Supplemental effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet (CHYP) on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls. Four animals, with an average liveweight of 160 ± 10 kg were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments: 0, 4, 6 and 8% CHYP supplementation of DMI. The study findings showed that increasing supplementation level of CHYP linearly enhanced (p < 0.05) DM, OM, and CP digestibilities. Rumen characteristics, namely NH3–N concentration and bacterial population were increased (p < 0.05) while, protozoal and fungal population remained unchanged, as level of CHYP supplementation increased. Total rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) were enhanced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, N utilisation especially N absorption, N retention and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) were significantly improved by increasing level of CHYP supplementation. Hence, CHYP supplementation is highly promising for ruminant feeding.HIGHLIGHTS Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) contains high level of crude protein, essential amino acids and minerals. CHYP supplementation increased nutrient digestibility and propionic acid (C3) in rumen. CHYP enhanced N–balance, microbial nitrogen supply (MNS) and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS)

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Mill. Johnston) pellet supplementation improved rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition of lactating dairy cows

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Mill. Johnston) is a fodder shrub that contains flavonoid compounds and uses as feeds, medicine and food, respectively. This study examined the effects of Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) supplementation on nutrient digestibilities, feed intake, rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk compositions. Four lactating crossbred (75% Holstein-Friesian × 25% Thai native cows) dairy cows with average body weight (440 ± 10), milk production (12 ± 2 kg/h/d) and days- in- milk (126 ± 20) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Two ratio of concentrate to milk yield, (1:1; CM1 and 1:2; CM2) and two CHYP levels at 0 and 6% of total dry matter intake (TDMI) were imposed. The results revealed that concentrate to milk yield ratio and CHYP supplementation had interactive effect (P < 0.05) on nutrient intake except ADF, fat -corrected milk and total solids. Rumen pH was decreased (P < 0.05) in cows receiving high concentrate, while the pH was in normal range for animals fed with CHYP. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was increased (P < 0.05) by the 6% CHYP supplementation. The level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.05) was increased with the increase of ruminal NH3-N (P < 0.01), and bacterial population, while the, protozoal counts were slightly reduced by the supplementation of CHYP. The CHYP supplementation significantly increased total VFA and propionate concentration, while decreased acetate to propionate ratio and estimated methane emission. In conclusion, concentrate to milk yield at 1:1 ratio and CHYP supplementation at 6% significantly modulated rumen fermentation end-products and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

Supplemental effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet (CHYP) on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls. Four animals, with an average liveweight of 160 ± 10 kg were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments: 0, 4, 6 and 8% CHYP supplementation of DMI. The study findings showed that increasing supplementation level of CHYP linearly enhanced (p < 0.05) DM, OM, and CP digestibilities. Rumen characteristics, namely NH3–N concentration and bacterial population were increased (p < 0.05) while, protozoal and fungal population remained unchanged, as level of CHYP supplementation increased. Total rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) were enhanced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, N utilisation especially N absorption, N retention and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) were significantly improved by increasing level of CHYP supplementation. Hence, CHYP supplementation is highly promising for ruminant feeding.HIGHLIGHTS Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) contains high level of crude protein, essential amino acids and minerals. CHYP supplementation increased nutrient digestibility and propionic acid (C3) in rumen. CHYP enhanced N–balance, microbial nitrogen supply (MNS) and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS)