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Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management
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Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Farm Animal Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 June 2023) | Viewed by 11145

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Riccardo Fortina

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Interests: animal nutrition; feed analysis; in vitro digestibility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sonia Tassone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
DISAFA, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, TO, Italy
Interests: ruminant nutrition; in vitro digestibility; “green” feeds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Manipulating the degree to which specific nutrients are made available to rumen microorganisms and the amount that escapes ruminal fermentation has elicited animal performance responses. Several studies have been conducted in order to establish the amounts and ratios of nutrients for optimal animal response and the efficiency of additives for optimal rumen response. To increase the nutritional, environmental and economic sustainability and competitiveness of livestock farms, a possible solution is the achievement of energy and protein self-sufficiency according to an integrated approach between agronomical efficiency for forage production and feeding strategies. This Special Issue welcomes interdisciplinary studies in agronomy and ruminant nutrition focused on the production systems and the conservation techniques of forages and crops at farm level; the improvement of their characteristics, nutritive value and rumen digestibility; the comparison of balanced diets for optimum utilization of energy and protein and for optimum efficiency of digestion; and the effects of additives in diets for ruminants. Original research articles and reviews are accepted.

Prof. Dr. Riccardo Fortina 
Dr. Sonia Tassone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ruminant nutrition
  • forages and crops
  • additives

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 554 KiB  
Article
Total Mixed Ration Silages Based on Forage Cactus and Xerophile Legumes as Alternatives for Ruminants
by Rosane Rodrigues, Rosilda Lopes, Francisco Naysson Santos, Edson Mauro Santos, Alexandre Perazzo, Anderson Zanine, Raphael Silva, Eduarda Silva, Dilier Olivera-Viciedo, Michel Rocha, Maciel Teixeira, Antônio Marcos Santos, Kevin Veron, Bruno Eduardo Miranda and Daniele Ferreira
Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091759 - 05 Sep 2023
Viewed by 828
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the fermentative profile, fermentative losses, microbial populations, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and in situ degradability of total mixed ration silages based on forage cactus associated with xerophytic legumes. The treatments consisted of four total mixed ration silages based [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the fermentative profile, fermentative losses, microbial populations, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and in situ degradability of total mixed ration silages based on forage cactus associated with xerophytic legumes. The treatments consisted of four total mixed ration silages based on forage cactus and concentrate (TMRC), associated with legumes such as Gliricidia sepium (TMRG), Leucaena (TMRL), and Senna obtusifolia (TMRS). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the evaluated treatments for the pH and NH3-N (% of total N) variables. The pH values remained within the ideal range, from 4.2 to 4.4, and the NH3-N content ranged from 2.21 to 0.85%. The dry matter recovery for the evaluated treatments averaged 89%. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts ranged from 5.0 to 6.3 log CFU/g among the evaluated silages, with TMRC presenting the lowest count at 5 log CFU/g in comparison with the total mixed ration silages associated with legume plants. All of the total mixed ration silages associated with legumes presented an average mold count of 3.3 log CFU/g. Yeast populations were observed only for TMRG at 5 log CFU/g. A higher aerobic stability was observed for TMRC, followed by TMRG and then TMRS. In conclusion, the total mixed ration silages associated with G. sepium and S. obtusifolia can be recommended based on their fermentation and nutritional value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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14 pages, 2834 KiB  
Article
Cotton GinTrash Feeding Amid Feed Scarcity in Sheep and Factors Driving Inclusion in the Yarn Spinning Industrial Cluster of Tamil Nadu, India
by Nagarajan Sri Balaji, Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, Jaganadhan Muralidharan, Palanisamy Vasan, Aranganoor Kannan Thiruvenkadan, Karuppusamy Sivakumar, Venkatachalam Sankar, Varadharajan Kumaravel and Duraisamy Thirunavukkarasu
Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081552 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1170
Abstract
Cotton gin trash (CGT) is composed of fibre residues, leaves, dust particles, soil, and other materials derived during the ginning and yarn-spinning process in processing industries. In the cotton-spinning industrial clusters, farmers are using CGT as one of the alternative roughage feeds for [...] Read more.
Cotton gin trash (CGT) is composed of fibre residues, leaves, dust particles, soil, and other materials derived during the ginning and yarn-spinning process in processing industries. In the cotton-spinning industrial clusters, farmers are using CGT as one of the alternative roughage feeds for their sheep, mainly during forage shortages in the summer months. Baseline information on farmers using gin and the factors driving them to choose CGT as a roughage source needs to be identified for future planning regarding the usage of CGT in sheep feeding. Considering the above facts, the present study was undertaken to assess the socio-personal characteristics and managemental practices associated with farmers using cotton gin in the feeding of sheep; also, it was conducted to identify the factors driving the choice of the CGT as the primary source of roughage in the cotton-spinning industry cluster of Tamil Nadu, India. For this, a survey among 80 sheep farmers was carried out using a pre-tested interview schedule. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logit regression. The results indicated that the majority of male, aged, and large-land farmers were involved in practicing CGT feeding during the summer and also indicated the non-availability of green fodder during the same period of time. The coarse type of CGT is preferred over the fine type of CGT trash in that area due to quality perception and price. The replacement level of CGT as roughage ranged from 33 to 75% of the total roughage requirement per day. About 88% of farmers were highly satisfied with the results of using CGT and they also expressed that the presence of foreign particles and dust was the major problem with using CGT. The choice of CGT as primary roughage among sheep farmers was primarily influenced by selective farming contexts, namely, landholding, access to labour, and the feeding practices of other livestock with cotton gin. Furthermore, research needs to be focused on improving the quality of CGT in the future as it is being utilised largely by sheep farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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9 pages, 1018 KiB  
Article
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) Digestibility of Vegetative Tissues in Corn for Silage
by Gonzalo Ferreira, Sarah E. Thomas, Christy L. Teets and Benjamin A. Corl
Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081485 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976
Abstract
Dairy farming requires forages with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to maximize milk production, sustain cows’ health, and ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the dairy farm. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the brown midrib (BMR) [...] Read more.
Dairy farming requires forages with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to maximize milk production, sustain cows’ health, and ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the dairy farm. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the brown midrib (BMR) genotype, agronomic environment, and maturity at harvest on the NDF digestibility (NDFD) and the composition of the cell wall of corn plant tissues. In this plot study, one conventional and one BMR corn hybrid were planted and subjected to an abundant (60,000 seeds/ha and 225 kg N/ha) and a limited (90,000 seeds/ha and 180 kg N/ha) environment. The ruminal NDFD was determined in vitro in leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and stem internodes. Cell walls from BMR corn had greater NDFD than cell walls from conventional corn on most tissues. Relative to the abundant environment, the limited environment had minimal effects on NDFD. As maturity advanced, NDFD decreased for various but not all tissues. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, intrinsic characteristics of corn, such as genotype and maturity at harvest, had a greater effect on NDFD than environment or agronomic management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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13 pages, 2160 KiB  
Article
Preserving Saccharina latissima and Porphyra umbilicalis in Multinutrient Blocks: An In Vitro Evaluation
by Carlos N. Marcos, Trinidad de Evan, Eduarda Molina-Alcaide, Margarita Novoa-Garrido, Martin Riis Weisbjerg and María Dolores Carro
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020263 - 21 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1382
Abstract
Seaweeds could be alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, but their utilization in practical feeding is difficult because they deteriorate rapidly. We investigated the possibility of preserving Saccharina latissima and Porphyra umbilicalis in multinutrient blocks (MB), which is a cost-effective preservation method for high-moisture feeds. [...] Read more.
Seaweeds could be alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, but their utilization in practical feeding is difficult because they deteriorate rapidly. We investigated the possibility of preserving Saccharina latissima and Porphyra umbilicalis in multinutrient blocks (MB), which is a cost-effective preservation method for high-moisture feeds. Three different MB were prepared: without seaweed (control; CMB), with 25% of fresh S. latissima (SLMB), and with 36% of fresh P. umbilicalis (PUMB). Both seaweeds and MB were fermented in vitro with ruminal fluid from sheep. The nitrogen and fiber content of P. umbilicalis was 4- and 4.5-fold greater, respectively, than in S. latissima, but P. umbilicalis produced less gas than S. latissima. Both CMB and PUMB had similar in vitro dry matter degradability (65.8 and 65.1%, respectively), but SLMB had lower values (p < 0.05; 58.2%). There were no differences among MB in methane and total VFA production, but the VFA pattern was shifted to acetate in SLMB and to butyrate in PUMB. The results indicate that multinutrient blocks could be a feasible option to preserve and store seaweeds for ruminant feeding without compromising ruminal fermentation, but in vivo studies are needed to assess the effects on intake and animal performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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9 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Screening of the Foliage of Eucalyptus Species Harvested in Different Seasons for Modulating Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production
by Egon Henrique Horst, Hajer Ammar, Mohamed Larbi Khouja, Julio Ernesto Vargas, Sonia Andrés and Secundino López
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122153 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of five eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. leucoxylon, E. astringens, E. sideroxylon, and E. lehmannii), harvested in spring, autumn, or winter from two Tunisian arboretums, on in [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of five eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. leucoxylon, E. astringens, E. sideroxylon, and E. lehmannii), harvested in spring, autumn, or winter from two Tunisian arboretums, on in vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis. Batch cultures were performed to determine rumen fermentation kinetics and end-product formation after 24 h of incubation. The foliage of the species E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii showed the greatest digestibility coefficients, whereas E. leucoxylon was the least digestible. Acetate-to-propionate ratio was reduced when E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii were incubated, and these species were also the most efficient at reducing methane emission. Foliage harvested in winter showed greater digestibility and an increase in the acetate-to-propionate ratio than in other seasons, without an increase in methane emission. Foliage from E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii showed a potential to decrease enteric methane production without depressing effects on ruminal fermentation. In vivo studies would be necessary to conclusively validate these effects as the first step towards proposing the inclusion of eucalyptus leaves in ruminant diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
18 pages, 3060 KiB  
Article
Effects of Harvesting Period and Storage Duration on Volatile Organic Compounds and Nutritive Qualities of Alfalfa
by Ning Yuan, Lin Sun, Shuai Du, Gentu Ge, Zhijun Wang, Yuyu Li, Jian Bao, Muqier Zhao, Qiang Si, Junfeng Hao and Yushan Jia
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081115 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
Harvest time and storage time had significant effects on nutrient quality and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of alfalfa. The objective of this study was to use headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to analyze alfalfa at different harvest periods (budding stage, early [...] Read more.
Harvest time and storage time had significant effects on nutrient quality and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of alfalfa. The objective of this study was to use headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to analyze alfalfa at different harvest periods (budding stage, early blooming, full blooming), and storage for 0 d, 90 d, 180 d, 270 d, and 360 d, the dynamic changes in VOCs and nutritional quality. Results indicated that ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and esters were the main volatile components of alfalfa VOCs, accounting for 87.41%, 88.57% and 90.85% of the total volatile components at budding stage, early blooming and full blooming, respectively. VOCs and nutrient quality of alfalfa varied significantly in different harvest periods; delayed harvesting significantly reduced alfalfa aldehydes, alcohols, crude protein (CP), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) and significantly increased ketone, dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents (p < 0.05). After Comprehensive consideration ofthe yield, nutritional quality and VOCs of alfalfa, the best harvest time was determined to be the budding stage. The VOCs and nutrient quality of alfalfa were significantly different at different storage durations, and ketones, ADF and NDF were significantly increased and significantly reduced DM, CP and TDN (p < 0.05). Ketone content and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content had a significant positive correlation, (NDF F = 5.5, p = 0.024). Storage 360 d 2-methylbutyraldehyde (musty), 1-octen-3-one (earthy musty odor) content increased. These may be the key compounds that causes the smell of fresh alfalfa to fade away and a musty smell to emerge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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Review

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23 pages, 544 KiB  
Review
Environmental and Economic Responses to Precision Feed Management in Dairy Cattle Diets
by Larry E. Chase and Riccardo Fortina
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051032 - 09 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3000
Abstract
The dairy industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact while producing more milk to meet society’s needs. Precision feed management (PFM) is one tool that can be used to meet this challenge. A simple definition of PFM is to provide adequate, [...] Read more.
The dairy industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact while producing more milk to meet society’s needs. Precision feed management (PFM) is one tool that can be used to meet this challenge. A simple definition of PFM is to provide adequate, but not excessive, nutrients to meet animal requirements. There has been an industry trend to decrease diet nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the last 20 years. New York herds lowered diet N by 10.8% between 1999 and 2019. Milk per cow increased by 40% during this time, while total manure N excretion decreased by 8.1%. Research results from on-farm trials have consistently indicated that lowering diet crude protein (CP) decreases manure N excretion while improving profitability; in a 3-year study with 8 herds, diet CP was decreased by 9.7%, while manure N excretion was 14% lower. Income over purchased feed cost increased by $137/cow/year. Carbon footprint (CF) has also decreased. A decrease of 19% between 2007 and 2017 was reported for the United States dairy industry. The dairy industry has already made significant strides in improving milk production while lowering its impact on the environment; however, there are additional opportunities to further reduce nutrient excretion and emissions into the environment and increase the efficiency of nutrient use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)
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