Treatment of tropical forages with exogenous fibrolytiic enzymes: effects on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation

The effects of three treatments of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CEL), xylanase from rumen micro-organisms (XYL) and a 1:1 mixture of CEL and XYL (MIX) on the in vitro fermentation of two samples of Pennisetum clandestinum (P1 and P2), two samples of Dichanthium aristatum (D1 and D2) and one sample of each Acacia decurrens and Acacia mangium (A1 and A2) were investigated. The first experiment compared the effects of two methods of applying the enzymes to forages, either at the time of incubation or 24 h before, on the in vitro gas production. In general, the 24 h pre-treatment resulted in higher values of gas production rate, and this application method was chosen for a second study investigating the effects of enzymes on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of forages. The pre-treatment with CEL for 24 h reduced (p < 0.05) the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of P1, P2, D1 and D2, and that of MIX reduced the NDF content of P1 and D1, but XYL had no effect on any forage. The CEL treatment increased (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production for all forages (ranging from 8.6% to 22.7%), but in general, no effects of MIX and XYL were observed. For both P. clandestinum samples, CEL treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the molar proportion of acetate and increased (p < 0.05) that of butyrate, but only subtle changes in VFA profile were observed for the rest of forages. Under the conditions of the present experiment, the treatment of tropical forages with CEL stimulated their in vitro ruminal fermentation, but XYL did not produce any positive effect. These results showed clearly that effectiveness of enzymes varied with the incubated forage and further study is warranted to investigate specific, optimal enzyme-substrate combinations

The influence of diet on the effectiveness of garlic oil and cinnamaldehyde to manipulate in vitro ruminal fermentation and methane production.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing doses [0 (control: CON), 20, 60, 180 and 540 mg/L incubation medium] of garlic oil (GO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) on in vitro ruminal fermentation of two diets. Batch cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms were inoculated with ruminal fluid from four sheep fed a medium-concentrate diet (MC; 50 : 50 alfalfa hay : concentrate) or four sheep fed a high-concentrate diet (HC; 15 : 85 barley straw : concentrate). Diets MC and HC were representative of those fed to dairy and fattening ruminants, respectively. Samples of each diet were used as incubation substrates for the corresponding inoculum, and the incubation was repeated on 4 different days (four replicates per experimental treatment). There were GO × diet-type and CIN × diet-type interactions (P 0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production at any dose. For MC diet, GO at 60, 180 and 540 mg/L decreased (P 0.05) on butyrate proportion were detected. Methane/VFA ratio was reduced (P < 0.05) by GO at 60, 180 and 540 mg/L for MC diet (0.23, 0.16 and 0.10 mol/mol, respectively), and by GO at 20, 60, 180 and 540 mg/L for HC diet (0.19, 0.19, 0.16 and 0.08 mol/mol, respectively), compared with CON (0.26 and 0.21 mol/mol for MC and HC diets, respectively). No effects (P = 0.16–0.85) of GO on final pH and concentrations of NH3-N and lactate were detected. For both diet types, the highest CIN dose decreased (P < 0.05) production of total VFA, gas and methane, which would indicate an inhibition of fermentation. Compared with CON, CIN at 180 mg/L increased (P < 0.05) acetate proportion for the MC (629 and 644 mmol/mol total VFA for CON and CIN, respectively) and HC (525 and 540 mmol/mol total VFA, respectively) diets, without affecting the proportions of any other VFA or total VFA production. Whereas for MC diet CIN at 60 and 180 mg/L decreased (P < 0.05) NH3-N concentrations compared with CON, only a trend (P < 0.10) was observed for CIN at 180 mg/L with the HC diet. Supplementation of CIN up to 180 mg/L did not affect (P = 0.18–0.99) lactate concentrations and production of gas and methane for any diet. The results show that effectiveness of GO and CIN to modify ruminal fermentation may depend on diet type, which would have practical implications if they are confirmed in vivo

Yield and nutritive value for ruminants of organic Winter cereals-bard vetch intercrops

Organic livestock in the European Union must be fed with organic feed, and forage should be at least 60% of the diet of herbivorous animals. However, the productivity of crops in organic farming is frequently lower than that in conventional farming, and organic cultivation of winter cereals often reduces forage CP content. Intercropping of winter cereals with legumes can provide both higher forage yield and quality compared with winter cereal monocultures, but the results may differ with cultivation conditions

Nutritive value for ruminants of winter oats-legume intercrops in organic cultivation

Winter oats were grown according to European organic farming regulations in monoculture (oats) and in intercropping with bard vetch (BAV), bitter vetch (BIV) or both legumes (MIX) to evaluate the effects of intercropping on forage yield and nutritive value for ruminants. The experiment was carried out as a randomised complete block design with four replications, and whole forage samples were obtained at two harvest dates (June and July). For both harvest times, all intercrops increased (P < 0.05) forage yield compared with oats, but forage crude protein content was only increased (P < 0.05) for BAV and MIX. Compared with oats, intercropping with BAV increased (P < 0.05) in vitro rate of gas production and total volatile fatty acid production, indicating a higher rate and extent of rumen degradation of BAV forage. In contrast, BIV forage harvested in June had lower (P < 0.05) rate of gas production and total volatile fatty acid production than June oats, but in general no differences in the in vitro rumen fermentation were detected between oats and BIV samples harvested in July. The results indicate that forage yield and quality can be enhanced by intercropping oats with BAV; however, intercropping with BIV increased yield but decreased nutritive value of the forage

Evolution of the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Spain between March and November 2020: SEMI-COVID national registry

Objectives: Since the results of the RECOVERY trial, WHO recommendations about the use of corticosteroids (CTs) in COVID-19 have changed. The aim of the study is to analyse the evolutive use of CTs in Spain during the pandemic to assess the potential influence of new recommendations. Material and methods: A retrospective, descriptive, and observational study was conducted on adults hospitalised due to COVID-19 in Spain who were included in the SEMI-COVID- 19 Registry from March to November 2020. Results: CTs were used in 6053 (36.21%) of the included patients. The patients were older (mean (SD)) (69.6 (14.6) vs. 66.0 (16.8) years; p < 0.001), with hypertension (57.0% vs. 47.7%; p < 0.001), obesity (26.4% vs. 19.3%; p < 0.0001), and multimorbidity prevalence (20.6% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001). These patients had higher values (mean (95% CI)) of C-reactive protein (CRP) (86 (32.7-160) vs. 49.3 (16-109) mg/dL; p < 0.001), ferritin (791 (393-1534) vs. 470 (236- 996) µg/dL; p < 0.001), D dimer (750 (430-1400) vs. 617 (345-1180) µg/dL; p < 0.001), and lower Sp02/Fi02 (266 (91.1) vs. 301 (101); p < 0.001). Since June 2020, there was an increment in the use of CTs (March vs. September; p < 0.001). Overall, 20% did not receive steroids, and 40% received less than 200 mg accumulated prednisone equivalent dose (APED). Severe patients are treated with higher doses. The mortality benefit was observed in patients with oxygen saturation </=90%. Conclusions: Patients with greater comorbidity, severity, and inflammatory markers were those treated with CTs. In severe patients, there is a trend towards the use of higher doses. The mortality benefit was observed in patients with oxygen saturation </=90%

Evolution of fermentation parameters in Rusitec fermenters operated at different dilution rates and concentrate retention times

Martínez M.E., Ranilla M.J., Ramos S., Tejido M.L., Carro M.D. Evolution of fermentation parameters in Rusitec fermenters operated at different dilution rates and concentrate retention times. In : Ranilla M.J. (ed.), Carro M.D. (ed.), Ben Salem H. (ed.), Morand-Fehr P. (ed.). Challenging strategies to promote the sheep and goat sector in the current global context. Zaragoza : CIHEAM / CSIC / Universidad de León / FAO, 2011. p. 121-126. (Options Méditerranéennes : Série A. Séminaires Méditerranéens; n. 99). 13. International Seminar of the Sub-Network on Nutrition of the FAO-CIHEAM Inter-Regional Cooperative Research and Development Network on Sheep and Goats, 2009/10/14-16, León (Spain). http://om.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a99/00801545.pdf6 páginas, 3 tablas.One 14-d incubation trial was carried out using 16 Rusitec fermenters to investigate the evolution of fermentation parameters with incubation day (ID) when fermenters were operated at different dilution rate (DR) and concentrate retention time (RT). The fermenters were fed a 30:70 alfalfa hay:concentrate diet, and the DR were 3.78 (LDR) and 5.42 percent/h (HDR). The concentrate RT was either 24 (T24) or 48 h (T48), and forage RT was 48 h in all fermenters. Significant ID x DR and ID x RT interactions (P<0.05) were observed for all the measured parameters with the exception of molar proportions of acetate. In general, fermenters operated at the HDR became stabilized before than LDR fermenters. Under the conditions of this study, 6 days were enough to reach steady values for most of the measured parameters.Peer Reviewe

Évolution des protozoaires dans des fermenteurs Rusitec alimentés avec des régimes ayant différents rapports fourrage : concentré et différents types de fourrages

6 páginas, 4 tablas.-- Contributed to: 13. International Seminar of the FAO-CIHEAM Sub-Network on Sheep and Goat Nutrition: Challenging strategies to promote the sheep and goat sector in the current global context (León, Spain, oct 14-16, 2009 2009/10/14-16, León (Spain)).The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of protozoa numbers over 14 days in 16 Rusitec fermenters fed four different diets. The diets had forage:concentrate (F:C;dry matter (DM) basis) ratios of 70:30 (HF) or 30:70 (HC) with either alfalfa hay (A) or grass hay (G) as forage. Ruminal inoculum from sheep fed the same diets was used to inoculate the fermenters on day 0. Retention time for forage and concentrate was 48 and 24 h, respectively, and dilution rate was preset at 5.14% per h. Total protozoa numbers declined rapidly from the first day after inoculation, but they were present on day 14 in all fermenters at concentrations which ranged from 3.30 to 8.52 x 103 / ml. Only Entodiniinae were able to grow in HC-fed fermenters by the end of the trial, but Entodiniinae, Isotrichidae and Diplodiniinae were maintained in fermenters receiving HF diets. The disappearance of Isotrichidae and Diplodiniinae from HC-fed fermenters was attributed to low pH values. Ophryoscolecinae disappeared completely from all fermenters by day 6 of incubation. In general, greater protozoa numbers were observed in the fermenters fed diets containing G compared with those fed A diets. Our results indicate that protozoa could not be maintained at numbers similar to those in the rumen, but responses to changes in F:C ratio in the diet were similar to those observed in vivo.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support received from the MCYT of Spain (project AGL2004-04755-C02-01) and the Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León (Ref. GR158). M.E. Martínez and S. Ramos gratefully acknowledge the receipt of scholarships from the MEC. of Spain (AP2005-1797 and BES-2005-6842).Peer Reviewe

In vitro ruminal fermentation of diets containing wheat straw and date pits as forage.

The pH, VFA concentration, total gas and met hane production were determined in the rumen of four Sicilo- Sarde rams fitted with permanent canulas. Rams received a ration that included 1.5 kg DM of oat hay and were supplemented with one of four concentrates: CC (10% barley, 43.3% corn, 25% wheat bran, 17.7% soybean meal, 4% sheep Vitamin and Mineral Mixture (VMM)), SC (66% white sorghum, 30% faba, 4% sheep VMM); TC (71% triticale, 18% faba, 7%, soybean meal, 4% VMM) or BC (71.5% barley, 17.5% faba, 7% soybean meal and 4% VMM). 50 ml samples were taken before, 2, 5 and 8 hours after the morning meal. Total gas was determined on rumen content before the morning meal. The rumen pH was statistically different (P<0.05) before and 2 hours after the morning meal among concentrates feed. It was in favour of TC and BC (P<0.05) concentrates but was comparable at the end of the day. The concentration of VFA was significantly higher (P<0.05) for diets TC and BC following the meal and became comparable among concentrates thereafter. The proportion of acetate and butyrate acids evolved in the same way during the day regardless of the regimen. The total volu me of gas was different (P<0.05) among diets, the BC showed the highest value (87.00±17.29 ml) while the lowest value was found in the TC concentrate (56.58±13.06 ml). The CH4 production for the BC was significantly different (P<0.05) from that of TC. Quantities produced by the CC and SC were similar (22.08±4.18vs . 21.16±3.21)

Comparison of fermentation of diets of variable composition and microbial populations in the rumen of sheep and Rusitec fermenters. II. Protozoa population and diversity of bacterial communities

14 páginas, 3 figuras, 2 tablas.Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated sheep and 8 Rusitec fermenters were used to determine the effects of dietary characteristics on microbial populations and bacterial diversity. The purpose of the study was to assess how closely fermenters can mimic the differences between diets found in vivo. The 4 experimental diets contained forage to concentrate (F:C) ratios of 70:30 (high forage; HF) or 30:70 (high concentrate; HC) with either alfalfa hay (A) or grass hay (G) as the forage. Total bacterial numbers were greater in the rumen of sheep fed HF diets compared with those fed HC diets, whereas the opposite was found in fermenters. The numbers of cellulolytic bacteria were not affected by F:C ratio in any fermentation system, but cellulolytic numbers were 2.7 and 1.8 times greater in sheep than in fermenters for HF and HC diets, respectively. Neither total bacterial nor cellulolytic numbers were affected by the type of forage in sheep or fermenters. Decreasing F:C ratio increased total protozoa and Entodiniae numbers in sheep by about 29 and 25%, respectively, but it had no effect in fermenters. Isotrichidae and Ophryoscolecinae numbers in sheep were not affected by changing F:C ratio, but both disappeared completely from fermenters fed HC diets. Total protozoa and Entodiniae numbers were greater in sheep fed A diets than in those fed G diets, whereas the opposite was found in fermenters. Results indicate that under the conditions of the present study, protozoa population in Rusitec fermenters was not representative of that in the rumen of sheep fed the same diets. In addition, protozoa numbers in fermenters were 121 and 226 times lower than those in the sheep rumen for HF and HC diets, respectively. The automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA was used to analyze the diversity of liquid- and solid-associated bacteria in both systems. A total of 170 peaks were detected in the automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis electropherograms of bacterial pellets across the full set of 64 samples, from which 160 were detected in at least 1 individual from each system (sheep or fermenter). Diversity of liquid-associated bacterial pellets was greater with G diets in fermenters but seemed to be unaffected by diet in sheep. Bacterial diversity in solid-associated bacteria pellets was greater for G diets compared with A diets in sheep and fermenters. Different conditions in the fermenters compared with sheep rumen might have caused a selection of some bacterial strains.Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (AGL2004-04755-C02-01). Consejería de Educacion de la Junta de Castilla y León (GR158). Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain (AP2005-1797/AP2006-03049).Peer reviewe

Influencia del aceite esencial de ajo sobre la fermentación ruminal y la diversidad bacteriana en fermentadores Rusitec

En los últimos años se han estudiado múltiples estrategias alternativas al uso de antibióticos promotores del crecimiento como aditivos en la alimentación de los rumiantes. Entre estas estrategias se encuentra el uso de los compuestos bioactivos de las plantas, como son los aceites esenciales, capaces de modificar la fermentación ruminal. El aceite esencial de ajo ha mostrado resultados prometedores en anteriores estudios in vitro de corta duración (Busquet et al, 2005; Mateos et al, 2013), pero los estudios para determinar su efecto a medio o largo plazo son muy escasos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los efectos de la adición de aceite esencial de ajo como modificador de la fermentación ruminal in vitro y la diversidad bacteriana en fermentadores semicontinuos tipo Rusitec, empleando una dieta formulada para ovejas lecheras