Comparison of lucerne silage and ventilated hay in maize silage-based rations for dairy cows for the production of milk destined for Grana cheese

Three experiments were carried out to study the effects of feeding lucerne silage (wilted to give different dry-matter (DM) contents) and ventilated hay to dairy cows on milk production, milk quality, milk-renneting properties, clostridial spore content and the quality of cheese prepared from the milk. The lucerne, cut at vegetative or early-bud stages of maturity, was harvested from alternate windrows and conserved as silage or artificially dried hay. The lucerne was wilted until it reached different DM contents of 550, 360 and 432 g kg-1 in the three experiments, harvested, chopped with a self-loading forage wagon and ensiled in low and narrow clamps made up of transferable prefabricated walls. The organic acid content, pH, yeast and mould counts of the lucerne silage suggested that there was no aerobic deterioration. In each experiment, fifty Italian Friesian lactating cows were divided into two groups and fed two maize silage-based rations for 6 weeks, which only differed in the lucerne forage [silage (S) vs. ventilated hay (H)], in a cross-over experimental design. The lucerne in the rations represented 35%, 23% and 24% of the DM of the rations for the three experiments. The microbiological profiles of the ration were influenced more by the maize silage than by the lucerne silage. Individual daily DM intakes were similar for the two treatments in Experiments 1 and 3 (on average 18.7 kg in Experiment 1 and 20.3 kg in Experiment 3) and slightly lower for S cows in comparison to H cows in Experiment 2 (18.0 vs. 19.0 kg). Milk yields of S and H cows were 21.0 and 20.8, 20.0 and 20.6 (P < 0.01), and 28.4 and 27.9 kg d-1 in Experiments 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Milk composition was similar for all the experiments for the two treatments, except that the protein content was lower and the fat content was higher in the silage treatment than in the hay. The renneting properties and microbiology of the milk were not influenced by the introduction of lucerne silage into the rations, although the season in which it was consumed had a greater effect on the microbiological content, in terms of standard bacterial counts, proteolytic, coli and lactic acid bacteria, and clostridia spores. The clostridial spore counts were always very low (< 400 per litre), thus fulfilling the requirements for top-quality milk for Grana cheese production. In the third experiment, the quality of Grana Padano cheese produced was examined, and no differences between treatments were observed after 12 months of maturation. These results show that lucerne silage can be included in the ration of dairy cows instead of ventilated lucerne hay, which is considered to be the top-quality hay available for the production of milk destined for Grana cheese, without any negative effects on milk and cheese quality

Comparison of Faecal versus Rumen Inocula for the Estimation of NDF Digestibility

Cow faeces have been investigated as alternative inoculum to replace rumen fluid to determine neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (NDFD). Aims of this study were to estimate: (1) the NDFD (48 h) of feed ingredients using a rumen inoculum in comparison with faecal inocula from cows fed diets with different forage basis; (2) the undigestible NDF (uNDF) at 240 and 360 h with ruminal fluid and faecal inocula from lactating cows fed two different diets. At 48 h incubation, the NDFD was affected both by feed and type of inoculum (p &lt; 0.01) and by their interaction (p = 0.03). Overall, the mean NDFD was higher for rumen inoculum than for faecal inocula (585 vs. 389 g/kg NDF, p &lt; 0.05), and faecal inoculum obtained from cows fed hay-based diets gave lower NDFD than those from cows fed maize silage (367 vs. 440 g/kg, p &lt; 0.05). At long incubation times, the average uNDF was affected by substrate, inoculum and incubation time (p &lt; 0.01), but not by their interactions. For each inoculum, significantly lower values were obtained at 360 than at 240 h. Regressions between uNDF with rumen and with the tested faecal inocula resulted in r2 65 0.98. Despite the differences at 48 h, the uNDF showed that faecal inoculum could replace rumen fluid at longer incubation times

Effects of a nonforage diet on milk production, energy and nitrogen metabolism in dairy goats throughout lactation

The objective of the experiment was to compare a silage-based control diet (C) with a nonforage diet (NF) in dairy goats throughout lactation in terms of animal performance and energy utilization. Eight Saanen goats were divided into two groups and fed C or NF, a commercial blend that included sunflower meal, cassava, coconut meal, and whole cottonseeds as the main ingredients that was characterized by a small particle size and a high crude protein content. In early, mid, and late lactation (44, 100, and 219 days in milk) the goats were individually tested for dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, milk yield and composition, milk renneting properties, rumen and plasma parameters, and nitrogen and energy utilization (open circuit respiration chambers). During early and mid lactation, the NF fed goats had a very high DMI: 2946 and 2915 g/ d, respectively. Nevertheless, milk yield was similar for the two treatments: 4369 vs. 4342 and 3882 vs. 3841 g/d for goats fed diets C and NF during the first and second periods, respectively. Milk fat content was not statistically different between the two diets. The protein content and rheological parameters of milk were similar for the two diets. Nonprotein nitrogen and urea levels in milk of goats fed NF were significantly higher than goats fed C. Ruminal ammonia and plasma urea nitrogen were also significantly increased by diet NF, due to its high protein content. Plasma glucose, \u3b2-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids and ruminal volatile fatty acids were not influenced by dietary treatment. Dietary NF significantly decreased energy digestibility (74.5 vs. 65.8%, on average for the lactation, for C and NF, respectively) and had a significantly lower metabolizability (metabolizable energy/intake energy; 66.6 vs 58.0%, on average); however, the efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy was unaffected by the diet. In conclusion, goats were fed a nonforage diet during the entire lactation without detrimental effect on their health and productive performance

Management practices and forage quality affecting the contamination of milk with anaerobic spore&#8208;forming bacteria

BACKGROUND: Anaerobic spore-forming bacteria (ASFB) in milk derive from the farm environment, and the use of silages and management practices are the main responsible of milk ASFB contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between feeding, milking routine and cow hygiene and milk and Grana Padano cheese (produced with and without lysozyme) ASFB contamination. RESULTS: The study involved 23 dairy farms. ASFB in corn silage were on average 2.34\ub10.87 log10 MPN g-1. For grass, Italian ryegrass and alfalfa, ASFB (log10 MPN g-1) were numerically higher for silages (3.22) than hays (2.85). The use of corn silages of high quality (high lactic and acetic acids concentrations) decreased the milk ASFB contamination, whilst the use of herbage silages did not affect it. The presence (>40%) of cows with dirty udders increased the ASFB contamination of milk, while forestripping had a positive effect (-9% ASFB). Ripened Grana Padano had an ASFB count below the analytical limit; Clostridium tyrobutyricum DNA was found only in wheels produced without lysozyme, which also showed late blowing. CONCLUSION: The factors increasing milk spore contamination were corn silage quality, cow udder hygiene and inadequate milking routine. Late blowing was present only in cheeses without lysozyme

A methodological approach to assess nutrient requirements of heavy pigs in Italy

This paper reports the results of the work of the "Nutrient requirements of heavy pigs" ASPA Commission. The Commission work was mainly focused on the problem of identifying a good and flexible methodology for establishing nutrient requirements of heavy pigs in Italy, in a situation where the major part of the pigs are used for ham and other typical products. Nutrient allowance was considered to be a variable open to manipulation, since its optimal definition depends on the specific circumstances of each single production unit. It appeared that the most logical way to account for the many interactions involved was to integrate available information using computer simulation techniques. A methodology based on the following steps was proposed and analyzed: i) selection of a mathematical model to describe the chemical growth of pigs over time as result of the interactions of genotype, feed and climate; ii) developing suitable equations to predict the quality parameters of the carcass and, if possible, of the single cuts from the body's chemical status and implementation of these equations in the model; iii) identification of production targets and use of the model as a tool to simulate the effect of different genotypes, feed and climate on the productive and the economic results. A model strongly rooted in a theoretical framework, simple enough to be applied in practice and requiring a limited number inputs was selected from literature. From a preliminary evaluation, performed by using experimental calorimetric data, it was concluded that the model was potentially able to accurately predict the chemical growth of pigs under different conditions of feeding and climate. The major lack of knowledge regarded the values of genotypic descriptors of the national pig populations, the evaluation for which some simple experimental protocols are described in literature. Other lack of knowledge involved relationships to predict the anatomical growth and the evolution of quality parameters of carcass and cuts from the chemical composition of the body. If a correlation between the chemical composition of the pig's body and production targets is confirmed, then a link between the farmer and the industry can be established and the model could be used to identify more convenient feeding strategies. The conceptual basis and the way to assess nutrient requirements of heavy pigs have been clearly identified

A methodological approach to assess nutrient requirements of heavy pigs in Italy

This paper reports the results of the work of the "Nutrient requirements of heavy pigs" ASPA Commission. The Commissionwork was mainly focused on the problem of identifying a good and flexible methodology for establishing nutrient requirements of heavy pigs in Italy, in a situation where the major part of the pigs are used for ham and other typical products. Nutrient allowance was considered to be a variable open to manipulation, since its optimal definition depends on the specific circumstances of each single production unit. It appeared that the most logical way to account for the many interactions involved was to integrate available information using computer simulation techniques. A methodology based on the following steps was proposed and analyzed: i) selection of a mathematical model to describe the chemical growth of pigsover time as result of the interactions of genotype, feed and climate; ii) developing suitable equations to predict the qualityparameters of the carcass and, if possible, of the single cuts from the body's chemical status and implementation ofthese equations in the model; iii) identification of production targets and use of the model as a tool to simulate the effectof different genotypes, feed and climate on the productive and the economic results. A model strongly rooted in a theoreticalframework, simple enough to be applied in practice and requiring a limited number inputs was selected from literature.From a preliminary evaluation, performed by using experimental calorimetric data, it was concluded that the modelwas potentially able to accurately predict the chemical growth of pigs under different conditions of feeding and climate.The major lack of knowledge regarded the values of genotypic descriptors of the national pig populations, the evaluationfor which some simple experimental protocols are described in literature. Other lack of knowledge involved relationshipsto predict the anatomical growth and the evolution of quality parameters of carcass and cuts from the chemical compositionof the body. If a correlation between the chemical composition of the pig's body and production targets is confirmed,then a link between the farmer and the industry can be established and the model could be used to identify more convenientfeeding strategies. The conceptual basis and the way to assess nutrient requirements of heavy pigs have beenclearly identified

Glorious past, uncertain present, bad future? : assessing effects of land-use changes on habitat suitability for a threatened farmland bird species

Land-use changes have strong impacts on biological communities. Among them, land abandonment is threatening a large number of conservation-concern species associated with semi-natural habitats shaped by \u2018traditional\u2019 farming. We focused on the red-backed shrike as a model for investigating the effect of land abandonment on a threatened bird species, and used historical data to model dynamic scenarios. We explored variations in habitat suitability from the 1950s to the present and predicted possible future variations. After investigating local habitat preferences of the species, we formulated a spatially explicit model of habitat suitability for shrikes according to current land-use types; then, we evaluated past habitat suitability, by applying the model to three known past scenarios, and simulated the habitat changes after land abandonment. By combining a habitat-association approach with past and future land use scenarios, we assessed and predicted the effects of habitat changes caused by abandonment. Shrike occurrence was favoured by the cover of four types of grassland and of shrubland with trees, and negatively affected by broadleaved woodlands. The current average habitat suitability is less than half of what it was in the 1950s. Future predictions in a complete abandonment scenario suggest that important decrease could be expected 10 or 20 years after abandonment, and that after 30 years the red-backed shrike would be completely extinct. Alternative scenarios involving partial abandonment suggested that subsidy policies may mitigate the effects of abandonment. Knowing land-use dynamics allowed the exploration of effects of land-use changes and corroborated the importance of low-intensity farming for conservation

Digestibility and metabolic utilization of diets containing whole-ear corn silage and their effects on growth and slaughter traits of heavy pigs

The aim was to evaluate 2 levels of dietary inclusion of chopped whole-ear corn silage (WECS) on energy and nutrient utilization, growth, and slaughter performances of heavy pigs. Two in vivo experiments were conducted to determine digestibility and metabolic utilization of WECS using 18 barrows weighing 118 +/- 8 kg BW on average, metabolic cages and respiration chambers (Exp. 1), and the effect of WECS on the growth performance and carcass traits on 42 barrows from 90 to 170 kg BW (Exp. 2). In both experiments, pigs were fed 3 experimental diets: a control diet (CON) containing cereal meals, extracted soybean meal, and wheat bran (80%, 9%, and 8% of DM, respectively) and 2 diets containing 15% (15WECS) or 30% WECS (30WECS) on a DM basis in place of wheat bran and corn meal. The diets were prepared daily by mixing the WECS to a suitable compound feed. Feed intake was always restricted to allow a daily DMI of 7.2% BW0.75 in Exp. 1 and from 8.0% to 6.5% BW0.75 in Exp. 2. Diets had similar NDF contents (15.2% to 15.8% of DM), and WECS inclusion resulted in a slight reduction in CP content (from 14.0% to 13.6% of DM) and a considerable decrease in P content (from 0.47% to 0.30% of DM). Digestibility of OM, CP, and fat was similar among diets, whereas P digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) for the 30WECS diet (33.5%) in comparison with the CON and 15WECS diets (45.5% and 44.1%, respectively). Nitrogen lost in feces and urine and N retained were not different among diets, whereas P retained decreased with the increase of WECS (5.4, 3.7, and 2.2 g/d for the CON, 15WECS, and 30WECS diets, respectively; P < 0.05). No difference among diets was observed for energy balance. The WECS contained 13.48 MJ ME and 9.39 MJ NE/kg DM. In Exp. 2, feed intake was not depressed by WECS inclusion, and the ADG for the whole experiment was not different among dietary treatments (from 737 to 774 g/d). Fecal pH was lower (P < 0.05) for the WECS diets than the control diet (7.10 and 7.00 vs. 7.40) and for the sampling at 150 kg BW than that at 130 and 110 kg BW (6.96 vs. 7.29 and 7.24). At slaughter, lean percentage in the carcass was lower in the 30WECS diet than those of the other 2 diets (46.8% vs. 48.3% and 48.6%, P = 0.05). The overall experimental data obtained in both trials indicate that substitution of wheat bran and corn meal for WECS (up to 30% of DM) does not affect, with the exception of P utilization and carcass leanness, energy and nutrient utilization and performance of heavy pigs in the last phase of growing

Laboratory variation of 24 h in vitro gas production and estimated metabolizable energy values of ruminant feeds

Intra- and inter-laboratory variation of in vitro gas production and calculated metabolizable energy (ME, MJ/kg DM) values were studied using 16 test feeds in 7 laboratories. Intra-laboratory variation was low, with six of the seven laboratories having very high relationships in gas production between runs (R2 65 0.96) and slopes that did not differ from unity. Inter-laboratory differences were higher with highly significant (P < 0.001) differences among laboratories in both gas production and calculated ME values. Three of the six test laboratories generated predicted ME values that did not differ from the seventh (reference) laboratory. Combining intra-laboratory variation in gas production and inter-laboratory variation in predicted ME values, three of the six test laboratories were judged acceptable overall. ME values predicted by the gas production technique by laboratories in different parts of the world cannot be considered absolute

Typical dairy products in Africa from local animal resources

This review aims to identify the main typical non-dairy edible products of animal origin available in Africa, describing their production processes and their strengths and constraints. Farm animals are mainly raised in an extensive, family-run system; there is, however, a significant development of intensive poultry production. Meat products are usually obtained by drying, but meat and/or offal can also be stored as stuffed products and can be additionally treated by smoking and/or curing. The increasing poultry production provides eggs and meat at low price. The small-scale/family farms are managed mainly by women and children, with a positive social impact. The assets and limits of local breeds and of extensive versus semi-extensive or intensive production systems are discussed. Seafood are an essential source of proteins, minerals and micronutrients. Due its high perishability, the proportion of cured fish in this continent is higher than the world average. Wildlife can supply high-quality meat, but attention must be paid to the vulnerable/endangered species and to the sanitary aspects of this food chain. Insects are traditionally consumed in Africa, supplying very cheap highly nutritive food, with low environmental impact. Finally, a variety of honey and other bee products, including some Slow Food praesidia, are described. From the point of view of the respect of biodiversity and ecosystems, local culture, accessibility and nutritional requirements, animal productions in Africa are usually carried out in a sustainable way; however, the low efficiency of most traditional production systems represents an important limit, also in relation to export opportunities