Search

The search for alternative modifiers of rumen fermentation to improve the production efficiency of livestock production is highly essential. This in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement of two ratios of roughage to concentrate and seven levels of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) leaf powder (RALP) as a percentage of total substrate in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were two factors: factor A was two ratios of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) at 60:40 and 40:60 and factor B was levels of RALP supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% dry matter (DM) of total dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased rumen fermentation and reduced methane production (p < 0.05). The RALP incorporation as a feed additive was highly promising in enhancing propionate (C3) concentration, reducing acetate (C2) to (C3) ratio, and the protozoal population, while mitigating methane (CH4) production. Furthermore, DM degradation percentages were remarkably enhanced by increasing the RALP levels and R:C ratio at 40:60. In conclusion, plants rich in phytonutrients and minerals such as RALP and the lower R:C ratio showed a promising role in modulating rumen fermentation, mitigating methane production, as well as increasing substrate DM degradability.

The effect of dry yeast (DY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in a high-concentrate diet was evaluated for rumen fermentation, blood parameters, microbial populations, and growth performance in fattening steers. Sixteen crossbred steers (Charolais x American Brahman) at 375 × 25 kg live weight were divided into four groups that received DY supplementation at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/hd/d using a completely randomized block design. Basal diets were fed as a total mixed ration (roughage to concentrate ratio of 30:70). Results showed that supplementation with DY improved dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05), but DM and crude protein (CP) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Ruminal pH (>6.0) of fattening steer remained stable (p > 0.05), and pH was maintained at or above 6.0 with DY. The concentration of propionic acid (C3) increased (p < 0.05) with 10 and 15 g/hd/d DY supplementation, while acetic acid (C2) and butyric acid (C4) decreased. Methane (CH4) production in the rumen decreased as DY increased (p < 0.05). Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens populations increased (p < 0.05), whereas protozoal and methanogen populations decreased with DY addition at 10 and 15 g/hd/d, while Ruminococcus albus did not change (p > 0.05) among the treatments. Adding DY at 10 and 15 g/hd/d improved growth performance. Thus, the addition of DY to fattening steers with a high concentrate diet improved feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen ecology, and growth performance, while mitigating ruminal methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aided in determining the impacts on rumen microbial ecology when supplemental forages and feedstuffs were added for 48 h after an initial 24-h in vitro rumen fermentation of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay. Short-term shifts in bovine rumen community structure (bacteria, archea, protozoa, and fungi) resulting from each separate forage and feedstuff addition were measured using unique operational taxonomic units (OTU)s contained in terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) profiles. The Tukey Vacuum Cleaner Analysis (TVCA) model of bacteria accounted for 66.3% of the treatment variance and OTUs clustered into 3 distinct groupings. The model developed for TVCA analysis of archaea accounted for 76.6% of the treatment variance and OTUs clustered into 2 distinct groupings. The TVCA treatment variance of protozoa accounted for 75.8% and OTUs clustered into 3 distinct groupings. Additions of various forages and feedstuffs did not result in shifts in fungal community structure in the short-term experiment. Our results demonstrate that the rumen ecology using initial T-RFLP profiles in vitro of bacteria, archaea, and protozoa and a TVCA analysis can identify pattern groupings of forages and feedstuffs. Groupings of forages and feedstuffs can help refine supplementation for improved nutritional management of ruminants.

This research aided in determining the impacts on rumen microbial ecology when supplemental forages and feedstuffs were added for 48 h after an initial 24-h in vitro rumen fermentation of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay. Short-term shifts in bovine rumen community structure (bacteria, archea, protozoa, and fungi) resulting from each separate forage and feedstuff addition were measured using unique operational taxonomic units (OTU)s contained in terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) profiles. The Tukey Vacuum Cleaner Analysis (TVCA) model of bacteria accounted for 66.3% of the treatment variance and OTUs clustered into 3 distinct groupings. The model developed for TVCA analysis of archaea accounted for 76.6% of the treatment variance and OTUs clustered into 2 distinct groupings. The TVCA treatment variance of protozoa accounted for 75.8% and OTUs clustered into 3 distinct groupings. Additions of various forages and feedstuffs did not result in shifts in fungal community structure in the short-term experiment. Our results demonstrate that the rumen ecology using initial T-RFLP profiles in vitro of bacteria, archaea, and protozoa and a TVCA analysis can identify pattern groupings of forages and feedstuffs. Groupings of forages and feedstuffs can help refine supplementation for improved nutritional management of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumen, one of the most productive diverse microbial habitats plays a vital role in the breakdown of feed to produce energy for maintenance and milk production in cattle. Culture-based procedures could identify only 10% of microbial species present in the rumen. Kerala, one of the southern states of India, owns only one native cattle breed, the Vechur cattle, which is noted for its short stature, disease resistance and adaptability to hot humid climate. Lower population density and decreased milk production potential of Vechur cattle led to the development of crossbred cattle of Kerala, with higher milk yield. A study was conducted to assess the rumen microbial profile of low productive Vechur cattle and high productive crossbred cattle for a better understanding of the relationship between the host and microbial community. DNA isolated from rumen liquor of five cattle each from both genetic groups maintained on standard ration (forage, concentrate ratio of 50:50) was subjected to whole metagenome sequencing. Bioinformatics and statistical analysis revealed that bacteria followed by archaea and eukaryota dominated in the Vechur cattle as well as the crossbred cattle rumen. Bacterial community was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in both genetic groups with a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio of 0.45 in Vechur cattle. Among archaea, Euryarchaeota was more abundant, which constitute methanogens, contributing 98% of total archaeal reads. Prevalent protozoal genus found in the Vechur cattle rumen was Entodinium and in crossbred cattle rumen was Entamoeba. In Vechur and crossbred cattle rumen, 1086 and 1262 microbial species were observed exclusively and 4731 species were shared between habitats. There was a significant difference in total microbial species abundance between the two genetic groups and Vechur cattle displayed significantly higher microbial diversity compared to crossbred. As per literature, this is presumably the first report of rumen metagenome profile of Vechur cattle, a unique short breed of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A comparative study was conducted on crossbred cattle and buffaloes to investigate the effect of feeding high and low roughage total mixed ration (TMR) diets on rumen metabolites and enzymatic profiles. Materials and Methods: Three rumen-fistulated crossbred cattle and buffalo were randomly assigned as per 3x3 switch over design for 21-days. Three TMR diets consisting of concentrate mixture, wheat straw and green maize fodder in the ratios of (T1) 60:20:20, (T2) 40:30:30, and (T3) 20:40:40, respectively, were fed to the animals ad libitum. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post feeding for the estimation of rumen biochemical parameters on 2 consecutive days in each trial. Results: The lactic acid concentration and pH value were comparable in both species and treatments. Feed intake (99.77±2.51 g/kg body weight), ruminal ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen were significantly (p0.05) among treatments and significantly (p

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of banana flower powder pellet (BAFLOP pellet) on nutrient digestibility, rumen ecology and microorganism population. Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers of 200 ± 20 kg bodyweight were randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: control (T1), NaHCO3 supplementation at 20 g/kg of total dry-matter feed intake (DMI; T2), BAFLOP-pellet supplementation at 20 g/kg of DMI (T3) and BAFLOP-pellet supplementation at 40 g/kg of DMI (T4). All cattle were fed roughage-concentrate mix (30:70 ratio) at 25 g/kg bodyweight. Standard management protocols were employed during the experimental periods. The results showed that nutrient digestibility was increased in steers supplemented with NaHCO3 and BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI (P < 0.05). Although ruminal temperature and blood urea nitrogen were not influenced by dietary supplementation, ruminal pH was increased (P < 0.05) in steers supplemented with NaHCO3 and BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI. In addition, NaHCO3 supplementation increased bacterial and protozoal populations, whereas populations of fungal zoospores were similar among treatments. Supplementation with BAFLOP pellets at 40 g/kg DMI increased the bacterial count, whereas protozoal numbers were similar to those in the control group (P < 0.05). On the basis of the present findings, BAFLOP-pellet supplementation improved nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH and microbial population, without having any adverse effects on voluntary feed intake. The present study showed promising results for BAFLOP pellets (40 g/kg DMI) as a rumen dietary buffering agent, suggesting that these pellets could be used a replacement for sodium bicarbonate in ruminants fed high-concentrate diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to assess the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in second-line treatment that included best supportive care (BSC), and the tolerability and efficacy of TC chemoThe present study aimed to compare the effect of the rumen-buffering capacity of dietary sources and urea supplementation on ruminal kinetic gas production, rumen pH and fermentation efficiency and degradability, using in vitro gas-production techniques. The treatments were arranged according to a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. The first factor was a rumen-buffering source, including the following: no buffering, and supplementation of 2% of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), 2% of banana flower powder I (BAFLOP-I; Musa (AAA group)) or 2% of BAFLOP-II (Musa sapientum L.) in total substrate. The second factor was urea supplementation at 0, 3% or 6% of total substrate, as a non-protein nitrogen source. Dietary substrate was provided by roughage-concentrate fed at a ratio of 30:70 and two rumen-fistulated dairy steers were used as rumen-fluid donors. The chemical compositions and mineral element contents of both BAFLOP-I and BAFLOP-II were similar. The pH declined below 6.0 as a result of using a high concentrate ratio; however, inclusion of buffering sources increased the pH, which led to an improvement of efficiency of rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, microbial growth and nutrient digestibility. The intercept values for the different treatments representing gas production from soluble fractions, gas production from the insoluble fraction, gas production rate, potential extent of gas production and cumulative gas production (120 h of incubation) were significantly different between no buffering and buffering groups (P < 0.05) and increased with an increasing level of urea supplementation. Moreover, in vitro true and neutral detergent fibre digestibility as well as the number of ruminal microorganisms by direct counts (protozoa, fungi and bacteria) were higher with supplementation of buffering sources and increased linearly with an increasing supplementation level of urea. However, under the present study, there were no differences among the effects of the three buffering agents (NaHCO3, BAFLOP-I and BAFLOP-II) on ruminal kinetic gas production, rumen pH and fermentation efficiency, and digestibility (P > 0.05). In addition, the concentration of ruminal ammonia-nitrogen increased with an increasing level of urea supplementation. On the basis of the present experiment, it can be concluded that supplementation of BAFLOP either with or without urea as non-protein nitrogen could enhance rumen ecology and digestibility. The present study suggested that either BAFLOP-I or BAFLOP-II could be used as a dietary rumen-buffering agent supplemented at 2%, together with urea at up to 6% of total diet substrate, when animals are fed a diet of roughage-concentrate at an ratio of 30 : 70, with rice straw as the main roughage source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Ruminants sustain a long-lasting obligatory relationship with their rumen microbiome dating back 50 million years. In this unique host-microbiome relationship, the host’s ability to digest its feed is completely dependent on its coevolved microbiome. This extraordinary alliance raises questions regarding the dependent relationship between ruminants’ genetics and physiology and the rumen microbiome structure, composition, and metabolism. To elucidate this relationship, we examined the association of host genetics with the phylogenetic and functional composition of the rumen microbiome. We accomplished this by studying a population of 78 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, using a combination of rumen microbiota data and other phenotypes from each animal with genotypic data from a subset of 47 animals. We identified 22 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) whose abundances were associated with rumen metabolic traits and host physiological traits and which showed measurable heritability. The abundance patterns of these microbes can explain high proportions of variance in rumen metabolism and many of the host physiological attributes such as its energy-harvesting efficiency. Interestingly, these OTUs shared higher phylogenetic similarity between themselves than expected by chance, suggesting occupation of a specific ecological niche within the rumen ecosystem. The findings presented here suggest that ruminant genetics and physiology are correlated with microbiome structure and that host genetics may shape the microbiome landscape by enriching for phylogenetically related taxa that may occupy a unique niche. IMPORTANCE Dairy cows are an essential nutritional source for the world’s population; as such, they are extensively farmed throughout our planet and subsequently impact our environment. The microbial communities that reside in the upper digestive tract of these animals in a compartment named the rumen degrade and ferment the plant biomass that the animal ingests. Our recent efforts, as well as those of others, have shown that this microbial community’s composition and functionality are tightly linked to the cow’s capacity to harvest energy from its feed, as well as to other physiological traits. In this study, we identified microbial groups that are heritable and also linked to the cow’s production parameters. This finding could potentially allow us to apply selection programs on specific rumen microbial components that are linked to the animal’s physiology and beneficial to production. Hence, it is a steppingstone toward microbiome manipulation for increasing food availability while lowering environmental impacts such as methane emission.

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

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper essential oil on the growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen protozoa population, blood antioxidant enzyme parameters and faecal content in growing Saanen kids. Thirty-six male Saanen kids (36 ± 14 days of age) were used in the study. Each group consisted of 9 kids. The control group (G1) was fed with a diet that consisted of the above concentrated feed and oat hay, whereas the experimental groups consumed the same diet but with the concentrated feed uniformly sprayed with juniper essential oil 0.4 ml/kg (G2), 0.8 ml/kg (G3) or 2 ml/kg (G4). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in live weight, live weight gain or feed consumption between the control and experimental groups. There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in feed efficiency in the G3 group. There were no differences in the rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid ( VFA) profile or faecal pH of the control and experimental groups. The rumen NH3N values were similar at the middle and end of the experiment, but at the start of the experiment, the rumen NH3N values differed between the control and experimental groups (p < 0.05). The faecal score value was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the experimental groups. The addition of juniper essential oil supplementation to the rations caused significant effects on the kids' antioxidant blood parameters. Although the superoxide dismutase ( SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity ( TAC) and catalase values were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the experimental groups (G2, G3 and G4), especially group G4, the blood glutathione peroxidase ( GPX) value significantly decreased in the experimental groups. The results of this study suggest that supplementation of juniper oil is more effective on antioxidant parameters than on performance parameters and may be used as a natural antioxidant product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Thai - rumen fistulated male swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), about four years old with 400±20 kg liveweight, were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design to receive dietary treatments. The treatments were: ground corn cob (GCC) replacement for cassava chip (CC) in concentrate at 0% (T1); GCC replacement at 33% (T2); GCC replacement at 67% (T3); and GCC replacement at 100% (T4), respectively. During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 0.5% BW while 5% urea-treated rice straw was given at ad libitum. The result revealed that there was no effect of GCC replacement on DMI among treatments. In addition, digestibilities of DM, OM and CP were not different while aNDF linearly increased with an increasing level of GCC replacement. However, GCC replacement did not affect rumen fermentation such as ruminal pH, NH3-N and VFA concentration; except C3 proportion which was the highest at 33% replacement while the lowest was at 100% replacement. All replacements of GCC resulted in similar protozoal and bacterial populations and microbial protein synthesis (MPS). Purine derivatives (PD) concentration in urine and PD to creatinine (PDC) index were varied with time of urination and among treatments at 0 to 8 and 8 to 16 h post feeding and higher values were shown among the GCC replacement groups. However at 16 to 24 h-post feeding, it was untraceable. In addition, creatinine concentration was similar among all treatments at every sampling time. Based on the above results, GCC can be used as an energy source for swamp buffalo fed with rice straw. Spot sampling of urine can be used for purine derivatives determination.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of palm oil sludge (POS) in concentrate on nutrient utilization and rumenecology of Thai native cattle. Five ruminally fistulated Thai native bulls with average live weight of 361.80±15.74 kg werearranged according to 5x5 Latin square design. The cattle were fed with Plicatulum hay ad libitum and supplemented withconcentrate containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% POS at 1.5 %BW. A metabolism trial lasted for 22 days, with the first 16 daysan adaptation period and the last 6 days the sample collection period. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) amongtreatments regarding hay and concentrate intake. Digestibility coefficient of DM, OM and ADF of all treatments were notsignificantly different (p>0.05) while CP digestibility coefficient was significantly lower (P0.05) whereas ruminal NH3-N concentration of cattle fed 0 and 20% POS were higher (p0.05) while the proportion of C4 of cattle fed 0% POS was higher (p0.05) while, BUN concentrationof cattle fed 40% POS was significantly lower (p

The research was on the effect of supplementation of natural antioxidant (Cuminum cyminum) to improve rumen ecology of Mastitis Dairy Cow's and improved milk production. This research was in-vitro treatments and using rumen fluids of Holstein dairy cows with mastitis condition. They were fed diets supplemented with various levels of a natural antioxidant ( A; 0 ppm; B: 500 ppm; C: 1000 ppm and D: 1500 ppm). Total of Rumen Bactery, pH, NH3, acetate acid, propionate acid and butirate acid were determined. The design of this experiment was used Randomized Design. The collected data were analyzed by Multiple Analysis of Variance. While the difference between the treatment effects was tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that supplementation of 1 000 ppm of Cuminum cyminum caused increase of population bactery, Acetic acid and Propionic acid and decrease of NH3 concentration (P0.05). Our conclusion, the level 1 000 ppm of Cuminum cyminum improve to good condition of rumen ecology. It showed to increase bactery rumen (66.02%), decrease NH3 concentration (7.58%), increase asetic acid (49.91%) and propionic acid (29.94 %). Condition of pH rumen is showed in normal condition. (Animal Production 11(3): 160-164 (2009) Key Words: Cumminum cyminum, anti-oxidant, rumen ecology, mastitis, dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of banana flower power pellet (BAFLOP-pellet) and plant oil source on in vitro gas production, fermentation efficiency, and methane (CH) production. Rumen fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated dairy steers fed on rice straw-based diet with concentrate supplement to maintain normal rumen ecology. All supplemented feed were added to respective treatments in the 30:70 roughage to concentrate-based substrate. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. First factor was different levels of BAFLOP-pellet supplementation (0, 30, and 60 g/kg of dietary substrate) and second factor was plant oil source supplementation [non-supplemented, 20 g/kg krabok seed oil (KSO), and 20 g/kg coconut oil (CO) of dietary substrate, respectively]. Under this investigation, BAFLOP-pellet supplementation increased gas production kinetics and in vitro digestibility ( P < 0.05). Ruminal pH was dropped post incubation time in the non-supplemented group but was enhanced in BAFLOP-pellet-supplemented treatments. On the other hand, supplementation of KSO and CO depressed gas production and digestibility, but did not influence ruminal pH. In addition, protozoal population and CH production were decreased by BAFLOP-pellet and plant oil addition ( P < 0.05). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of BAFLOP-pellet and plant oil source could enhance the in vitro fermentation efficiency while reduced protozoal population and CH production. It is suggested that BAFLOP-pellet (60 g/kg of dietary substrate) and KSO/CO (20 g/kg of dietary substrate) could be used to manipulate rumen fermentation characteristics fed on high-concentrate diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the effect of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation as rumen-buffering agents on rumen fermentation and milk production. The first factor was two ratios of roughage to concentrate (R : C) at 60 : 40 and 40 : 60, whereas the second was two sources of buffering agent (BAFLOP and NaHCO3) supplemented at 20 g/kg of dry matter intake. All cows were fed total dry matter intake at 25 g/kg bodyweight and untreated rice straw was used as a roughage source. Feeding R : C at 40 : 60 increased nutrient digestibilities, nitrogen absorption, allantoin excretion and absorption, microbial nitrogen synthesis, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis in both BAFLOP- and NaHCO3-supplemented groups. BAFLOP supplementation could maintain ruminal pH as NaHCO3. Blood urea nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid and propionate, and milk yield increased in cows fed R : C at 40 : 60 both in BAFLOP and NaHCO3 supplementation, whereas acetate was relatively high in cows consuming R : C at 60 : 40. However, rumen microorganisms were similar among treatments whereas milk compositions were unchanged by the dietary treatments, except milk fat and total solids were the highest in cow consumed R : C at 60 : 40. The results suggested that feeding R : C at 40 : 60 resulted in improvement of nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency and milk production, and supplementation of BAFLOP showed similar buffering capacity as NaHCO3. Therefore, BAFLOP could be used efficiently as a dietary rumen-buffering agent and promisingly deserves a replacement for bicarbonate sources in lactating dairy cows fed on a high concentrate diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four rumen-fistulated swamp buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis) were randomly allocated to investigate rumen adaptation of urea on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, fermentation efficiency, and microbial protein synthesis. Buffaloes were fed with rice straw ad libitum for a period of 2 weeks and then were shifted to a step-up diet regimen by supplementation of concentrate containing 20 and 40 g/kg urea at 5 g/kg BW for a period of 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The results revealed that feed intake and nutrient digestibility were increased by urea supplementation ( P < 0.05) both at two and four period of consumption. However, ruminal pH, temperature, and protozoal population were neither affected by urea nor adaptation period ( P > 0.05) while bacterial and fungal zoospores were increased especially at 40 g/kg urea. Data from real-time PCR further showed that total bacteria and the three predominant cellulolytic bacteria ( Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens) were increased by urea supplementation both at 2 and 4 weeks of urea feeding. Furthermore, methane production was similar among treatments while microbial protein synthesis was enhanced when buffaloes were fed with urea after a period of 2 weeks especially at 40 g/kg urea ( P < 0.05). It can be concluded that urea supplementation could increase feed intake, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and fermentation efficiency of swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw. It is suggested that buffaloes could adapt well and utilize urea as a N source effectively within a period of 2 weeks uptake without adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cereal grains are important ingredients of ruminant diets, but their rapid degradation seriously impairs rumen fermentation and the host's health. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether processing of barley grain with 1 or 5% lactic acid (LA) and 1 or 5% tannic acid (TA), without or with an additional heat treatment (1% LAH or 1% TAH), may affect microbial ruminal abundance, fermentation profile, and nutrient degradation in vitro. RESULTS: Processing with LA lowered (P < 0.05) the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), proportions of branched-chain SCFA, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio. Treatment with 1% TAH and 1% LAH lowered (P < 0.05) gene copy numbers of total protozoa, rumen lipopolysaccharide, and degradation of crude protein, and tended (P = 0.08) to lower the proportion of the genus Prevotella. Treatment of barley grain with 1% LA or 1% LAH stimulated Clostridium cluster XIV. Degradation of fibre was enhanced (P < 0.05) by all LA and TA treatments. CONCLUSION: Chemical and heat treatment of barley grain modulated the ruminal fermentation profile and enhanced fibre degradation; however, processing of grain with LA seems to be superior because this effect was not associated with a concomitant depression in ruminal degradation of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Suaeda glauca crushed seed on rumen microbial populations, ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and growth performance in lambs. Thirty male Ujumqin lambs (a local breed, average body weight 25.5 ± 1.28 kg) were equally divided into three treatments for a 56 d feeding period. The treatments were control diet (CTR), 80 g of SG seed/kg of diet (SGS80, dry matter (DM) basis), and 160 g of SG seed/kg of diet (SGS160, DM basis). Ruminal samples were collected at 0, 3, 6 and 9 h after the morning feeding on d 28 and 56 to investigate treatment, sampling day, sampling hour, and their interactions effects on ruminal parameters and microorganism population. After the feeding trial, all lambs were moved to respiratory chambers to measure methane emission. Addition of SG seed decreased methanogen ( P < 0.05), protozoa ( P < 0.01), and Fibrobacter succinogenes populations ( P < 0.05). Methanogen and protozoa populations were also affected by an interaction between treatment and sampling day ( P < 0.01) and the effect of SG seed on methanogen and protozoa populations decreased with feeding time. Addition of SG seed did not change populations of fungi, Ruminococcus flavefaciens , and Ruminococcus albus . Lambs fed SG160 diet had lower rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration ( P < 0.01) compared with lambs fed CTR diet. Ammonia nitrogen concentration was affected by an interaction between treatment and sampling day ( P < 0.01). No SG seed effects were found in ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acid concentration and molar proportion of volatile fatty acid. Addition of SG seed increased average daily gain ( P < 0.05) and dry matter intake ( P < 0.05) of lambs but reduced methane emissions ( P < 0.05). No SG seed effects were found in feed efficiency. In conclusion, addition of SG seed seemed to be a feasible means of decreasing methane emissions from lambs by reducing methanogen and protozoa populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana) peel powder (MSP) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and milk production in lactating dairy cows fed a concentrate containing yeast fermented cassava chip protein (YEFECAP). Four crossbred dairy cows (50 % Holstein-Friesian and 50 % Thai native breed) in mid-lactation, 404 ± 50.0 kg of body weight and 90 ± 5 day in milk with daily milk production of 9 ± 2.0 kg/day, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive 4 dietary treatments. The treatments were different levels of MSP supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day. Rice straw was used as a roughage source and fed ad libitum to all cows, and concentrate containing YEFECAP at 200 g/kg concentrate was offered corresponding to concentrate to milk yield ratio at 1:2. Results revealed that feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH and temperature, and total volatile fatty acid were not significantly affected by MSP supplementation ( P > 0.05). However, increasing levels of MSP supplementation increased molar proportion of propionate while ammonia-nitrogen, acetate, and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased ( P < 0.01). Moreover, milk production and economic return were increased linearly ( P < 0.01) with the increasing level of MSP supplementation. The present findings suggested that supplementation of MSP especially at 300 g/head/day with concentrate containing YEFECAP at 200 g/kg could improve rumen fermentation efficiency, milk production and protein content, and economical return of lactating dairy cows fed on rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Divergent genetic selection for wool growth as a single trait has led to major changes in sheep physiology and metabolism, including variations in rumen microbial protein production and uptake of α-amino nitrogen in portal blood. This study was conducted to determine if sheep with different genetic merit for wool growth exhibit distinct rumen bacterial diversity. Eighteen Merino wethers were separated into groups of contrasting genetic merit for clean fleece weight (CFW; low: WG− and high: WG+) and fed a blend of oaten and lucerne chaff diet at two levels of intake (LOI; 1 or 1.5 times maintenance energy requirements) for two seven-week periods in a crossover design. Bacterial diversity in rumen fluid collected by esophageal intubation was characterized using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing of the V3/V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity estimated by Phylogenetic distance, Chao1 and observed species did not differ significantly with CFW or LOI; however, the Shannon diversity index differed ( P =0.04) between WG+ (7.67) and WG− sheep (8.02). WG+ animals had a higher ( P =0.03) proportion of Bacteroidetes (71.9% vs 66.5%) and a lower ( P =0.04) proportion of Firmicutes (26.6% vs 31.6%) than WG− animals. Twenty-four specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs), belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, were shared among all the samples, whereas specific OTUs varied significantly in presence/abundance ( P <0.05) between wool genotypes and 50 varied ( P <0.05) with LOI. It appears that genetic selection for fleece weight is associated with differences in rumen bacterial diversity that persist across different feeding levels. Moderate correlations between seven continuous traits, such as methane production or microbial protein production, and the presence and abundance of 17 OTUs were found, indicating scope for targeted modification of the microbiome to improve the energetic efficiency of rumen microbial synthesis and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four rumen-fistulated beef cattle were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the influence of urea and calcium hydroxide [Ca( OH)2] treatment of rice straw to improve the nutritive value of rice straw. Four dietary treatments were as follows: untreated rice straw, 50 g/kg urea-treated rice straw, 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw and 30 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw. All animals were kept in individual pens and fed with concentrate at 0.5 g/kg of BW ( DM), rice straw was fed ad libitum. The experiment was conducted for four periods, and each period lasted for 21 days. During the first 14 days, DM feed intake measurements were made while during the last 7 days, all cattle were moved to metabolism crates for total faeces and urine collections. The results revealed that 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw improved the nutritive value of rice straw, in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acids, population of bacteria and fungi, nitrogen retention and microbial protein synthesis. Based on this study, it could be concluded that using urea plus calcium hydroxide was one alternative method to improve the nutritive value of rice straw, rumen ecology and fermentation and thus a reduction of treatment cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four rumen-fistulated Thai native swamp buffaloes were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to assess the effect of protein (CP) level and urea (U) source in concentrate diet on feed utilization and rumen ecology. The treatments were as follows: concentrate containing CP at 120 g/kg (soybean meal, SBM) (T1), 160 g/kg (SBM) (T2), 120 g/kg (U) (T3), and 160 g/kg (U) (T4), respectively. All buffaloes were fed concentrate at 10 g/kg of body weight, and rice straw was offered ad libitum. Feed intake and digestibilities of CP, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber increased ( P < 0.05) in treatments with higher level of CP especially with U source ( P < 0.05). In contrast, CP level and source in concentrate did not affect on ruminal pH and temperature ( P > 0.05), while concentration of ruminal ammonia (N), blood urea (U), volatile fatty acids profile, microorganism populations, and variable bacterial growth increased in buffaloes consumed concentrate containing CP at 160 g/kg (T2 and T4; P < 0.05). Fecal and urinary N excretions decreased in buffaloes consumed concentrate containing higher CP level especially with U source while purine derivatives increased which resulted in a higher N balance as compared to lower CP level and SBM source treatments ( P < 0.05). In summary, higher CP level in concentrate improved feed intake, nutrient digestibility, purine derivatives, and rumen ecology, and U had shown better result than SBM. Concentrate mixtures containing 16 g/kg CP with U 40 g/kg could improved nutrients utilization with no adverse effects for swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rumen compartment of the ruminant digestive tract is an enlarged fermentation chamber which houses a diverse collection of symbiotic microorganisms that provide the host animal with a remarkable ability to digest plant lignocellulosic materials. Characterization of the ruminal microbial community provides opportunities to improve animal food digestion efficiency, mitigate methane emission, and develop efficient fermentation systems to convert plant biomasses into biofuels. In this study, 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing was applied in order to explore the structure of the bacterial community inhabiting the camel rumen. Using 76,333 quality-checked, chimera- and singleton-filtered reads, 4954 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified at a 97% species level sequence identity. At the phylum level, more than 96% of the reads were affiliated to OTUs belonging to Bacteroidetes (51%), Firmicutes (31%), Proteobacteria (4.8%), Spirochaetes (3.5%), Fibrobacteres (3.1%), Verrucomicrobia (2.7%), and Tenericutes (0.95%). A total of 15% of the OTUs (746) that contained representative sequences from all major taxa were shared by all animals and they were considered as candidate members of the core camel rumen microbiome. Analysis of microbial composition through the solid and liquid fractions of rumen digesta revealed differential enrichment of members of Fibrobacter , Clostridium , Ruminococcus , and Treponema in the solid fraction, as well as members of Prevotella , Verrucomicrobia , Cyanobacteria , and Succinivibrio in the liquid fraction. The results clearly showed that the camel rumen microbiome was structurally similar but compositionally distinct from that of other ruminants, such as the cow. The unique characteristic of the camel rumen microbiome that differentiated it from those of other ruminants was the significant enrichment for cellulolytic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers, two and a half year old with liveweight of 220 ± 15.0 kg, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the effect of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) supplementation as a rumen buffering agent on ruminal pH, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation fed a high-concentrate diet. The four dietary treatments were BAFLOP supplementation at 0, 10, 20 and 30 g/kg of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. During the experimental periods, all steers were fed a diet containing roughage to concentrate ratio of 30:70 at 20 g DMI/kg of body weight and rice straw was used as a roughage source. Based on the present study, the results revealed that dry matter, organic matter and crude protein digestibilities were not affected (P>0.05) by BAFLOP supplementation, whereas digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased with the increasing levels of BAFLOP supplementation (P<0.05). It was also found that total nitrogen (N) intakes were similar among treatments. However, fecal N excretions decreased with the increasing levels of BAFLOP supplementation, while urinary N excretions were similar among treatments. BAFLOP supplementation increased N balance both absorption and retention (P<0.05). Moreover, purine derivative absorption and microbial protein synthesis were increased by BAFLOP supplementation, whereas efficiency of microbial nitrogen supply (EMNS) and microbial nitrogen supply were similar among treatments. In addition, ruminal temperature, ammonia nitrogen, and blood urea nitrogen were not influenced by BAFLOP supplementation, whilst ruminal pH enhanced (P<0.05) in steers supplemented with BAFLOP at 20 and 30 g/kg of DMI. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid and acetic acid increased with BAFLOP supplementation, whereas propionic and butyric acid remained the same. The present findings showed that BAFLOP supplementation enhanced total bacterial, protozoal, and cellulolytic bacterial growth, while numbers of fungal zoospores, amylolytic and proteolytic bacteria were similar among treatments. In conclusion, BAFLOP supplementation improved rumen ecology and nutrient digestibility by enhancing ruminal pH, nitrogen utilization, EMNS and ruminal microbial population. This study suggested that BAFLOP could be supplemented as a rumen buffering agent at 20–30 g/kg of DMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four, 1-year old beef cattle were randomly assigned according to a 2 ´ 2 Factorial arrangement in a 4 ´ 4 Latin square design to study supplementation of malate level at 500 and 1,000 g with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 1,000 and 2,000 g in concentrate containing high levels of cassava chip. The treatments were as follows: T1 is supplementation of malate at 500 g with yeast at 1,000 g; T2 is supplementation of malate at 500 g with yeast at 2,000 g; T3 is supplementation of malate at 1,000 g with yeast at 1,000 g; T4 is supplementation of malate at 1,000 g with yeast at 2,000 g in concentrate, respectively. The animals were offered the treatment concentrate at 1 % BW of dry matter basis and urea-treated rice straw. The results revealed that rumen fermentation and blood metabolites were similar for all treatments. However, the digestibility of nutrients were significantly different for the diets, especially digestible nutrient intake of crude protein (CP) which was higher for cows fed cassava-based diets with T4 rather than T3, T2 and T1 (74.3, 72.5, 71.1 and 68.9 %, respectively). In addition, the concentration of volatile fatty acid was significantly different especially the concentration of propionic acid which was slightly higher in cattle receiving T4 than T3, T2 and T1 (23.3, 21.9, 20.9 and 18.0 %, respectively). The populations of protozoa and fungal zoospores were significantly different as affected by malate and yeast levels. In conclusion, the combined use of concentrate containing high levels of cassava chip at 70 % DM with malate at 1,000 g and yeast at 2,000 g in concentrate with urea-treated rice straw as a roughage improved rumen fermentation and digestibility of nutrients in beef cattle.

Rumen ecology is an important observation in evaluating the effectivity of silage and probiotic additives relating to their roles in cattle productivity. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of silage and probiotics on ruminal ecosystems in vivo using a molecular approach. Terminal-restriction fragment-length-polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was used to detect changes of ecological communities based on 16S-ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S-rDNA). Two rumen canulated PO cattle were fed several diets i.e.; (R0) basal diet dry matter basis (Pennisetum purpureum 70% and commercial concentrate 30%), (R1) silage (basal diet fermented using Lactobacillus plantarum BTCC570), (R2) silage + probiotics (L. plantarium Str BTCC531), (R3) Basal diet + probiotics (L. plantarium Str BTCC531). Digesta samples were collected 3 h after feeding for pH and T-RFLP analysis. T-RFLP analysis was performed using the 16S-rDNA amplified from each sample. The lengths of the terminal restriction fragments were analysed after digestion with HhaI, HaeIII and MspI. Results showed the effectivenes of silage and probiotics, given together, on the index of Smith and Wilson evenness applied to T-RFLP ecology data (Evar) with 0.89±0.04 being the highest. The diversity of rumen microorganisms is influenced by individual differences of each animal. T-RFLP analysis has a potency to be used for comparisons of complex bacterial communities, especially to detect changes in community structure in response to different variables and to show rumen bacteria diversity in the rumen.

Aims To develop and test a fluorescence in situ hybridization ( FISH) based technique and to identify and quantify simultaneously those methanogenic populations colonizing Entodinium spp. in the rumen of cows fed different forages. Methods and Results New FISH probes targeting protozoal Entodinium spp. were designed and used together with FISH probes for methanogens in the cow rumen. The composition and relative abundance of methanogenic populations colonizing Entodinium simplex-, E. caudaum- and Entodinium furca-related populations were similar. Methanogens including Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter millerae and Methanobrevibacter smithii, and members of Methanomicrobium and Methanosphaera were generally the predominant colonizers of protozoa, regardless of the forage fed to cattle. Individual animals appeared to differ in which ruminal methanogenic populations colonized each of the individual Entodinium spp. Conclusions Simultaneous FISH probing is shown here to be a reliable and effective approach to investigate the dynamics of symbiotic relationships between ruminal protozoa and methanogens at a single cell level. Phylogenetically closely related Entodinium spp. were colonized by similar methanogenic populations regardless of the forage fed. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first report of the methanogenic archaeal populations that specifically colonize Entodinium spp. as identified using simultaneous FISH probing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of concentrate/milk yield ratios on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and milk production in dairy cows fed with a basal diet of whole crop rice silage (WCRS). Sixteen crossbred cows (75 % Holstein-Friesian (HF) and 25 % Thai cows) in mid-lactation were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments corresponding to four concentrate/milk yield ratios (0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (kg/kg)) were used. All cows were offered WCRS (with 1.5 % urea and 3 % molasses) ad libitum. Silage and concentrate were fed individually twice a day. Results revealed that dry matter intake (12.8-14.5 kg/day), nutrient digestibility (62.5-68.7 %), and rumen fermentation efficiency were not significantly affected by concentrate supplementation. Milk yield (10.2-11.5 kg/day) and milk composition were similar between cows fed with sole WCRS and those supplemented with concentrate mixture, although milk fat tended to increase in cows fed with sole WCRS. In conclusion, sole WCRS fed to dairy cows without concentrate supplementation resulted in similar feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk production as compared to those supplemented with concentrate in lactating dairy cows. These results suggest that in tropical areas where rice crop is surplus, WCRS could sustain reasonable levels of milk production among dairy cows with little or no concentrate supplementation provided that urea and molasses are included in the silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that methanogens are responsible for ruminal methane emissions, but quantitative information about the composition of the methanogenic community in the bovine rumen is still limited. The diversity and composition of rumen methanogens in cows fed either alfalfa hay or triticale straw were examined using a full-cycle r RNA approach. Quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization undertaken applying oligonucleotide probes designed here identified five major methanogenic populations or groups in these animals: the Methanobrevibacter TMS group (consisting of Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter millerae and Methanobrevibacter smithii), Methanbrevibacter ruminantium-, Methanosphaera stadtmanae-, Methanomicrobium mobile-, and Methanimicrococcus-related methanogens. The TMS- and M. ruminantium-related methanogens accounted for on average 46% and 41% of the total methanogenic cells in liquid ( Liq) and solid ( Sol) phases of the rumen contents, respectively. Other prominent methanogens in the Liq and Sol phases included members of M. stadtmanae (15% and 33%), M. mobile (17% and 12%), and Methanimicrococcus (23% and 9%). The relative abundances of these methanogens in the community varied among individual animals and across diets. No clear differences in community composition could be observed with dietary change using cloning techniques. This study extends the known biodiversity levels of the methanogenic communities in the rumen of cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sweet potato vine pellet (SWEPP) in concentrate diets on nutrient digestibility and rumen ecology in lactating dairy cows fed on urea-treated rice straw. Three multiparous Holstein crossbred cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design, and the treatments were as follows: T1 = control (no supplementation), T2 = supplementation of sweet potato vine pellet with 50 g/kg urea (SWEPP I) at 300 g/head/day, and T3 = supplementation of sweet potato pellet with 100 g/kg urea (SWEPP II) at 300 g/head/day, in concentrate diets, respectively. The result revealed that supplementation of SWEPP did not affect feed intake, ruminal pH, and blood urea nitrogen ( P > 0.05). However, apparent digestibilities of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were higher in SWEPP II than those in others. Furthermore, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) and milk yield were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in animals fed with SWEPP II than those fed with SWEPP I and control, respectively. In addition, there were no differences in purine derivatives and microbial nitrogen supply among all the treatments. Based on this study, it could be concluded that SWEPP is a good source of supplement which resulted in significant improvement in apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk yield in lactating dairy cows fed on urea-treated rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four Thai – rumen fistulated male swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), about 3 years old with 360±18kg liveweight, were randomly assigned according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments. The treatments were as follows: a cassava based supplement (CS) at 1g/kg BW and Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) at 300g/d (T1); CS at 2g/kg BW with LLM at 300g/d (T2); CS at 1g/kg BW and heat treated LLM (HLLM) at 300g/d (T3); and CS at 2g/kg BW and HLLM at 300g/d. During the experiment, urea–calcium hydroxide treated rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. The results revealed an increase in roughage and total dry matter (DM) intake (P<0.05) by CS at 2g/kg BW (T2 and T4) as compared with CS at 1g/kg BW (T1 and T3). Digestion coefficients of DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) were increased by CS at 2g/kg BW, while neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among treatments. However, there was no effect of neither energy level nor HLLM on ruminal pH and temperature (P>0.05). Concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) was decreased by HLLM as compared with LLM (P<0.05), while blood urea–nitrogen was not altered. There was an increase (P<0.05) in total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid (C4) concentrations and the highest were found in CS at 2g/kg BW with HLLM (T4), while the lowest was in T1 and T3. However, no changes in C2–C3 ratio were found in this study. Total bacterial direct counts were found different (P<0.05), whereas fungal zoospores and protozoal populations were similar among treatments. Nevertheless, viable bacterial counts were found affected by both concentrate level and HLLM. The treatments with HLLM were lower than those in LLM and CS at 2g/kg BW were higher than those supplemented at CS at 1g/kg BW (P<0.05). In addition, efficiency of rumen microbial CP synthesis tended to be higher in treatment with higher level of energy and HLLM. Based on this study, it could be concluded that LLM could be used as a protein source, while the combination of HLLM and CS at 2g/kg BW could enhance the voluntary feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in swamp buffalo fed on treated rice straw (urea–calcium hydroxide treatment). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chestnut tannins (CT) and coconut oil (CO) on growth performance, methane (CH4) emission, ruminal fermentation, and microbial populations in sheep. A total of 48 Rideau Arcott sheep (average body weight 31.5 ± 1.97 kg, 16 wk old) were randomly assigned into 6 treatment groups in a 3 x 2 factorial design, with CT and CO as the main effects (8 sheep per group). The treatments were control diet (CTR), 10 or 30 g of CT/ kg of diet (CT10 and CT30), 25 g of CO/kg of concentrate (CO25), and 10 or 30 g of CT/kg of diet + 25 g of CO/kg of concentrate (CT10CO25 and CT30CO25). After the feeding trial (60 d), all sheep were moved to respiratory chambers to measure CH4 emission. After CH4 emission measurements, all sheep were slaughtered to obtain rumen fluid samples. Results showed that the addition of CT, CO, and CT + CO had no significant effects on growth performance of sheep but reduced CH4 emission. Addition of CT reduced the NH3-N concentration in rumen fluid in CT30. Addition of CO decreased the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid. No significant differences were observed in pH and molar proportion of volatile fatty acids among treatments. Addition of CT, CO, and CT + CO significantly decreased methanogen and protozoa populations. Moreover, CO decreased counts of Fibrobacter succinogenes. No significant differences were observed in populations of fungi, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, or Ruminococcus albus among treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of CT and CO seemed to be a feasible means of decreasing emissions of CH4 from sheep by reduction of methanogen and protozoa populations with no negative effect on growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Phaseolus calcaratus hay (PCH) supplementation on the intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial population (bacteria, protozoa, and fungi) and methane production in swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw based diet. Four, 2.5year old rumen fistulated male buffaloes were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design. The treatments were level of PCH supplementation at 0, 300, 600 and 900g DM/hd/d as supplements. The PCH contained 18.3% crude protein (CP) and 2.8% condensed tannins (CT). All buffaloes were fed with rice straw ad libitum while additional concentrate (12.6% CP) was fed at 0.3% body weight (BW). The study revealed that PCH supplementation had no effect on rumen temperature, pH, NH3-N and blood urea N. Volatile fatty acid (VFAs), especially those of propionic acid and acetic acid concentrations in the rumen were maximized (P<0.05) at 600g/hd/d feeding level. However, concentrations of each VFA and the acetate to propionate ratio did not differ among treatments. Bacterial, protozoal and fungal zoospore populations were maximized (P<0.05) at the intermediate PCH feeding levels. Rumen methane gas production was decreased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing level of PCH supplementation. N utilization in the buffaloes differed among treatments, with PCH supplementation linearly increasing N retention and efficiency of microbial N supply. Furthermore, PCH supplementation linearly increased (P<0.05) in terms of total DM intake, apparent digestibility of CP and OM, while, DM, NDF and ADF digestibilities were not affected. Supplementation of PCH at 600g/hd/d was beneficial in swamp buffaloes fed rice straw as a basal roughage, as it resulted in increased DM intake, reduced protozoal and methane gas production in the rumen, increased N retention as well as efficiency of rumen microbial CP synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This experiment aimed to study the effects of palm oil sludge (POS) in concentrate on nutrient utilization and rumen ecology of Thai native cattle. Five ruminally fistulated Thai native bulls with average live weight of 361.80±15.74 kg were arranged according to 5x5 Latin square design. The cattle were fed with Plicatulum hay ad libitum and supplemented with concentrate containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% POS at 1.5 %BW. A metabolism trial lasted for 22 days, with the first 16 days an adaptation period and the last 6 days the sample collection period. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments regarding hay and concentrate intake. Digestibility coefficient of DM, OM and ADF of all treatments were not significantly different (p>0.05) while CP digestibility coefficient was significantly lower (P<0.05) when 40% POS was incorporated into concentrate diet. Rumen parameters (ruminal pH, temperature and microbial populations) were similar among treatments (p>0.05) whereas ruminal NH3-N concentration of cattle fed 0 and 20% POS were higher (p<0.05) than those of cattle fed 40 % POS. Total VFA in rumen fluid, C2, C3, isobutyrate, isovalerate, n-valerate and C2:C3 were not significantly different (p>0.05) while the proportion of C4 of cattle fed 0% POS was higher (p<0.01) than those fed 20, 30 and 40% POS. Blood parameters (PCV, glucose and NEFA concentration) were similar among treatments (p>0.05) while, BUN concentration of cattle fed 40% POS was significantly lower (p<0.01) than those of cattle fed 0, 10, 20 and 30% POS. These results indicate that the optimum level of POS in concentrate for Thai native cattle fed Plicalum hay as a roughage source should not exceed 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New rumen slow-release urea products were made by mixing urea with calcium chloride (U–Cal) or calcium sulphate (U–Cas) in concentrate mixtures containing a high level of cassava chip and were subsequently evaluated on feed intake, rumen fermentation, rumen microbes, microbial protein synthesis, and performance of lactating dairy cows. Three, multiparous Holstein crossbred dairy cows in early-lactation with an initial body weight of 380±15kg were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments of UCM products [T1=urea (control); T2=urea–CaCl2 mixture product (U–Cal); and T3=urea–CaSO4 mixture product (U–Cas)] according to a 3×3 Latin square design. Each experimental period lasted for 21days during which feeds, rumen fluid, and blood were collected as well as milk yield. The findings revealed significant improvements in intake of OM and ME and apparent digestibilities of OM and NDF by using U–Cas in concentrate diets (P<0.05). Ruminal NH3–N and blood urea N in U–Cal and U–Cas, were found significantly lower as compared with the urea supplemented group (P<0.05), while milk urea nitrogen resulted in normal ranges. Volatile fatty acid concentrations especially those of propionic acid were increased (P<0.05) in cows fed with U–Cas products than those in other treatments. Total viable bacteria, fungal zoospores, and cellulolytic bacteria were significantly different among treatments and were greatest in U–Cas supplementation (8.5×1011, 8.1×104, and 2.1×109 cfu/mL, respectively). Moreover, the use of real-time PCR technique provided that the population of Fibrobacter succinogenes was relatively higher than those of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus. Efficiency of rumen microbial N synthesis based on OM truly digested in the rumen was enriched by U–Cas supplementation. Milk yield was additionally increased by respective treatments, while 3.5% fat-corrected milk was highest; ranking from U–Cas, U–Cal, and urea alone treatment fed groups, respectively. Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of U–Cas in concentrate supplementation containing a high level of cassava chip significantly improved apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk yield in lactating dairy crossbreds fed on rice straw. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The rumen bacterium Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus B316 has a 4.4-Mb genome composed of four replicons (approximately 3.55 Mb, 361, 302 and 186 kb). Mutagenesis of B316 was performed with the broad host-range conjugative transposon Tn 916 to screen for functionally important characteristics. The insertion sites of 123 mutants containing a single copy of Tn 916 were identified and corresponded to 53 different insertion points, of which 18 (34.0%), representing 39 mutants (31.7%), were in ORFs and 12 were where transposition occurred in both directions (top and bottom DNA strand). Up to eight mutants from several independent conjugation experiments were found to have the same integration site. Although transposition occurred in all four replicons, the number of specific insertion sites, transposition frequency and the average intertransposon distance between insertions varied between the four replicons. In silico analysis of the 53 insertion sites was used to model a target consensus sequence for Tn 916 integration into B316. A search of the B316 genome using the modelled target consensus sequence (up to two mismatches) identified 39 theoretical Tn 916 insertion sites (19 coding, 20 noncoding), of which nine corresponded to Tn 916 insertions identified in B316 mutants during our conjugation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coconut oil and garlic powder supplementation on digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation, rumen ecology, rumen microorganism and methanogen diversity. Four, 3-year old, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments; 7% coconut oil, 7% coconut oil with 50g/day of garlic powder, 7% coconut oil with 100g/day of garlic powder and non-supplemented (control). During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 0.5% of BW while rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. It was found that supplementation of 7% coconut oil had significantly influenced on total DM intake, OM, NDF and ADF digestibilites while supplementation of 7% coconut oil with garlic powder (50 and 100g/day) were not significantly different when compared with the control. Dietary supplementations did not affect on rumen pH, NH3–N concentrations. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly higher in supplemented groups. Total VFA concentration, proportion of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio were reduced by supplementation. Proportion of propionate was increased (P <0.05) when supplemented with 7% coconut oil and 7% coconut oil with 100g/day of garlic powder. Methane production was dramatically reduced (P =0.005) in supplemented treatments and was 10% reduced in 7% coconut oil supplementation. Amylolytic and proteolytic bacteria were increased (P =0.007 and P =0.024) while protozoal population decreased by 68–75% (P <0.01) by supplementation. Total bacterial population was increased by supplementation while total fungi and total methanogens were not significantly different among treatments. Percentage of cellulolytic bacterial population was not different among treatments. However, dietary supplementation reduced (P <0.001) percentage of F. succinogenes population. However, methanogen diversity was not changed using PCR–DGGE as technique. Thirteen separate bands were found in the DGGE gel. Based on this study, supplementation with 7% coconut oil plus 100g/day of garlic powder could be efficiently utilized in the rumen and thus, could provide good fermentation end products and improve rumen ecology for the host swamp buffaloes particularly in reducing 9% methane gas production without changing nutrient digestibilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Southeast Asia swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are raised by smallholder integrated farmers for multipurposes in agricultural production. They are used for many multi-purposes namely transportation, the use of byproducts; manure, horn and hide, meat and as a saving bank etc. Several feeding methods have been practiced by the farmers including those of grazing, cut-and-carry, and tethering where seasonal grasses, crop-residues and tree fodders have been offered to the animals. Agricultural crop-residues and industrial by-products are abundantly available as onfarm feed resources, and used well by the buffaloes, as farmers still engage in crop-livestock production systems. Seasonal feed resources and of prime importance for swamp buffaloes to support the efficient production under the prevailing smallholder farming systems. Their contributions to dry season feeding are utmost important since conventional feed resources are generally scarce. However, improvement and efficient feeding methods either through treatments and/or supplementation need to be taken into account. Moreover, the uses of these resources to improve rumen ecology would be efficient means to reduce rumen methane production via the use of secondary compounds in tropical plants and herbs (condensed tannins, sapponins etc.) and/or with vegetable oils to enhance the rumen efficiency and buffalo productivity. Development of simple and practical feeding and the use of concentrate mixtures based on on-farm resources (homemade concentrates, HMC) in order to reduce production costs and enhance profitability and sustainability of the buffalo production. Currently, developments of food-feed systems (FFS) have been successfully implemented and hence, should be widely disseminated for use by smallholder farmers. Furthermore, application of rumen molecular techniques such as the use of PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR can offer very useful information with respects to rumen microorganism diversity and their possible functional roles in the rumen of swamp buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four, 3-year old, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design to received four dietary treatments; factor A =2 sources of energy (cassava chip and corn cobs), factor B =2 levels of urea in concentrate mixture (15 and 30g/kg). During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 5g/kg BW while 50g/kg urea-treated rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. Feeds, rumen fluid and rectal feces were collected for chemical analyses during each experimental period (21 days). In addition, rumen fluid was analyzed for, pH, temperature and NH3-N concentration and microbial population and diversity by using direct count technique, roll-tube technique and molecular techniques including PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR technique. It was found that energy sources and urea levels had no effects on rumen pH, temperature, NH3-N and total VFA concentrations as well as proportion of individual VFA. Energy sources especially cassava chip had a higher protozoal population than those of corn cob while urea had no effect. The two factors, energy sources and urea levels resulted in similar rumen bacterial and fungal zoospore population. Similarly with nutrient digestion coefficients, there were no differences among treatments, while cassava chip gave a slightly higher intake of urea-treated rice straw than corn cob fed group. Methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria were variable among treatments and were highest in corn cob with 15g/kg urea fed group which were higher than those in other groups. In addition, the use of PCR-DGGE has found diversity of rumen microorganisms particularly methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria. Moreover, using of real-time PCR technique provided that population of Fibrobacter succinogenes had relatively higher than those Ruminococus flavefacieus and Ruminococus albus. Based on this study, corn cob and urea at 15g/kg could be efficiently utilized in the rumen and thus, could provide good fermentation end-products and improve rumen ecology for the host swamp buffaloes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This experiment was conducted to investigate 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 x 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were LGP supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/d with ureatreated rice straw (5%) fed to allow ad libitum intake. Digestibilities of DM, ether extract, and NDF were significantly different among treatments and were greatest at 100 g/d of supplementation. However, digestibility of CP was decreased with LGP supplementation (P < 0.05), whereas ruminal NH[sub3]-N and plasma urea N were decreased with incremental additions of LGP (P < 0.05). Ruminal VFA concentrations were similar among supplementation concentrations (P> 0.05). Total viable bacteria, amylolytic bacteria, and cellulolytic bacteria were significantly different among treatments and were greatest at 100 g/d of supplementation (4.7 x 10[sup9], 1.7 x 10[sup7], and 2.0 x 10[sup9] 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, especially at 100 g/d (34.2 g of N/kg of OM truly digested 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Molecular diversity of rumen methanogens in sheep in Queensland, Australia was investigated using 16S rRNA gene libraries prepared from pooled rumen contents from nine merino sheep. A total of 78 clones were identified revealing 26 different sequences. Of these 26 sequences, eight sequences (15 clones) were 95–100% similar to cultivated methanogens belonging to the orders Methanobacteriales and Methanomicrobiales, and the remaining 18 phylotypes (63 clones) were 72–75% similar to Thermoplasma acidophilum and Thermoplasma volcanium. These unique sequences clustered within a distinct and strongly supported (100% bootstrap support) phylogenetic group, exclusively composed of sequences from uncharacterized archaea from very diverse anaerobic environments. Members of this unique group that were previously considered atypical for the rumen environment were the predominant clones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: This work was to study the influence of Piper sarmentosum (PS) leaf powder supplementation in cattle diet. It was found that supplementation of PS leaf powder at 2.4 g/d resulted in improving total feed intake and dry matter (DM) digestibility whereas there was reduced protozoal population and methane (CH4) production in cattle. The aim of this research was to study the influence of inclusion of Piper sarmentosum (PS) leaf powder on feed efficiency, rumen ecology, protozoal diversity and CH4 emission in cattle. Four male beef cattle (1–1.5 years old) with similar initial body weights (BW) of 150 ± 20.00 kg were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin squared design. Experimental diets consisted of four levels of PS leaf powder supplementation at 0 (control), 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 g/head/d, respectively. Dry matter (DM) intake of rice straw and total intake in terms of g/kg BW0.75 differed among treatments and were linearly greatest when PS was added at 2.4 g/head/d (p < 0.05). PS leaf powder did not affect the intake of nutrients and digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and fibers. Nevertheless, digestibility of DM was found to increase by 4.8% in cattle when added at 2.4 g/head/d as compared to the other control treatments. PS leaf powder did not affect ruminal pH, ruminal temperature, ammonia–nitrogen concentration and blood urea-nitrogen (p > 0.05). The bacterial population was similar across PS levels (p > 0.05). However, the protozoal count was lower in animals fed with the supplement at 2.4 g/head/d (p < 0.05). The PS leaf powder did not affect total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and acetic acid (C2), butyric acid (C4), C2 to propionic acid (C3) and C2 to C3 to C4. However, concentration of C3 at 4 h post feeding and mean value linearly increased with supplementation of PS leaf powder at 2.4 g/d. The 4 h post-feeding and mean values of CH4 concentration were linearly reduced with PS supplementation (p < 0.05). An increase of PS leaf powder at 2.4 g decreased CH4 after feeding 4 h by 21.33% when compared to no PS leaf powder. Thus, supplementation of PS leaf powder at 2.4 g in ruminant feeding is recommended for manipulating rumen efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]