Effects of two enzyme feed additives on digestion and milk production in lactating Egyptian buffaloes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two commercial enzyme products on milk production in Egyptian buffaloes. Twenty-one lactating buffaloes (570±15 kg BW) were divided into three groups (n=7) in a randomized block design for four months. Buffaloes were fed a total mixed ration containing 60% forage [rice straw and berseem hay (Trifolium alexandrinum)] and 40% concentrates with either no enzymes added (Control) or an addition of 40 g of Veta-Zyme Plus® (VET) or 40 g of Tomoko® (TOM ) enzyme product per day for each buffalo. Enzyme addition did not affect feed intake (P>0.05), but increased the digestibility of nutrients (P<0.05) and serum glucose concentration (P=0.011). Furthermore, the addition of VET increased milk (P=0.017) and fat corrected milk (P=0.021) yields, fat content (P=0.045), total unsaturated fatty acid (P=0.045) and total conjugated linoleic acid (P=0.031) contents in milk and decreased the content of total saturated fatty acids (P=0.046), while the addition of TOM increased milk total protein (P=0.023) and true protein (P=0.031) contents. The two enzyme products both resulted in higher concentrations of lysine (P=0.045) and total essential amino acids (P=0.036) in milk. It was concluded that addition of commercial fibrolytic enzyme products (i.e. Veta-Zyme Plus® and Tomoko®) to the diet of early lactating buffaloes enhanced nutrient digestibility and milk production and quality

Influence of Salix babylonica and Leucaena leucocephala leaf extracts on ruminal fermentation characteristics, urinary purine derivative excretion and microbial protein synthesis of lambs

Extract of L. leucocephala or S. babylonica leaves was prepared as described before in Salem et al. (2011a). Briefly, leaves of each tree species were collected randomly from several young and mature trees during summer. Leaves (1.25 kg) were fresh chopped into 1 to 2 cm lengths and immediately extracted in 10 l of a solvent mixture containing 1 l of methanol, 1 l of ethanol and 8 l of distilled water. Extraction was at 25–301 C for 48–72 h in 20 l closed jars, followed by incubation at 391 C for 1 h, and then filtered. Filtrates were collected and stored at 41 C for further use. Plant extracts were weekly prepared. The 1:1 mixture extract was also prepared weekly by mixing the SB and LL extracts (0.5:0.5, vol:vol).Sixteen growing Katahdin Pelibuey lambs (2470.3 kg body weight) were used to study the effects of oral administration of extracts of Salix babylonica (SB) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) leaves on ruminal pH, total and individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3-N concentrations, as well as ruminal protozoal counts, urinary purine derivatives (PD) excretion and estimated microbial protein synthesis. Lambs were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 219 and 141 g kg 1 of CP and NDF, respectively. Four treatments (4 lambs/treatment) were Control (no extract added), SB (SB extract at 30 ml d 1), LL (LL extract at 30 ml d 1) and SBLL (mixture of SB at 15 ml d 1þLL at 15 ml d 1). Extracts were administered orally to each lamb before the morning meal daily. Measurements were on days 22 (P1), 43 (P2) and 63 (P3) of the experiment. Ruminal pH increased (P¼0.014) with SBLL extract and decreased with SB. The ratio of acetate to propionate was higher (P¼0.042) with SBLL compared to the control. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was not affected by extract administration (P¼0.309) or experimental period (P¼0.087). Protozoal counts were not affected (P¼0.489) by extract addition but decreased (Po0.001) in P3 compared with P1 and P2. Uric acid concentration increased (Po0.001) with individual extracts of SB and LL compared with the control or SBLL. Excretion of other purine derivatives (allantoin, xanthine, and hypoxanthine), creatinine and microbial protein synthesis were not changed (P40.05) by extracts administration. Overall, oral administration of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala extracts, or their 1:1 mixture, to lambs for 63 d had only minor effects on ruminal fermentation, urinary purine derivative excretion and microbial protein synthesis

Structure, composition and degradation of the cell walls of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) leaves : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), a valuable forage for ruminant livestock in temperate regions, appears highly degradable in the rumen. Fundamental reasons for the rapid breakdown of chicory cell walls in the rumen were studied. Cell walls were isolated from laminae and midribs of chicory (cv. Grasslands Puna II) leaves. The walls, which, except for the walls of xylem tracheary elements in vascular bundles, were non-lignified, were fractionated progressively with 50 mM CDTA, 50 mM Na2CO3, 1 M KOH, 4 M KOH, 4 M KOH + 3.5% H3BO3, and hot water. The polysaccharides were similar to those in nonlignified walls of other dicotyledons, but with high proportions of pectic polysaccharides (67% of the total wall polysaccharides in the laminae). These included homogalacturonans (HGs, 50% of the total wall polysaccharides in laminae) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I). In contrast, the proportions of cellulose, xyloglucans, heteroxylans and glucomannans were low. The locations of different pectic polysaccharides were determined using the monoclonal antibodies JIM5 and JIM7 against HGs with low and high degrees of methyl esterification, respectively, LM6 against arabinan and LM5 against galactan. All primary walls were labelled with all the antibodies used. However, the middle lamella, tricellular junctions and the corners of intercellular spaces were labelled with JIM5 and JIM7, but not with LM5. The middle lamella was labelled with LM6, but not the corners of intercellular spaces. These results support the involvement in cell adhesion of HGs with low degrees of methyl esterification. A preparation of endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) was used to investigate cell adhesion, and its effect on forage particle breakdown was determined using weight loss, chemical analysis and immunofluorescence labelling. The preparation dramatically reduced particle size. Cell separation was accompanied by a loss of HGs with low degrees of methyl esterifcation from the middle lamella and corners of intercellular spaces. A consequential loss of cell adhesion evidently caused leaf breakdown. The degradation of fresh chicory leaves by rumen bacteria was investigated by measuring weight loss, monosaccharide release and immunocytolabelling. Two bacteria, the pectolytic Lachnospira multiparus D32 and the cellulolytic Fibrobacter succinogenes S85, effectively degraded chicory. Pectic polysaccharides were degraded faster than other wall polysaccharides, with uronic acid released faster and more completely than neutral monosaccharides. The preponderance of non-lignified primary walls and abundance of pectic polysaccharides may account, in part, for the rapid degradation of forage chicory in the rumen. The HGs in the middle lamellae and corners of intercellular spaces probably have a role in cell adhesion, and their degradation is probably responsible for the rapid reduction in the particle size of chicory leaves in the rumen

Evaluation of Feed Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectra as Predictors of Methane Emissions from Ruminants

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH4) formation in the rumen, and thus CH4 yields (Ym; CH4 emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed to ruminants. Two databases of NIRS data were compiled from feeds used in experiments in which CH4 yields had been quantified in respiration chambers. Each record in the databases represented a batch of feed offered to a group of experimental animals and the mean CH4 yield for the group. A near-infrared reflectance spectrum was obtained from each feed, and these spectra were used to generate a predictive equation for Ym. The predictive model generated from brassica crops and pasture fed at a similar feeding level (n = 40 records) explained 53% of the variation in Ym and had a reasonably good agreement (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.77). The predictive ability of the NIRS calibration could be useful for screening purposes, particularly for predicting the potential Ym of multiple feeds or feed samples, rather than measuring Ym in animal experiments at high expenses. It is recommended that the databases for NIRS calibrations are expanded by collecting feed information from future experiments in which methane emissions are measured, using alternative algorithms and combining other techniques, such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

The Use of Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Its Extracts for Sustainable Animal Production

Drugs have been widely adopted in animal production. However, drug residues and bacterial resistance are a worldwide issue, and thus the most important organizations (FAO, USDA, EU, and EFSA) have limited or banned the use of some drugs and the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. Natural products such as medicinal herbs are unlikely to cause bacterial resistance and have no chemical residues. With these advantages, medicinal herbs have long been used to treat animal diseases and improve animal performance. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal herbs. S. baicalensis is a herb with a high medicinal value. The main active compounds are baicalin and baicalein. They may act as antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, and antitumor agents. They also possess characteristics of being safe, purely natural, and not prone to drug resistance. S. baicalensis and its extracts can effectively promote the production performance of livestock and treat many animal diseases, such as mastitis. In this review, we summarize the active compounds, biological functions, and applications of S. baicalensis in the production of livestock and provide a guideline for the application of natural medicines in the production and treatment of diseases

Sheep Rumen Fermentation Characteristics Affected by Feeding Frequency and Feeding Level When Fed Fresh Forage

Feeding frequency and feeding level are two important factors affecting rumen fermentation characteristics, but few studies on these have been conducted on fresh forage. Eight rumen-fistulated sheep were fed either fresh chicory or perennial ryegrass hourly in the first period (d 14 to 21) of the experiment and twice-daily in the second period (d 22 to 27) at 1.3 or 2.2 times the requirement of metabolizable energy for maintenance. When fed hourly, but not twice-daily, rumen fluid pH value was affected by forage species and feeding level. The total concentrations of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) were similar at both feeding levels when fed chicory hourly, but they were greater at the higher feeding level in comparison with the lower feeding level when fed perennial ryegrass. However, forage species and feeding level did not affect rumen fluid total SCFA concentration when sheep were fed twice-daily. Therefore, rumen fermentation characteristics were affected by forage species, feeding frequency, feeding level and their interactions and the differences in fermentation characteristics were more apparent when feeding was performed hourly rather than twice-daily. This study highlighted the importance of feeding frequency on manipulating sheep ruminal metabolism when fed fresh forage

Effects of the Supplementation of Lysophospholipids through Pelleted Total Mixed Rations on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Milk Production and Composition of Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows

Lysophospholipids (LPL), a new feed additive, were supplemented to a pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) of dairy cows to examine its effects on feed intake, production, and composition of milk and plasma biochemical parameters. Two dietary treatments included diets supplemented without (control diet; CON) or with LPL at a dose of 0.5 g/kg of pelleted TMR. Twelve multiparous, mid-lactation, Holstein cows (Bodyweight 730 &plusmn; 9.3 kg; 100 &plusmn; 6.0 days in milk) were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary treatments with a 42-day measurement period after a 14-day adaptation period. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Feed intake and milk yields were recorded daily, blood samples were collected fortnightly, and milk samples weekly. The results showed that the supplementation of LPL did not change feed dry matter intake, milk yields, and milk composition. However, it increased total protein and globulin and the activity of alkaline phosphatase and decreased total cholesterol in plasma. This study suggests that LPL may have beneficent effects in animal health but might be not a feasible feed additive to increase production for dairy cows fed a pelleted TMR

Evaluation of Feed Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectra as Predictors of Methane Emissions from Ruminants

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH4) formation in the rumen, and thus CH4 yields (Ym; CH4 emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed to ruminants. Two databases of NIRS data were compiled from feeds used in experiments in which CH4 yields had been quantified in respiration chambers. Each record in the databases represented a batch of feed offered to a group of experimental animals and the mean CH4 yield for the group. A near-infrared reflectance spectrum was obtained from each feed, and these spectra were used to generate a predictive equation for Ym. The predictive model generated from brassica crops and pasture fed at a similar feeding level (n = 40 records) explained 53% of the variation in Ym and had a reasonably good agreement (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.77). The predictive ability of the NIRS calibration could be useful for screening purposes, particularly for predicting the potential Ym of multiple feeds or feed samples, rather than measuring Ym in animal experiments at high expenses. It is recommended that the databases for NIRS calibrations are expanded by collecting feed information from future experiments in which methane emissions are measured, using alternative algorithms and combining other techniques, such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Sheep numbers required for dry matter digestibility evaluations when fed fresh perennial ryegrass or forage rape

Research trials with fresh forages often require accurate and precise measurement of digestibility and variation in digestion between individuals, and the duration of measurement periods needs to be established to ensure reliable data are obtained. The variation is likely to be greater when freshly harvested feeds are given, such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and forage rape (Brassica napus L.), because the nutrient composition changes over time and in response to weather conditions. Daily feed intake and faeces output data from a digestibility trial with these forages were used to calculate the effects of differing lengths of the measurement period and differing numbers of sheep, on the precision of digestibility, with a view towards development of a protocol. Sixteen lambs aged 8 months and weighing 33 kg at the commencement of the trial were fed either perennial ryegrass or forage rape (8/treatment group) over 2 periods with 35 d between measurements. They had been acclimatised to the diets, having grazed them for 42 d prior to 11 days of indoor measurements. The sheep numbers required for a digestibility trial with different combinations of acclimatisation and measurement period lengths were subsequently calculated for 3 levels of imposed precision upon the estimate of mean dry matter (DM) digestibility. It is recommended that if the standard error of the mean for digestibility is equal to or higher than 5 g/kg DM, and if sheep are already used to a fresh perennial ryegrass or forage rape diet, then a minimum of 6 animals are needed and 4 acclimatisation days being fed individually in metabolic crates followed by 7 days of measurement

Effects of Licorice Extract Supplementation on Feed Intake, Digestion, Rumen Function, Blood Indices and Live Weight Gain of Karakul Sheep

This study was designed to investigate the effects of licorice extract supplemented to a cottonseed hull-based diet on rumen function, blood indices and growth of Karakul sheep. Twelve rumen-fistulated 1.5-year-old sheep were blocked in pairs by live weight. Sheep within pairs were randomly allocated to feed either on a cottonseed hull basal diet (control group) or on a basal diet containing 4.5% of licorice extract on dry matter (DM) basis (supplemented group). Sheep were housed individually and fed for 60 days, with a 15-day adaptation period and a 45-day measurement period. Feed intake and live weight gain were quantified. Rumen and blood samples were taken during the measurement period. The DM intake was lower for the supplemented group than for the control group. The mean ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate were lower, while the levels of propionate and butyrate were higher for the supplemented group than for the control group. Average daily live weight gain, digestible energy intake, apparent nutrient digestibility and feed conversion efficiency did not differ between the two treatments. The serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A and G were 2.1 and 1.8 times greater, and total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase increased by 1.8 and 1.2 times in the supplemented group compared with the control group. These results indicated that licorice extract supplementation in the diet at 4.5% of DM had a limited impact on rumen function but improved blood immunoglobulin and anti-oxidative status of Karakul sheep, without impairment of feed conversion efficiency or live weight gain