, apricot and cherry is 9.24, 10.69, 10.07, 10.24, 9.33, organic matter digestibility (OMD-%) is 56.49, 58.98, 54.46, 57.34, and 58.31, respectively. has been detected. In the volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of the leaves after in vitro gas production; Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA-mmol/L) was defined as 69.16, 76.25, 66.04, 68.63, and 65.24, acetic acid (AA-mmol/L) was determined as 44.90, 48.52, 41.93, 46.82, and 43.62, respectively. As a result of our detailed studies, it has been determined that the leaves of various fruit trees stand out with their considerable nutritional content. The most important reason for the differences in the findings is that the nutritional content of tree leaves is different from differs. As a result of our comprehensive study, these nutritional content differences offer significant potential for using leaves of various fruit trees as a source of forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract is a potential ruminal modulator endorsed by consumers for its inherent safety and acceptability. This in vitro study demonstrated that dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract increased the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, reduced gas production, and enhanced the rumen bacterial abundances. These findings suggest that dragon fruit peel polyphenol extract has the potential to improve ruminal fermentation of sika deer and provides a theoretical basis for dragon fruit peel polyphenol extract to be used as a functional feed additive for Sika deer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract (DFPE) on gas production, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in sika deer using an in vitro technique. Three treatments with different DFPE levels (DFPE0, base diet; DFPE5, base diet + 5 mg/g DFPE; DFPE10, base diet + 10 mg/g DFPE, respectively; n = 6) were implemented. The phenolic composition of DFPE, gas production (GP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and bacteria communities was evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that GP and NH3-N were reduced by DFPE supplementation. Total VFA, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were increased (p < 0.05) by the addition of DFPE. No changes (p > 0.05) were observed in pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Additionally, the alpha indexes, including Sobs, Shannon, and Ace, were increased by DFPE supplementation. Moreover, at the phylum level, DFPE supplementation increased (p = 0.01) Bacteroidota but reduced (p < 0.01) Firmicutes. At the genus level, compared to DFPE0, the DFPE10 had increased relative abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.01), Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group (p < 0.01), Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.01), and NK4A214_group (p < 0.01), decreased relative abundances of Streptococcus (p < 0.01), Oribacterium (p = 0.01), and Enterococcus (p < 0.01). Compared to DFPE0, DFPE5 had no change (p > 0.05) in all bacteria at the genus level except for decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus (p < 0.01). These results indicated that DFPE may be able to be used as a feed additive to enhance fermentation parameters and improve ruminal bacteria communities in Sika deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation parameters of rumen in goats fed varying levels of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue using in vitro gas production technology, so as to lay a foundation for the exploitation and utilization of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue as a feed resource for goats. Four goats were used as rumen fluid donors. The consumed 3 kinds of feeds in the feeding trial of goats were used as the in vitro fermentation substrate, in which control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 consist 0, 12%, and 24% (%DM) levels of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue, respectively. Gas production, rumen fermentation parameters, and cellulase activity were measured. The results showed that the cumulative gas production at 6 hours (GP6 h) in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in gas production at other time points between the 3 groups (P>0.05). The contents of total volatile fatty acids and acetic acid in treatment 1 were tended to be greater than those in control group and treatment 2 (P=0.08). Levels of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter (OMD) were unaffected among 3 treatments (P>0.05). Inclusion of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue has no effect on cellulase activity (P>0.05). In conclusion, Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue has no adverse impact on in vitro rumen fermentation and can be used as feed resources for goats. An appropriate level (12%) of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. residue can increase gas production and then is benefical to rumen fermentation. However, it is still necessary to consider its impact on the growth performance of goats under the production condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional values of the “styrax tree” (Styrax officinalis L.) on in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolic energy (ME) content. In this study, styrax leaf samples were collected for analysis in three different periods: May, July and September. According to the analysis results, crude ash (CA), dry matter (DM), crude fat (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) values, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased in September compared to May and July. In September, compared to May, CA has increased by 23 %, DM by 64 %, CM by 30.5 %, ADF by 9.8 %, and NDF by 9.8 %. During the vegetation period, there was an increase in dry matter content in parallel with maturation. The dry matter content of Styrax tree leaves (STL) increased in May (30 %), July (40 %) and September (50 %). Crude protein amounts were found 19 % in May, 17 % in July, and 15 % in September. As the STL grows, decreases in CP, which plays a role in plant growth, and increases in the cell membrane were observed. The CF content in STL changed to 3.2 %, 4.4 %, and 4.3 % in May, July, and September, respectively, with the highest value determined in July and very close to the September value. CA content in styrax tree plants varied by 8.58 % in May, in July by 9.86 %, and in September by 10.56 %. As the amount of dry matter increased according to the periods, the amount of CA also increased. NDF and ADF levels increased in parallel with the vegetation period's development in STL. NDF was found to be 37.5 %, 39.0 %, and 41.5 % according to the periods. ADF amount was found 27 % in May, 28.5 % in July, and 30 % in September. Metabolic energy varied between 8.86 and 10.06 (MJ/kg KM) depending on the periods. When organic matter digestion levels were examined, it was seen that the highest OMD was in July with 58.71 %. Gas production was determined by incubations of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and the maximum gas measurement value was in September, July, and May, respectively. As a result of the study, STL can be a good alternative feed source for ruminants when adequate amounts of high-quality feed materials cannot be provided.

Objective This study determined fermentation characteristics of commonly used feedstuffs, especially tropical roughages, for dairy cattle in Southeast Asia. This information is considered relevant in the context of the observed low milk fat content and milk production in Southeast Asia countries. Methods A total of 29 feedstuffs commonly used for dairy cattle in Vietnam and Thailand were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (GP) test. For 72 h, GP was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment and methane (CH4) was measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h of incubation. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles while a monophasic model was used to obtain kinetics related to CH4 production. Results King grass and VA06 showed a high asymptotic GP related to the soluble- and non-soluble fractions (i.e. A1 and A2, respectively) and had the highest acetate to propionate ratio in the incubation fluid. The proportion of CH4 produced (% of GP at 72 h) was found to be not different (p>0.05) between the various grasses. Among the selected preserved roughages (n = 6) and whole crops (n = 4), sorghum was found to produce the greatest amount of gas in combination with a relatively low CH4 production. Conclusion Grasses belonging to the genus Pennisetum, and whole crop sorghum can be considered as suitable ingredients to formulate dairy rations to enhance milk fat content in Vietnam/Thailand.

Objective: This study determined fermentation characteristics of commonly used feedstuffs, especially tropical roughages, for dairy cattle in Southeast Asia. This information is considered relevant in the context of the observed low milk fat content and milk production in Southeast Asia countries. Methods: A total of 29 feedstuffs commonly used for dairy cattle in Vietnam and Thailand were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (GP) test. For 72 h, GP was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment and methane (CH4) was measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h of incubation. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles while a monophasic model was used to obtain kinetics related to CH4 production. Results: King grass and VA06 showed a high asymptotic GP related to the soluble- and non-soluble fractions (i.e. A1 and A2, respectively) and had the highest acetate to propionate ratio in the incubation fluid. The proportion of CH4 produced (% of GP at 72 h) was found to be not different (p>0.05) between the various grasses. Among the selected preserved roughages (n = 6) and whole crops (n = 4), sorghum was found to produce the greatest amount of gas in combination with a relatively low CH4 production. Conclusion: Grasses belonging to the genus Pennisetum, and whole crop sorghum can be considered as suitable ingredients to formulate dairy rations to enhance milk fat content in Vietnam/Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate dosing of feed additives is often required to evaluate their effects on rumen fermentation. This can be done using soluble but nonfermentable hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hard capsules. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of HPMC hard capsules on the extent and rate of in vitro gas production in eleven feeds. Methods: Six high‐fibre feeds and five concentrates, were weighed into syringes either directly or into HPMC capsules and incubated anaerobically in 30 mL buffered rumen fluid at 39°C. Data obtained from gas production measurements were fitted using the Gompertz model to obtain kinetic parameters for gas production. Results: HPMC hard capsules had no effect on the gas production of the blank sample and concentrate feeds. In contrast, high‐fibre feeds weighed in HPMC showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total gas production and gas produced within 24 h of incubation. Conclusions: The use of HPMC hard capsules was found to be inappropriate for determining gas production kinetics because fermentation subsides at a certain point when peak fermentation is reached (at TMFR), resulting in a decrease in both total potential gas production and gas production within 24 h of incubation. This is particularly evident when high‐fibre feeds are incubated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Polyphenol compounds are important physiological activity materials that resist corrosion and oxidation, can be maintained in a state of freshness, and can be used safely, among other advantages. In China, the most important cereal crop is sorghum, which is an important raw material for brewing. However, sorghum stalks are usually considered to have no value and are thrown away or burned, resulting in environmental pollution and the possible waste of a usable resource. Notably, the sorghum stalk contains an abundance of polyphenols that exhibit great development potential as unconventional resources. However, studies on sorghum stalks with respect to their polyphenol compounds and their effects on in vitro rumen fermentation in goats have been relatively rare to date. Accordingly, in the present study, six types of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) varieties used for brewing traditional Chinese liquor were selected, and we compared their stalks in terms of their chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and effects on in vitro rumen fermentation in goats. Our findings provide new details regarding the use of this unconventional feed for goats, as well as theories for developing this kind of resource for use as ruminant feed. The aim of the study was to examine the differences in the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation among six varieties of sorghum stalks. The results show that maoliangnuo 1 (M1) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of dry matter, and jinzhong 405 (J4) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of crude protein content. The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stalk jinliangnuo (JN). The levels of chlorogenic acid, homoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, rhoifolin, genistin, quercetin, apigenin, aloe emodin, emodin, and total polyphenols were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in maohongnuo 6 (M6) than in the other stalks. Moreover, stalk M6 contained higher (p < 0.05) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging capacity. There were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between total polyphenols and TAC, superoxide dismutase, GPX, CAT, and DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity. The total gas production was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the sorghum stalk variety and incubation time. Stalk J4 displayed higher values for the (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction and the potential extent of gas production, while stalk M6 exhibited a significantly lower (p < 0.05) insoluble fraction level. Furthermore, stalk M6 exhibited a significantly higher level of (p < 0.05) ruminal fluid propionic acid, but its level of butyric acid and its ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were both significantly lower (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results reported in this paper indicate that the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation all vary greatly among different varieties of sorghum stalks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Accurate dosing of feed additives is often required to evaluate their effects on rumen fermentation. This can be done using soluble but nonfermentable hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hard capsules. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of HPMC hard capsules on the extent and rate of in vitro gas production in eleven feeds. Methods Six high‐fibre feeds and five concentrates, were weighed into syringes either directly or into HPMC capsules and incubated anaerobically in 30 mL buffered rumen fluid at 39°C. Data obtained from gas production measurements were fitted using the Gompertz model to obtain kinetic parameters for gas production. Results HPMC hard capsules had no effect on the gas production of the blank sample and concentrate feeds. In contrast, high‐fibre feeds weighed in HPMC showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total gas production and gas produced within 24 h of incubation. Conclusions The use of HPMC hard capsules was found to be inappropriate for determining gas production kinetics because fermentation subsides at a certain point when peak fermentation is reached (at TMFR), resulting in a decrease in both total potential gas production and gas production within 24 h of incubation. This is particularly evident when high‐fibre feeds are incubated.

Among the alternatives identified as capable of making livestock farming a more efficient activity and reducing its environmental impact, the use of feeds with high digestibility and the use of non-conventional fodder species can be highlighted. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (TD) has already gained attention as a feed for ruminants. Nonetheless, there has been little discussion about the impacts of this plant on the rumen dynamics that lead to better animal performance. The aim of this study was to assess how increasing levels of TD could affect ruminal microbial biomass synthesis, degradability, and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of diets. Four diets were evaluated: a control diet (TD0: 400 g kg−1 soybean meal and maize grain, and 600 g kg−1 Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.)) and three increasing levels of TD (TD9: 90, TD27: 270, and TD45: 450 g kg−1–dry matter basis) as a replacement for dietary roughage. A 96 h IVGP assay was carried out and five incubation times (2, 4, 10, 24, and 96 h) were used for degradability determination. Gas produced, methane (CH4), degradability of organic matter (IVDOM), short-chained fatty acid (SCFA) production, partitioning factor (PF), and microbial biomass (MB) were evaluated among treatments. There was no significant effect (p > 0.05) between TD inclusion and IVGP at most incubation times; only at 6 h of incubation did gas production increase linearly with TD inclusion (R2 = 0.19; p < 0.05). TD inclusion had no effects on CH4. IVDOM increased linearly with TD inclusion at 6 and 10 h, with TD45 being more degradable than the control diet at 6 h only. There was a positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.20; p < 0.05) between TD inclusion and PF. TD45 had significantly higher PF values than the control. MB also increased linearly (R2 = 0.30; p < 0.05) with TD inclusion, and all diets with TD had significantly more MB than the control diet. The inclusion of TD at the levels used in this work was revealed to have a positive impact on microbial protein synthesis, which could be related to the higher microbial efficiency of increased substrate quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) fruit is mainly consumed fresh or after its transformation into juice, jam, candy, beverages, ice cream, powder, or wine. During processing, many leftovers are produced and released into the environment, contributing to pollution. This current study investigated the possible utilization of pineapple leftovers from two varieties (Smooth Cayenne and Sugarloaf) cultivated in West Africa. They were characterized individually (crown, bud end, peel, core, and pomace) regarding chemical composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics, and estimated metabolizable energy. As a result, the lipids and lignin content were at low levels and they would not negatively affect nutrient utilization in ruminants. However, the low dry matter and high sugar content in pineapples highlight preservation issues in their by-products. The core and pomace of pineapples showed low structural carbohydrate content, high in vitro degradability, and high volatile fatty acid production. This study suggests that pineapple by-products can be used in ruminant nutrition; the crown, bud end, and peel can be used as fiber sources, while core and pomace can be used as energy sources. In West Africa, these by-products could help farmers to supplement ruminants' diet during dry seasons characterized by the scarcity of natural pasture which represent the main feedstuff for ruminant in this region. Pineapple fruit, which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas, is processed by the food industry, generating a large amount of waste. Using pineapple by-products in animal nutrition could reduce feeding costs and contribute to the containment of pollution. The chemical composition and the in vitro fermentation of five pineapple by-products (crown, bud end, peel, core, and pomace) from two West African pineapple varieties (Smooth Cayenne—SC and Sugarloaf—SL) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed between the varieties and by-products. The dry matter (DM) content was low and superimposable between varieties, averaging 17.7%. On a DM basis, pomace showed the highest protein content (SC 8.10% and SL 8.81%, p < 0.001), whereas the crown showed the highest (p < 0.001) NDF content (47.62% and 39.01% for SC and SL, respectively). Due the high sugar content, the core and pomace showed high in vitro organic matter degradability (SC: 85.09% and SL: 83.98%), estimated metabolizable energy (SC: 7.91 KJ/kg and SL: 7.66 KJ/kg), and volatile fatty acid production (96.86 mmol/g and 90.62 mmol/g). Based on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility results, this study suggests that pineapple by-products have the potential to be used in ruminants' diets, considering the crown, bud end, and peel as fiber sources and the core and pomace as substitutes or supplements to concentrate feedstuffs. Further research should be conducted on the storability of these by-products through in vivo trials evaluating animals' performances and the quality of their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA on ruminal fermentation characteristics of grazing ruminants in vitro. Rumen fluid from grazing yak and cattle were collected and incubated with additions of 0, 8, and 16 mM 3NPA. The total gas production, CH4 production, and dry matter digestibility significantly decreased with increasing 3NPA doses in both ruminant species (p < 0.05) and methane production decreased to almost 100% in cattle at 8 mM NPA but not yak, while H2 accumulation showed an opposite trend. The total fatty acid (TVFA) production, acetate concentration, and propionate concentration in cattle decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. For yak, the H2 accumulation reached its apex at 8 mM NPA (p < 0.05). The TVFA in yak decreased significantly with increasing 3NPA doses at 12 and 72 h incubation. Moreover, the acetate concentration and propionate concentration in yak decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. Overall, these findings demonstrated that 3NPA could be used as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions; although, it negatively affected the dry matter degradability in vitro.

The relationship between DM yield/cutting and the fermentable organic matter (FOM) content of tropical grasses was appropriately investigated to re-assess optimal grass maturity to feed dairy cattle. Nine different grass species belonging to the genera Brachiaria spp. (Mulato II, Ruzi), Panicum spp. (Guinea, Hamil, Mombasa, TD58), and Pennisetum spp. (King, Napier, VA06) were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (IVGP) test. For 72 h, gas production (GP) was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles. Across all the grasses, it was found that the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents increased with increasing maturity of the grass while the CP contents decreased with increasing NDF contents. In all nine grasses, digestible organic matter (dOM) was significantly affected by the week of cutting but IVGP was similar between the weeks of cutting in Ruzi, Hamil, Mombasa, and Napier grasses. Except for Guinea grass, the lowest dOM values were found when the grasses were cut after ≥5 weeks of regrowth. Harvesting grass one or two weeks earlier than the normal cutting time is a practically relevant intervention in increasing forage quality and productivity of dOM and fermentation potential.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract (DFPE) on gas production, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in sika deer using an in vitro technique. Three treatments with different DFPE levels (DFPE0, base diet; DFPE5, base diet + 5 mg/g DFPE; DFPE10, base diet + 10 mg/g DFPE, respectively; n = 6) were implemented. The phenolic composition of DFPE, gas production (GP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and bacteria communities was evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that GP and NH3-N were reduced by DFPE supplementation. Total VFA, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were increased (p < 0.05) by the addition of DFPE. No changes (p > 0.05) were observed in pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Additionally, the alpha indexes, including Sobs, Shannon, and Ace, were increased by DFPE supplementation. Moreover, at the phylum level, DFPE supplementation increased (p = 0.01) Bacteroidota but reduced (p < 0.01) Firmicutes. At the genus level, compared to DFPE0, the DFPE10 had increased relative abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.01), Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group (p < 0.01), Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.01), and NK4A214_group (p < 0.01), decreased relative abundances of Streptococcus (p < 0.01), Oribacterium (p = 0.01), and Enterococcus (p < 0.01). Compared to DFPE0, DFPE5 had no change (p > 0.05) in all bacteria at the genus level except for decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus (p < 0.01). These results indicated that DFPE may be able to be used as a feed additive to enhance fermentation parameters and improve ruminal bacteria communities in Sika deer.

Abstract The study was conducted to investigate the in vitro gas production characteristics and methane (CH4) emission potential of indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs (ILFTS). The most predominant 11 ILFTS species were selected, and leaves and fruit/pod samples were collected, oven dried, and ground. The potential leaf biomass yield (PBY), dry matter (DM), ether extract, digestible crude protein, carbohydrate (CHO), acid detergent lignin, ash, total phenol, condensed tannin, gross energy, digestible energy, metabolizable energy (ME), gas production characteristics, CH4 emissions, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) were determined. ANOVA and independent t test were used to examine variation among species in plants nature and between fruits and pods within agroecosystems, respectively. Correlation analysis was used to determine relationships among parameters. The study indicated that only DM and CHO showed substantial variation in nutritional quality parameters among trees, shrubs, and fruit/pods in the lowlands. Fruits/pods and trees displayed significant differences in gas production characteristics in the lowlands, unlike shrubs, which had non‐substantial variations. Moreover, the PBY, CH4 emission, OMD, and ME of ILFTS revealed substantial variation (P

Grape seed is a product that is released as waste during the processing of grapes. It is described as ecological damage. Recently, its availability in animal nutrition has been discussed due to the high content of tannins and phenolics contained in it. It is thought that grape seeds can reduce the adverse conditions that occur in the rumen with the high amount of antioxidant properties they contain. This study investigated the effects of grape seed on acidosis and gas production in the rumen under in vitro conditions. The nutritional composition of the present product, in vitro gas production (GP), and the differentiation of gases formed in the rumen (NH3, CH4, and CO2) under acidosis conditions were determined. The pH values of the rumen fluid were measured at the 0, 24, 48, and 96th hours of incubation. Grape seed did not have an effect on rumen pH under normal conditions. However, in the rumen, due to its high amount of antioxidant properties during periods of acidosis, it showed a positive effect on the linear improvement of intra-rumen pH. It was concluded that further studies should be conducted, in which the mechanism of action of grape seed on animals with acidosis was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Contrary to other herbivores, in horses the forage:concentrate ratio of the diet may be critical according to the animal attitude and workload. In this study, diet digestibility and degradability (in vivo and in vitro, respectively) were assessed in five horses' diets that differed in the percentage of concentrates that, in adult horses, are considered more as a hay supplement rather than a basic feed. The determination of in vivo digestibility and in vitro degradability to assess the nutritional characteristics of the horses' diet shows how this approach can be of useful to determine concentrate intake and optimize the energy content in a horse's diet. Determination of digestibility represents the first step for the evaluation of the net energy content of feed for livestock animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo digestibility and in vitro degradability of five diets characterized by different forage/concentrate ratios (F:C) in horses. The in vitro degradability was determined by the Gas Production Technique (GPT), using as an inoculum source the feces of the same subjects used for the in vivo test. Five diets consisting of poliphyte hay, straw and grains of barley and oats with a different F:C ratio [90/10 (Diet 1); 78/22 (Diet 2); 68/32 (Diet 3); 60/40 (Diet 4); 50/50 (Diet 5) were formulated and administered in succession, starting with Diet 1. In the in vivo results, no significant differences emerged, despite the different F:C content. In in vitro fermentation, four diets out of the five (2, 3, 4, 5) presented a similar trend of the curve of gas production, showing good activity of the fecal micro population during the first hours of incubation. An important correlation between gas and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) were found, suggesting that the processes linked to the micro population deriving from the horse's caecum follow metabolic pathways whose products can be modeled in the same way as for the rumen. The GPT could represent the correct method for studying the nutritional characteristics of feed for horses, using feces as the source of inoculum, even if further investigations must be performed to improve the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritive value of some Algerian perennial plants species were examined on the premise of their in vitro gas production, chemical composition and fermentation kinetics. The plant species were Aristida pungens, Artemesia herbaalba, Artemesia vulgarus, Atriplex halimus, Genista saharae, Lygeum spartum, Retama retam, Stipa tenacissima. L and oat hay as a standard. Importants variation have been registered (P <0.05) regarding all the chemical components of the perennial plants species. The crude protein (CP) content value ranged between 5.02 and 16.15 (% DM), the highest CP value was recorded for Atriplex halimus (A. halimus). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were generally high in Stipa tenacissima and low in Atriplex halimus (P <0.05). The organic matter digestibility (OMD) and the total gas production vary from 31.74 to 59.1 % and 15.46 to 39.52 (ml.g-1 DM), respectively. In general, high values of Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and gas production were noted for A. halimus succeeded by Genista saharae (G. saharae). This necessitates prudent nutritional interventions such as supplementation with barley and wheat bran. Additionally, in order to improve fibrous feeds digestibility, some exogenous fibrolytic enzymes are of growing interest as additives to ruminant nutrition. A. halimus is a valuable plant that provides wildlife habitat and food for livestock. It is a very effective fodder element in mixed diets and as a supplement for livestock, mainly during the dry season in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of potato vine and leaf mixed silage (PVS) on rumen fermentation and the microbe in ruminants and to improve the utilization of PVS resources in ruminants through in vitro gas production and feeding trials. The experiment was divided into three groups: PVS1 (50% corn + 50% potato vine and leaf silage), PVS2 (75% potato vine and leaf + 15% rice straw + 10% cornmeal silage) and whole-plant corn silage (CS). The in vitro gas production results showed that there was a significant reduction in PVS groups in the indexes of total gas (p < 0.05) and CH4 production (p < 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter (p < 0.05), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05) at 48 h were decreased in the PVS group. For the rumen fermentation indexes, the pH (p < 0.05), microbial crude protein (MCP) (p < 0.05), and acetate to propionate (p < 0.05) showed an increase in the PVS group, but a decrease in the total volatile fatty acid concentration (p < 0.05). In the feeding trial, different silages in diets had no significant effect on the rumen fermentation indexes (p > 0.05). In the rumen microbe composition, the PVS diet significantly reduced the abundance of Prevotella (p < 0.05) compared with the CS diet group. The PVS2 diet significantly increased the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group (p < 0.05) and Bacteroidales_bacterium_Bact_22 (p < 0.05) compared with the CS diet group. In conclusion, PVS had no negative effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen microbial flora and could significantly reduce rumen gas production compared to CS, positively mitigating animal husbandry CH4 emissions and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, ruminants play a very important role in the nutrition and poverty alleviation of many households in developing countries. These ruminants survive mainly on grazing natural pastures. The quality and quantity of natural pastures vary throughout the year with the major limitation occurring in the dry season. The absence or high cost of commercial concentrate for ruminants in developing countries also affects the intake and digestibility of the poor quality forage by ruminants. This study sought to explore the potential of rumen digesta collected after slaughter at abattoirs as a supplemental feedstuff. The effects of season and processing methods on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production and microbial load of dried rumen digesta were evaluated. Rumen digesta collected in four climatic seasons (early wet season, peak wet season, early dry season and late dry season), were processed using four different treatment methods (sundried, oven-dried, fermented and urea-fermented) and were evaluated in a 4 ×4 factorial design. The two-way interaction of season and processing methods had a significant effect (P = 0.05) on dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre. The urea-fermented method of the peak wet season collected rumen digesta had the highest crude protein (29.3% DM), whereas the least crude protein (6.1% DM) was obtained from the oven-dried processing method of late dry season collected rumen digesta. The interaction of processing method and season had a significant effect (P = 0.05) on digestible organic matter. The early wet season samples had a higher in vitro digestible organic matter (>40%) compared to the other seasons. The urea-fermented processing method consistently recorded a higher in vitro digestible organic matter relative to the other processing methods. The processing methods all led to a 90 - 100% reduction in the concentration of total microbial count, lactic acid bacteria, Salmonella spp. and E. coli. It was concluded that season and processing method influenced the chemical composition and digestibility of rumen digesta. Urea fermentation of rumen digesta also reduced the concentration of E. coli and Salmonella spp. by 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the present study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation capacity of potato pulp (PP), potato pulp with peel (PPp) and potato peel (Pp), i.e. potato starch by-products. PP and PPp were applied at 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% (on a dry matter basis) instead of corn flake and barley grain in dairy cow total mixed ration (TMR). The volumes of in vitro total gas and methane production, and metabolisable energy (ME) values of PP and PPp were higher compared to Pp (P < 0.001). The in vitro true dry matter digestion (tDMd) and in vitro true organic matter digestion (tOMd) values of PP using at 7.5% and 10% rates in TMR were decreased linearly according to that of control TMR value (P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of potato starch by-products in ruminant diet can be suggested due to the high and rapid fermentation potential, especially of potato pulp without peel. The study showed that PP could be applied at up to 5% and PPp at a level of up to 10% in dairy cattle TMR (on a DM basis). Further in vitro studies should be carried out using dried potato starch by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of fermentation parameters of sunflower oil, vegetable oil blend, palm oil and chicken oil addition to sunflower meal, wheat grain, alfalfa herbage and corn silage at different rates (4% and 6%, dry matter basis). The oil supplementation up to 6% rate to the alfalfa herbage and corn silage did not adversely affect the level of in vitro gas production, metabolic energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL), organic matter digestion (OMD) and molarities of acetic, propionic, butyric, iso-valeric, iso-butyric and valeric acids and number of total protozoa (P > 0.05). The oil supplementation to alfalfa herbage increased molarities of butyric, iso-valeric, iso-butyric and valeric acids and number of total protozoa (except sunflower oil) in rumen fluid (P

The chemical composition, in vitro total gas and CH4 production and performance of cattle fed on factory black tea waste (Camellia sinensis) (BTW), alfalfa (Medicago Sativa), sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and white clover (Trifolium repens) was investigated. The gas production was quantified at the 24th hour of the incubation process. BTW was found to vary from roughages in chemical composition (p < 0.05). In addition, the roughages differed in terms of nutrient composition and gas production (p < 0.05). In legume roughages, acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) values ranged from 52.36–57.00 mmol/L, 13.46–17.20 mmol/L, 9.79–12.43 mmol/L, and 79.71–89.05 mmol/L, respectively. In comparison with black tea waste, legume roughages had higher values of AA, PA, BA, and TVFA. Black tea waste contained a higher acetic acid ratio than legume roughages when compared as a percentage. There was a similar ratio of propionic acid to the rate calculated for sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa) and clover (Trifolium repens), and a similar ratio of butyric acid to the ratio determined for alfalfa (Medicago Sativa). The current study shows that the 5.7–6.3% tannin content of black tea waste can be used in ruminant rations with high-quality roughages. Due to the fact that BTW reduces methane emissions from ruminants and eliminates energy waste from them, the environment can be improved. To obtain more reliable results, further animal feeding experiments on legume roughages and BTW are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a herbaceous plant in the family of Malvaceae, native to Africa and India and primarily produced for its fibre. It has been suggested that the immature kenaf is suitable to be used as fodder for ruminants. The crude protein content of the kenaf depends on the soil nutrient levels and other environmental and management factors. The study aims to evaluate the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer at different levels on the plant height, yield, nutrient content and in vitro gas production of immature kenaf. There were five different levels of additional inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (urea: 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 kg/ha) and were given to Kenaf V36 which was initially fertilized with NPK (15:15:15). Kenaf V36 seeds were obtained from National Kenaf and Tobacco Board and used as planting materials. The kenaf plants were watered twice daily and fertilized with inorganic fertilizer on day 10 and 20 after planting. On day 35 after planting, the dry matter yield (DM yield), plant height, proximate analysis, Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro gas production were determined. The result shows that the DM yield ranged from 0.55 to 0.62 tonnes per hectare. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in CP, NDF and ash of kenaf fertilized with different levels of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. There are highly significant differences (P<0.01) in plant height, DM content and gas production of kenaf fertilized with different levels of inorganic fertilizer application of immature kenaf fertilised with 40 kg/ha and harvested on day 35 post-planting was observed to reach the optimum performance and suitable as ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradability of elephant grass silage dry matter with increasing levels of sugarcane bagasse. A completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% inclusion of sugarcane bagasse on an as-fed matter basis, with five replications, totalling 25 experimental units. The increasing proportion of sugarcane bagasse analysed was favourable only in increasing the concentration of dry matter and fibre of silages and in maintaining a considerable crude protein content. In the in situ degradation assay, the addition of sugarcane bagasse in silage decreased the ruminal degradability of dry matter, and as the passage rates increased, the effective degradability decreased. In the in vitro gas production assay, the total production of gases was decreased with the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse, as did the degradability of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre. The recommendation for the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse should be analysed according to the desired objective, emphasizing that values higher than 5% can greatly compromise the final nutritive value of elephant grass silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The aim of the study was to examine the differences in the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation among six varieties of sorghum stalks. The results show that maoliangnuo 1 (M1) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of dry matter, and jinzhong 405 (J4) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of crude protein content. The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stalk jinliangnuo (JN). The levels of chlorogenic acid, homoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, rhoifolin, genistin, quercetin, apigenin, aloe emodin, emodin, and total polyphenols were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in maohongnuo 6 (M6) than in the other stalks. Moreover, stalk M6 contained higher (p < 0.05) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging capacity. There were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between total polyphenols and TAC, superoxide dismutase, GPX, CAT, and DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity. The total gas production was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the sorghum stalk variety and incubation time. Stalk J4 displayed higher values for the (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction and the potential extent of gas production, while stalk M6 exhibited a significantly lower (p < 0.05) insoluble fraction level. Furthermore, stalk M6 exhibited a significantly higher level of (p < 0.05) ruminal fluid propionic acid, but its level of butyric acid and its ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were both significantly lower (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results reported in this paper indicate that the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation all vary greatly among different varieties of sorghum stalks.

The aim of current experiment was to determine the effect of supplementation of urea on the nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of apple pulp silage. Apple pulp obtained from apple with Granny Smith (Malus domestica) varieties was used in the research. Apple pulp were ensiled in special glass jars with 1.5 L capacity. Urea (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% on DM basis) was added homogeneously to apple pulp in triplicate. The experimental silos were placed in a room until opening after 45 day of preservation to determine chemical composition and silage fermentation parameters. The addition of urea to apple pulp reduced the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) whereas the supplementation of urea significantly (P

IntroductionMitigation of ruminant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial for more appropriate livestock production. Thus, there is a need of further research evaluating feed supplementation strategies to mitigate enteric GHG emissions and other gases produced within the rumen.MethodsThis study was conducted as a completely randomized experimental design to determine the effectiveness of liquid extracts from A. indica (AZI), C. angustidens (CNA), or their combination (Mix. 1:1) at dosages of 0, 36, 72, and 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate incubated in reducing GHG production in vitro, particularly methane (CH4), from the diet of steers during anaerobic incubation in rumen fluid. Total gas production, CH4, CO, H2S, and fermentative characteristics were all measured in vitro.ResultsTreatment AZI at a dose of 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the highest (P < 0.05) gas volume at 6 h, whereas CNA at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/ g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 6 and 24 h, and Mix. at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 48 h. In addition, CH4 levels at 6 and 24 h of incubation (36 mg/g DM substrate) were highest (P < 0.05) for CNA, and lowest (P < 0.05) for AZI, whereas this variable was lowest (P < 0.05) at 72 mg of liquid extract for CNA at 24 and 48 h. At 6 and 24 h, CO volume was highest (P < 0.05) for AZI at 108 mg of liquid extract and lowest (P < 0.05) for Mix. at 72 mg of liquid extract. Treatment Mix. had a high (P < 0.05) concentration of short chain fatty acids at 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM of substrate.DiscussionIn general, herbaceous perennial plants, such as AZI and CNA, could be considered suitable for mitigating enteric GHG emissions from animals. Specifically, the treatment Mix. achieved a greater sustainable reduction of 67.6% in CH4 and 47.5% in H2S production when compared to either AZI. This reduction in CH4 might suggest the potential of the combination of both plant extracts for mitigating the production of GHG from ruminants.

The main objective of the present study was to investigate a strategy to bioconverte spineless cactus Opuntia Ficus-Indica (O. ficus indica) Cladodes, Medicago sativa L. (M. sativa) and barley straw (H. vulgare) based on their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and fermentation parameters. The CP ranged from 51.41 to 156.09 g/kg DM, which was especially high within M. sativa and low in H. vulgare. O. ficus indica had the highest values in free condensed tannins. The most digestible plant sample was that from M. sativa and O.ficus indica. The maximum in vitro gas production was recorded with M. sativa and H. vulgare. The same trend was observed with the total gas production (144 h). Based on the results, it can be concluded that O. ficus indica could replace common plant species, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas in which the livestock production section frequently suffers low efficiency and big losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: Cassava is becoming increasingly popular in the worldwide market, thus leading to price surges. This phenomenon has a direct influence on ruminant farming, as cassava is used as an energy source in more than half of their meals. Accordingly, we have been searching for an alternative feed to compensate for this uncertainty and, more specifically, for tuberous crops such as winged bean tubers (WBTs) that have the potential to deliver nutrition equivalent to or even greater than conventional cassava chips. It was hypothesized that WBTs would be ideal for usage as animal feed and a unique alternative feedstock for ruminants. We identified that, when associated with grass, WBTs may be effectively utilized to substitute cassava chips without impairing rumen function. To summarize, even though it is too early to determine if WBTs can be utilized as a substitute for cassava, there are aspects of our study that indicate this possibility, and further research is required to evaluate the practicability of this alternative feedstuff. The purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of the replacement of cassava chips with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBTs) on gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation in ruminant diets. The study was performed using a 3 × 4 factorial arrangements and was designed using a completely random method. Factor A employed three various roughage sources that were frequently used by locals to feed ruminants: Oryza sativa L. (a1), Brachiaria ruziziensis (a2), and Pennisetum purpureum (a3). The levels of WBTs substitutions for cassava chips at 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% in the diet were selected as factor B. The experiment's findings revealed that replacing the cassava chips in the diet with WBTs at levels of 66 and 100% enhanced the fermentation process by producing a high gas volume at 96 h when Ruzi grass (RZ) was used as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). The interaction between the roughage source and WBTs showed that organic matter (OM) degradability improved markedly in the case of RZ grass in combination with WBTs at all levels. Both the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) at 8 h of incubation and the average value decreased when a complete substitution of casava chips with WBT (WBT 100%) was employed or when employing rice straw as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). There was no interaction between WBTs and roughage source on the ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (ml/dL) and rumen microbial count (p > 0.05). In summary, WBTs can be used effectively when combined with grass (Ruzi and Napier). The implementation of WBTs as a novel alternative feed may effectively replace cassava chips without affecting rumen function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to first, determine the nutritional value of Berberis vulgaris leaf (BVL), using in vitro gas production technique and second, determine the effect of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with BVL in lamb diets on nutrient intake, performance, and carcass traits. In vitro rumen gas kinetics and fermentation profile were assessed using three fistulated lambs and 96 h incubation of samples. For the in vivo trial, 21 Baluchi male lambs of 5–6 mo of age and 30.6 ± 1.28 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets containing BVL at 0% (CTRL), 7.5% (BVL7.5), and 15% (BVL15) of the total dry matter (DM) inclusion. The study lasted 84 d, which included 14 d for adaption and 70 d for sample collection. In vitro results showed that BVL had lower gas yield (GY24, P ≤ 0.05) than AH. In vivo trial revealed that DM intake increased with BVL15 followed by BVL7.5 (P ≤ 0.05). Digestibility of DM, organic matter, NDF, and acid detergent lignin decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with BVL15. Total weight gain, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, and cold carcass weight were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with BVL15, however, no differences were observed between the BVL7.5 and CTRL groups. Feed cost per kilogram BW gain decrease (P ≤ 0.05) by increasing the inclusion levels of BVL. In conclusion, BVL (up to 7.5% DM of diet) have positive consequences on performance, nutrient intake, rumen fermentation without deleterious effects on fattening performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native grasslands are a forage resource available to small-scale dairy production system (SSDS), whose cost is relatively low. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritive value through well as biomass of a native pasture during the rainy season in the central highlands of Mexico. The work was carried out during the months of June to October in small-scale milk production systems on 9.02 ha. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test was applied to forage mass results (five periods). A split-plot design was developed to evaluate the variables of in vitro gas production, in vitro digestibility and metabolisable energy. The results obtained show that mean biomass production values of 976.16 kg DM ha-1, crude protein contents between 64 and 131 g kg-1 DM; NDF 599 and 698 g kg-1 DM; FDA between 282 and 336 g kg-1 DM were obtained. Potential gas production (B) did not show significant differences between zones (p>0.05), but between periods (p<0.05) with up to 5.8% higher potential production in the three intermediate periods. Incubation delay time, fermentation rate and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (IVDFDN) were affected by their zone×period interactions (p<0.05). In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMS) and estimated metabolisable energy (eME) of pastures were higher in the first four periods, decreasing in the last period (p<0.05). Native pastures are of medium quality and as they do not require any management, they are an inexpensive option for feeding cows in small-scale dairy systems in the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects induced by medicinal aromatic plants in biological systems vary with the type and amount of bioactive substances these plants contain. Whether the purified form of the main chemical components of these plants, such as carvacrol and thymol, or plant volatile oils containing tens of bioactive compounds are more effective remains a question of debate. This study was aimed at providing a comparative assessment of the effects of Origanum syriacum L. (wild mountain thyme) volatile oil (OSVO) and one of its main components, carvacrol (CRV), on the in vitro ruminal degradability of lucerne herbage and methane production during the degradation of lucerne. For this purpose, wild thyme was harvested at the beginning of the flowering period, and the OSVO was extracted from the plant by steam distillation. Gas production assays were performed in five groups of ruminal fluid samples, one of which was maintained for control purposes, and the other four 40/60/80 mg/l of OSVO and 60 mg/l of CRV were added. Compared to the control group, in the samples with the added CRV and OSVO, the amounts of in vitro total gas and methane production were observed to have been affected, but no decrease was detected in the ruminal protozoa counts. The level of ammonia nitrogen was lowest in the groups, in which CRV and 40 mg/l of OSVO (P < 0.01) were added. The ruminal protozoa counts were not affected by the addition of CRV and OSVO. While the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionic acid (PA) concentrations in the in vitro fermentation fluid of lucerne herbage were low in all the groups, butyric acid was detected at a level of 40 mg/l in the group where CRV was added. The OSVO was ascertained to have induced dose-dependent alterations in the investigated in vitro digestion parameters. In result, CRV (60 mg/l) and OSVO (40 mg/l) were determined to have shown a relatively positive effect on the in vitro ruminal gas production. The anti-methanogenic effect of the plant extracts was due to the decreased digestibility of the lucerne herbage. This can have a positive impact on the environment, but the same cannot be said for the animal nutrient use and animal performance.

Among the alternatives identified as capable of making livestock farming a more efficient activity and reducing its environmental impact, the use of feeds with high digestibility and the use of non-conventional fodder species can be highlighted. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (TD) has already gained attention as a feed for ruminants. Nonetheless, there has been little discussion about the impacts of this plant on the rumen dynamics that lead to better animal performance. The aim of this study was to assess how increasing levels of TD could affect ruminal microbial biomass synthesis, degradability, and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of diets. Four diets were evaluated: a control diet (TD0: 400 g kg−1 soybean meal and maize grain, and 600 g kg−1 Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.)) and three increasing levels of TD (TD9: 90, TD27: 270, and TD45: 450 g kg−1–dry matter basis) as a replacement for dietary roughage. A 96 h IVGP assay was carried out and five incubation times (2, 4, 10, 24, and 96 h) were used for degradability determination. Gas produced, methane (CH4), degradability of organic matter (IVDOM), short-chained fatty acid (SCFA) production, partitioning factor (PF), and microbial biomass (MB) were evaluated among treatments. There was no significant effect (p > 0.05) between TD inclusion and IVGP at most incubation times; only at 6 h of incubation did gas production increase linearly with TD inclusion (R2 = 0.19; p < 0.05). TD inclusion had no effects on CH4. IVDOM increased linearly with TD inclusion at 6 and 10 h, with TD45 being more degradable than the control diet at 6 h only. There was a positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.20; p < 0.05) between TD inclusion and PF. TD45 had significantly higher PF values than the control. MB also increased linearly (R2 = 0.30; p < 0.05) with TD inclusion, and all diets with TD had significantly more MB than the control diet. The inclusion of TD at the levels used in this work was revealed to have a positive impact on microbial protein synthesis, which could be related to the higher microbial efficiency of increased substrate quality.

Pineapple fruit, which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas, is processed by the food industry, generating a large amount of waste. Using pineapple by-products in animal nutrition could reduce feeding costs and contribute to the containment of pollution. The chemical composition and the in vitro fermentation of five pineapple by-products (crown, bud end, peel, core, and pomace) from two West African pineapple varieties (Smooth Cayenne—SC and Sugarloaf—SL) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed between the varieties and by-products. The dry matter (DM) content was low and superimposable between varieties, averaging 17.7%. On a DM basis, pomace showed the highest protein content (SC 8.10% and SL 8.81%, p < 0.001), whereas the crown showed the highest (p < 0.001) NDF content (47.62% and 39.01% for SC and SL, respectively). Due the high sugar content, the core and pomace showed high in vitro organic matter degradability (SC: 85.09% and SL: 83.98%), estimated metabolizable energy (SC: 7.91 KJ/kg and SL: 7.66 KJ/kg), and volatile fatty acid production (96.86 mmol/g and 90.62 mmol/g). Based on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility results, this study suggests that pineapple by-products have the potential to be used in ruminants’ diets, considering the crown, bud end, and peel as fiber sources and the core and pomace as substitutes or supplements to concentrate feedstuffs. Further research should be conducted on the storability of these by-products through in vivo trials evaluating animals’ performances and the quality of their products.

Th e study aimed to determine the eff ect of xylitol, added to the dry period total mix ration (TMR) of dairy cattle, on in vitro rumen fermentation, total gas production, methane production, estimated digestion values, organic acids and ammonia-nitrogen contents and the number of total protozoa. Xylitol was added to dairy cattle TMR at diff erent rates (0%, 2% 4%, and 8%; dry matter basis). Th e xylitol supplementations at 2 and 4% did not aff ect in vitro total gas production, in vitro methane production, metabolizable energy (ME) and organic matter digestibility (OMd) values (P>0.05). However, 8% xylitol supplementation decreased in vitro total gas production, in vitro methane production, ME and OMd (P0.05). Th e iso-valeric acid (IVA), iso-butyric acid (IBA) and valeric acid (VA) percentages in TVFA of in vitro rumen fl uid linearly decreased with xylitol supplementation, especially 8% xylitol supplementation (P0.05). Consequently, the supplementation of 2% and 4% xylitol to dairy cattle ration did not aff ect the in vitro rumen fermentation (total gas production, methane production, estimated digestion values, organic acids and ammonia-nitrogen parameters). However, 8% supplementation xylitol to dairy cattle ration had the potential to aff ect the before-mentioned in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters adversely.