Rumen dry matter degradability of fresh and ensiled sugarcane

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability of fresh (FSC) and ensiled (ESC) sugarcane. In situ dry matter degradability (DMD) was determined using the nylon bag technique with four cows equipped ruminal fistulas. Cows were fed with fresh or ensiled sugarcane and supplemented with 1 kg of commercial concentrate. Five grams of ground sample for each sugarcane treatment (FSC or ESC) were weighted in nylon bags and incubated for 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h in a completely randomized design with six replicates. The DMD (%) was higher (P<0.05) for FSC in most incubation times compared with ESC, except at 24 h of incubation. There were no differences in ruminal pH between treatments during all the incubation times. Data suggested that the sugarcane silage could be an alternative to provide forage for ruminants during the season of low growth and quality grass in Mexico.Keywords: Sugarcane, degradability, cowsAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(19), pp. 2743-274

Effect of protein source on in situ digestibility of sugarcane silage-based diets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the protein source in sugarcane silage-based diets on the ruminal pH and in situ dry matter digestibility (DMD). The treatments were: 1)- 60% sugarcane silage + 15% soybean meal (SBM); 2)- 60% sugarcane silage + 15% fish meal (FM); 3)- 55% sugarcane silage + 20% canola meal (CM); and T4)- 50% sugarcane silage + 30% coconut meal (CCM). In situ DMD was determined by the nylon bag technique using four cows equipped with ruminal cannula. Five grams of each experimental diet were weighted in nylon bags and incubated for 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Dry matter digestibility for SBM, CM, and CCM showed higher values compared to FM. A similar pH among treatments was recorded; however, at 4 h decreases in SBM and FM were observed. Sugarcane silage in integral diets with the different protein sources used in this study, did not modify ruminal pH but showed lower DMD when fish meal was the protein source. Highlights The use of bacterial inoculum and an additive that promotes the silage process of sugarcane and improves its quality. Use of sugarcane silage and soybean meal as a protein source increase the ruminal digestibility of dry matter of the diet, and not change ruminal pH. Sugarcane silage can be used as an ingredient in an integral diet for ruminants.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the protein source in sugarcane silage-based diets on the ruminal pH and in situ dry matter digestibility (DMD). The treatments were: 1)- 60% sugarcane silage + 15% soybean meal (SBM); 2)- 60% sugarcane silage + 15% fish meal (FM); 3)- 55% sugarcane silage + 20% canola meal (CM); and T4)- 50% sugarcane silage + 30% coconut meal (CCM). In situ DMD was determined by the nylon bag technique using four cows equipped with ruminal cannula. Five grams of each experimental diet were weighted in nylon bags and incubated for 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Dry matter digestibility for SBM, CM, and CCM showed higher values compared to FM. A similar pH among treatments was recorded; however, at 4 h decreases in SBM and FM were observed. Sugarcane silage in integral diets with the different protein sources used in this study, did not modify ruminal pH but showed lower DMD when fish meal was the protein source. Highlights The use of bacterial inoculum and an additive that promotes the silage process of sugarcane and improves its quality. Use of sugarcane silage and soybean meal as a protein source increase the ruminal digestibility of dry matter of the diet, and not change ruminal pH. Sugarcane silage can be used as an ingredient in an integral diet for ruminants

Efecto de la inclusión de aditivos sobre la calidad del ensilado de caña azúcar

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de un inóculo bacteriano y un aditivo químico en la composición y digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS) y orgánica (DIVMO) en el ensilado de caña de azúcar. Materiales y métodos. Los tratamientos experimentales a) ensilado de caña de azúcar con 1% de inóculo bacteriano y 1% de aditivo (ECA1); b) ensilado de caña de azúcar con el 3% de inóculo bacteriano y 1% de aditivo (ECA3). El inóculo bacteriano está compuesto por 10.0 % melaza, 1.0 % de yogurt comercial que contiene Lactobacillus plantarum, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. acidofilus y L. bifidus, 5.0 % pollinaza, 0.5% urea y 83.0 % de agua; el aditivo está formulado con 1.0% urea, 0.1% sulfato de amonio y 0.25% fósforo. A cada tratamiento se le determinó su composición química y la digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca y orgánica y los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados mediante una prueba de T student. Resultados. Existieron diferencias entre los tratamientos (p<0.05) en proteína cruda, fibra detergente neutro, hemicelulosa, nitrógeno amoniacal y pH, así como en DIVMS, pero sin cambios en la DIVMO, presentando los mejores valores para ECA1. Conclusiones. La concentración del 1% de inóculo bacteriano y aditivo adicionado a caña de azúcar ensilada mostró mejores valores en digestibilidad de la materia seca, y composición química, indicando una fermentación adecuada por lo que a concentraciones mayores a 1% de aditivo e inóculo bacteriano se disminuye la calidad y digestibilidad de los ensilados.

In vitro production of gases with mixtures of Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit

Objective. To evaluate in vitro the production of total gases and CH4 in different mixtures of Hyparrhenia ruffa (Hr) and Leucaena leucocephala (Ll). Design / methodology / approach: In hermetic biodigesters with 200 mL of culture medium, 20 g of the following treatments were incubated in triplicate: T1: 100% Hr, T2: 80% Hr + 20% Ll, T3: 60% Hr + 40 % Ll, T4: 40% Hr + 60% Ll; They were inoculated with 20 mL of fresh ruminal fluid and incubated at 38 ± 0.5 ° C for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours (h). The production of total gases and methane (CH4) was measured; the data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Results: When adding 20%, 40% and 60% of Ll in mixture with Hr, the neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, production of total gases and CH4 decreased; while the crude protein content increased. Study limitations / implications: In vivo studies are required / by including amounts greater than 20% of Ll, the efficiency of energy use can be improved. Findings / conclusions: By adding more than 20% of L. leucocephala in a mixture with H. ruffa, the production of total gases and CH4 decreases. Keywords: methane, ruminants, tropical grasses, forage shrubsObjective: To evaluate total in vitro gas and methane (CH 4 ) production in different mixtures of Hyparrhenia ruffa (Hr) and Leucaena leucocephala (Ll).Design/methodology/approach: In airtight biodigesters with 200 mL of culture medium, 20 g of the following treatments were incubated by triplicate: T1: 100 % Hr, T2: 80 % Hr + 20 % Ll, T3: 60 % Hr + 40 % Ll, T4: 40 % Hr + 60 % Ll; these were inoculated with 20 mL of fresh rumen fluid and incubated at 38 ± 0.5 °C for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The total gas and CH 4 production were assessed; the data were analyzed in a completely randomized design.Results: The addition of 20 %, 40 % and 60 % Ll in mixture with Hr decreased theneutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total gas and CH 4 production, while the crude protein content increased. Study limitations/implications: In vivo studies are required / by including amounts higher than 20 % Ll may improve energy utilization efficiency.Findings/conclusions: Adding more than 20 % L. leucocephala in a mixture with H. ruffa decreases total gas and CH 4 production

LD50 and GR50 estimation with gamma rays (60 Co) IN Arachis pintoi Var. amarillo

Objective: To estimate the median lethal dose (LD50) and mean reductive dose (GR50) due to gamma radiation in Arachis pintoi var. Amarillo seeds. Design/methodology/approach: Ten doses were used (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 Gy) plus a control (without radiation). The experimental design was completely random with three replications and 50 seeds per repetition. Seed germination was evaluated 29 days after sowing (das) and plant survival, plant height, root length and leaf area at 60 das. The LD50 and GR50 for survival and plants height were estimated by linear regression. Results: There was a significant reduction of seed germination and plant survival from 300 and 200 Gy doses compared to the control (61.64 and 49.15 % each); for the plants height the dose was of 100 Gy (35.22 %). There were no differences in the root length and leaf area with 100 and 200 Gy regard to the control. The LD50 was estimated at 212.54 Gy and the GR50 at 162.16 Gy. Findings/conclusions: The gamma radiation doses to induce genetic variation in A. pintoi var. Amarillo seeds were between 162 and 212 Gy.Objective: To estimate the median lethal dose (LD50) and mean reductive dose (GR50) due to gamma radiation in Arachis pintoi var. Amarillo seeds. Design/methodology/approach: Ten doses were used (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 Gy) plus a control (without radiation). The experimental design was completely random with three replications and 50 seeds per repetition. Seed germination was evaluated 29 days after sowing (das) and plant survival, plant height, root length and leaf area at 60 das. The LD50 and GR50 for survival and plants height were estimated by linear regression. Results: There was a significant reduction of seed germination and plant survival from 300 and 200 Gy doses compared to the control (61.64 and 49.15 % each); for the plants height the dose was of 100 Gy (35.22 %). There were no differences in the root length and leaf area with 100 and 200 Gy regard to the control. The LD50 was estimated at 212.54 Gy and the GR50 at 162.16 Gy. Findings/conclusions: The gamma radiation doses to induce genetic variation in A. pintoi var. Amarillo seeds were between 162 and 212 Gy

Destete precoz y respuesta productiva pos destete de becerros alimentados con iniciador en el trópico: DESTETE PRECOZ EN BECERROS

Objective: To evaluate the effect of starter feed consumption on the post-weaning productive response of calves of the dual-purpose system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten calves with an average live weight at birth of 34.5 ± 4.8 kg were distributed in two treatments: CM = calves fed milk + Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) weaned at seven months of age; CMS = calves fed milk + Taiwan grass + starter feed, weaned at 90 days. A completely randomized design with five repetitions per treatment was used, the experimental phase was made from birth to one year of age. Starter feed intake, live weight (LW), daily weight gain, (DWG), rump height (RH), withers (W), length (L) and thoracic perimeter (TP) were evaluated in the periods of one to three months old, four to seven and eight to 12. Results: The consumption of starter feed from one to three months was 482.33 g calf-1 d-1 and from four to seven months 1895.0 g calf-1 d-1; the LW, RH, W, L and TP at seven and 12 months was greater in CMS (P &lt;0.05), the DWG was greater in CMS (P &lt;0.05) in the period of four to seven months. Study limitations/implications: Milk consumption was not measured, it could affect DWG in the period of one to three months. Findings/Conclusions: Starter feed consumption allowed calves to be weaned at three months of age with the highest response in LW and zoom measurements at seven and 12 months. Key words: Beef cattle, ruminal development, zoom measurements.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del consumo de iniciador en la respuesta productiva pos destete de becerros del sistema de doble propósito. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: 10 becerros con peso vivo promedio al nacimiento de 34.5 ± 4.8 kg fueron distribuidos en dos tratamientos: BL = becerros alimentados con leche + pasto Taiwán (Pennisetum purpureum) destetados a siete meses de edad; BLI = becerros alimentados con leche + pasto Taiwán + alimento iniciador, destetados a 90 días. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con cinco repeticiones por tratamiento, la fase experimental se hizo del nacimiento al año de edad. Se evaluó consumo de iniciador, peso vivo (PV), ganancia diaria de peso, (CI), alzada a la grupa (AG), a la cruz (AC), largo (L) y perímetro torácico (PT) en los periodos de uno a tres meses de edad, de cuatro a siete y de ocho a 12. Resultados: El consumo de iniciador de uno a tres meses se promedió en 482.33 g becerro-1 d-1 y de cuatro a siete meses de 1895.0 g becerro-1 d-1; el PV, AG, AC, L y PT a siete y 12 meses fue mayor en BLI (P&lt;0.05), la mayor GDP se observó en BLI (P&lt;0.05) en el periodo de cuatro a siete meses. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: no se midió consumo de leche, pudo afectar la GDP en el periodo de uno a tres meses. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El consumo de iniciador permitió destetar los becerros a tres meses de edad con mayor respuesta en PV y medidas zoométricas a siete y 12 meses. &nbsp

Growth and nutritional value of the silage of two cultivars of Pennisetum purpureum at different ages: Growth and nutritional value of Pennisetum

Objective: in order to evaluate the growth, the chemical composition and the quality of the silage at 45 and 60 days of cutting of the Pennisetum purpureum sp. Giant and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan. Design / methodology / approach: The study was carried out in the Germplasm Bank of the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field, in Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas, Mexico. From the chemical analysis of the silage, crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fiber (CF), ash (A), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and pH were determined. From growth, plant height, leaf length, leaf width and stem diameter. A completely randomized design was used with three repetitions per treatment using PROC GLM and the comparison of average with the Tukey procedure. Results: The CP content of both grasses decreased in the period from 45 to 60 days, from 7.18% to 5.36% respectively in the Taiwan grass, and from 7.53% to 6.05% in the Pennisetum sp. Giant, in the same period respectively. Plant height, length, leaf width, and stem diameter were greater in Taiwan grass (P&lt;0.05) at 30, 45, and 60 days; the pH of the silage was similar between the evaluated pastures (P&gt;0.05) at 45 and 60 days. Study limitations / implications: Assessment is required in the dry season (December-April). Findings / Conclusions: Taiwan grass had the highest growth rate in all periods; while the giant grass had greater nutritional value at 45 and 60 days of cutting.Objetive: To evaluate the growth, chemical composition and quality of the silage of 45 d and 60 d cuts of Pennisetum purpureum sp. Gigante and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan grasses. Design/methodology/approximation: The study took place at the Germplasm Bank of the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field in Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas, Mexico. Chemical analysis of the silage determined crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fiber (CF), ash (A), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and pH. Plant height, leaf length, leaf width and stem diameter were also determined. A completely randomized design was used with three repetitions per treatment as per PROC GLM and means comparison using the Tukey procedure. Results: The CP content of both grasses decreased in the 45 d to 60 d period; from 7.18 % to 5.36 % in Taiwan grass and from 7.53 % to 6.05 % in Pennisetum sp. Gigante. Plant height, length and width of leaf, and stem diameter were greater in the Taiwan variety (P&lt;0.05) at 30 d, 45 d and 60 d; the pH of the silage was similar in both grasses evaluated (P&gt;0.05) at 45 d and 60 d. Study limitations /implications:  A review during low water periods is required (December-April). Findings/conclusions: Taiwan grass registered a greater growth rate in all periods; while Gigante grass showed higher nutritional value at 45 and 60 days of cutting

In vitro production of gas methane by tropical grasses

Objective . Estimate the production of methane (CH4) by tropical grasses fermented in vitro. Materials and methods. A sample of 20 g dry matter of Cynodon nlemfuensis, Hyparrhenia rufa, Megathyrsus maximus and Digitaria swazilandensis plus 200 ml of culture medium were plated in triplicate flasks sterile stainless steel with CO2 flux, inoculated with 20 ml of ruminal fluid bovine, incubated at 38 °C for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Total production of gas, CH4, volatile fatty acids, and pH were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment and comparison of means with Tukey; the concentration of total and cellulolytic bacteria were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis, and the GLM procedure independent data Wilcoxon rank. Results. H. rufa and D. swazilandensis both had the lowest total gas production (p0.05), while the concentration of cellulolytic bacteria was lower in C. nlemfuensis y D. swazilandensis when 96 of incubation (p0.05), mientras que la concentración de bacterias celulolíticas fue menor en C. nlemfuensis y D. swazilandensis a la hora 96 de incubación (p<0.05). Conclusiones. La Digitaria swazilandensis, mostró condiciones favorables para tener menor producción total de metano y gases totales

Productive response of dual-purpose cows supplemented with chelate minerals and calcium salts

Objective: Evaluate milk production, body condition and ethological behavior of grazing cows, supplemented with chelated minerals and calcium salts, in dry tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach:&nbsp; Two treatments were evaluated, T1 = Base feeding (grazing + 4 kg of concentrated feed cow-1 day-1 (CF); T2 = CF + 300 g cow-1 day-1 of nucleus (chelated minerals + calcium salts) (N). Milk productions were evaluated during 32 days in four periods of seven days, the body condition at the beginning, 15 and 30 days after the evaluation, and the ethological behavior of the cows. Results: In cows supplemented with N, milk production increased 19.9% (P ≤ 0.05); body condition improved 0.5 units, there was no difference in grazing time (P&gt;0.05) and rumination time was longer (P ≤ 0.05). Study limitations/implications: response to reproductive variables was not assessed in this study/reproductive activity is likely to improve in response to improved body condition. Findings/conclusions: By supplementing dual-purpose cows in the first third of lactation with chelated minerals and calcium salts, milk production increases, body condition and rumination time improve.Objective: To evaluate milk production, body condition and ethological behavior of grazing cows supplemented with chelated minerals and calcium salts, in dry tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Two treatments were evaluated, T1 = Base feeding (grazing + 4 kg of concentrated feed cow-1 day-1 (CF); T2 = CF + 300 g cow-1 day-1 of nucleus (chelated minerals + calcium salts) (N). Milk production data were evaluated during 32 days in four periods of seven days, the body condition at the beginning, 15 and 30 days after the evaluation, and the ethological behavior of the cows. Results: In cows supplemented with nucelus, milk production increased 19.9% (P ≤ 0.05); body condition improved 0.5 units, there was no difference in grazing time (P&gt;0.05) and rumination time was longer (P ≤ 0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The response to reproductive variables was not assessed in this study/reproductive activity is likely to improve in response to improved body condition. Findings/conclusions: By supplementing dual-purpose cows in the first third of lactation with chelated minerals and calcium salts, milk production increases, and body condition and rumination time improve

Crecimiento de Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwán con diferentes fuentes de fertilización en pastoreo con bovinos

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of two sourcesof fertilization on the chemical composition, growth characteristics and persistenceof Taiwan grass under intensive grazing. The treatments were: no fertilization(SF), humic fertilizer (FH), granulated fertilizer (FG). Two cutting heights were alsoevaluated after grazing; no uniformity cut (SC); cutting height at 30 cm (C30), cuttingheight at 50 cm (C50). The treatments were distributed in a randomized blockdesign, an analysis of variance and tests of means were applied. The variablesevaluated were: chemical composition, plant height (AP), leaf length (LH), leaf width(AH), plant dry weight (PP), stem weight (PT), leaf weight (PH), stem percentage,leaf percentage, number of suckers (NH) and number of live tillers (MV). The crudeprotein content increased from 7.99 to 9.31 and 11.87% in the SF, FH and FGtreatments respectively; there was no effect of the fertilization source on AP, AH,PP, PT, PH, stem percentage, leaf percentage, NH and MV (P > 0.05); while theleaf length was less (P < 0.05) in FH. The uniformity cut after grazing at 30 and50 cm, increased NH (P < 0.05). The application of humic and granulated fertilizerto Taiwan grass increased the protein content; the uniformity cut at 30 and 50 cm,stimulated the development of a greater number of suckers, which promotes thepersistence of the meadow.El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de dos fuentes de fertilización sobre el valor nutricional, características de crecimiento y persistencia del pasto Taiwán en pastoreo intensivo de becerros en engorda. El estudio se realizó en el municipio de Tapachula, Chiapas, México. Dos fuentes de fertilización aplicadas al pasto Taiwán después del pastoreo de becerros fueron evaluadas; tres tratamientos en un diseño bloques al azar; 1) sin fertilización, 2) fertilizante húmico, 3) fertilizante granulado. Dos alturas de corte de uniformidad después del pastoreo; 1) sin corte de uniformidad; 2) altura de corte a 30 cm, 3) altura de corte a 50 cm. A todas las variables se aplicó un análisis de varianza y pruebas de medias, para observar las diferencias entre tratamientos. El contenido de proteína cruda aumentó de 7.99% a 9.31% y 11.87% en los tratamientos: Pasto Taiwán sin fertilización (TS); Taiwán + fertilizante húmico (TH); Taiwán + fertilizante granulado (TG) de manera respectiva; no hubo efecto del tratamiento aplicado en la mayoría de las variables (P&gt;0.05); mientras que el largo de hoja fue menor (P&lt;0.05) en el pasto Taiwán con fertilizante húmico; el corte de uniformidad después del pastoreo a 30 y 50 cm, aumentó el número de hijuelos (P&lt;0.05). La aplicación de fertilizante húmico y granulado al pasto Taiwán, aumentó el contenido de proteína; el corte de uniformidad a 30 y 50 cm estimuló el desarrollo de mayor número de hijuelos, lo que promueve la persistencia de la pradera