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10 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Divergence for Feed Efficiency Traits Affects Body Measurements and Metabolites in Blood and Ruminal Parameters on Pre-Weaning Dairy Heifers

by Juliana Mergh Leão, Sandra Gesteira Coelho, Camila Flávia de Assis Lage, Rafael Alves de Azevedo, Juliana Aparecida Mello Lima, Juliana Campos Carneiro, Alexandre Lima Ferreira, Fernanda Samarini Machado, Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro Pereira, Thierry Ribeiro Tomich, Hilton do Carmo Diniz Neto and Mariana Magalhães Campos

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123436 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1994

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate feed efficiency indexes and their relationships with body measurements and blood and ruminal metabolites in the pre-weaning period; (2) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed-efficiency markers during the pre-weaning period. [...] Read more.

The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate feed efficiency indexes and their relationships with body measurements and blood and ruminal metabolites in the pre-weaning period; (2) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed-efficiency markers during the pre-weaning period. Holstein–Gyr heifer calves (n = 36), enrolled between 4 and 12 weeks of age, were classified into two residual feed intake (RFI) and residual body weight gain (RG) groups: high efficiency (HE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 9), and low efficiency (LE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 8). Calves were fed whole milk (6 L/day) and solid feed ad libitum. Body developments were measured weekly and feed intake (milk and solid feed) daily during the whole period. Blood samples were collected at 12 weeks of age and analyzed for glucose, insulin and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Samples of ruminal content were collected on the same day and analyzed for pH, NH₃-N, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Among the growth characteristics, only the initial hip width differed between the RFI groups, and withers height differed between the RG groups. Concentration of BHB was greater and glucose: insulin ratios tended to be greater in LE-RG animals. Butyric acid proportions were similar among RFI groups, but tended to be greater for HE-RG than for LE-RG. Overall, correlation coefficients between RFI or RG and blood, rumen, or morphometric markers were low. Thus, it is unlikely that measurements of metabolic indicators, per se, will be useful in the early identification of more efficient animals. Understanding the underlying physiological basis for improved feed efficiency in dairy heifers requires further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

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10 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with 2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic Acid Isopropyl Ester as a Methionine Supplement on Nitrogen Utilization in Steers

by Yuchao Zhao, Md Sazzadur Rahman, Mengmeng Li and Guangyong Zhao

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113311 - 19 Nov 2021

Viewed by 1526

Abstract

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi) on the nitrogen (N) metabolism in beef steers. The plasma metabolites analyzed by metabolome profiling were used to clarify the impact mechanism. Three Simmental [...] Read more.

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi) on the nitrogen (N) metabolism in beef steers. The plasma metabolites analyzed by metabolome profiling were used to clarify the impact mechanism. Three Simmental steers (body weight, 593 ± 23 kg) were used as experimental animals. Three levels of HMBi (i.e., 0, 12, and 24 g d⁻¹) were added in a basal ration as experimental treatments. The steers and the dietary treatments were randomly allocated in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The results showed that supplementing HMBi up to 24 g d⁻¹ did not affect the N retention and N retention rate (NRR), and the fecal N/urinary N ratio even though it tended to linearly increase the uric acid N/urinary N ratio in steers. The results of plasma metabolome profiling showed that supplementing HMBi at 24 g d⁻¹ upregulated the plasma concentrations of L-methionine (Met); Met-related metabolites including betaine, Met sulfoxide, and taurine; and L-isoleucine and tyrosine, whereas it downregulated L-serine, glycine, diaminopimelic acid, and other metabolites. The reason for the nonsignificant effect of HMBi on improving the N utilization in steers could be that the steers used in the experiment were in the fattening period. It is suggested to evaluate the effects of the dietary addition of HMBi using growing cattle in further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

18 pages, 828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Initial Liver Copper Status in Finishing Beef Steers Fed Three Dietary Concentrations of Copper Affects Beta Agonist Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Lipolysis Response, and Muscle Inflammation Markers

by Elizabeth Messersmith, Mark Branine, Olivia Genther-Schroeder, Jodi McGill and Stephanie Hansen

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092753 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Ninety-three Angus-crossbred steers (470 ± 35 kg) were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial to determine the effects of Cu status and beta agonist (BA) on performance, carcass characteristics, lipolytic rate, and muscle inflammation. Factors included Cu supplementation (mg Cu/kg dry matter [...] Read more.

Ninety-three Angus-crossbred steers (470 ± 35 kg) were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial to determine the effects of Cu status and beta agonist (BA) on performance, carcass characteristics, lipolytic rate, and muscle inflammation. Factors included Cu supplementation (mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM)) at: 0 (LO), 10 (MED), or 20 (HI) from Cu amino acid complex (Availa Cu; Zinpro) with no BA (NoRAC) or 300 mg·steer⁻¹·day⁻¹ of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC; Optaflexx; Elanco) for final 28 days of 88-day trial. Linear and quadratic effects of Cu status within BA treatment were tested. Pre-BA gain was not affected by Cu supplementation (p ≥ 0.57), although day 53 liver Cu quadratically increased (p = 0.01). Average daily gain and muscle IL-8 gene expression quadratically increased (p ≤ 0.01), with MED having greatest gain and gene expression. Ribeye area tended to quadratically increase with Cu supplementation within RAC (p = 0.08). In vitro basal lipolytic rate tended to quadratically increase with Cu supplementation within RAC (p = 0.11), while stimulated lipolytic rate tended to linearly increase within NoRAC (p = 0.10). These data suggest lipolysis and the BA response of steers are influenced by dietary and liver Cu concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

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11 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Nutrient Composition, Rumen Degradation Characteristics, and Feeding Value of Chinese Rye Grass, Barley Grass, and Naked Oat Straw

by Yulin Ma, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Yanfang Liu, Jianxin Xiao, Xu Chen, Shoukun Ji, Zhijun Cao and Shengli Li

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092486 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, rumen degradation characteristics, and feeding value of three roughages commonly used in Asia as ruminant feed, including Chinese rye grass (CRG), barley grass (BG), and naked oat straw (NO). Four Holstein Friesian cows [...] Read more.

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, rumen degradation characteristics, and feeding value of three roughages commonly used in Asia as ruminant feed, including Chinese rye grass (CRG), barley grass (BG), and naked oat straw (NO). Four Holstein Friesian cows equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were chosen for experimental trials in the current study. The nylon bag method was carried out to measure the crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Our analysis revealed that the contents of CP in the CRG (9.0%) and BG (8.9%) were higher than in the NO (5.94%). The contents of NDF in the CRG (64.97%) and NO (63.83%) were lower than in the BG (67.33%), and the content of ADF in the CRG (37.03%) was lower than in the BG (37.93%) and NO (38.28%). The ED values of DM in the NO and CRG were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the BG. The effective degradability (ED) values of NDF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the NO (p < 0.001). In addition, the ED values of ADF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the BG (p < 0.001). The ED value of CP in the CRG was significantly higher than that in the BG and NO (p < 0.001). The estimated total digestible nutrients (TDN) (54.56%) and DM degradation rate (DDM) (60.06%) of the CRG were higher than those of BG and NO. In addition, the expected DM intake (DMI), estimated relative feed value (RFV), and estimated relative feed quality (RFQ) of the BG were lower than those of the CRG and NO. Altogether, based on our findings, we concluded that the nutritional quality, feeding value and effective rumen degradation rate of CRG were better than of BG and NO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

13 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diets for Dairy Cows with Different Proportions of Crude Protein Originating from Red Clover Silage versus Soybean Meal: Ruminal Degradation and Intestinal Digestibility of Amino Acids

by Edwin Westreicher-Kristen, Ralf Blank, Monika Paschke-Beese, Wiebke Kühl, Siegfried Wolffram, Cornelia C. Metges and Andreas Susenbeth

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082177 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3325

Abstract

The purpose was to assess the effect of exchanging crude protein (CP) of soybean meal (SBM) with red clover silage (RCS) in total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility (ID) of essential amino acids (EAA). Four TMR and their individual [...] Read more.

The purpose was to assess the effect of exchanging crude protein (CP) of soybean meal (SBM) with red clover silage (RCS) in total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility (ID) of essential amino acids (EAA). Four TMR and their individual feed components were studied. The TMR were composed of forage and concentrates (75:25), with proportions of RCS in TMR of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 on a dry matter basis, resulting in diet groups RCS15, RCS30, RCS45, and RCS60, respectively. The ruminal degradation of EAA was determined using the nylon bag technique. For this, samples of TMR and their individual feed components were ruminally incubated for 16 h. The feed residues of TMR obtained after 16 h of incubation were used for the determination of ID of EAA using the mobile-bag technique. Increasing RCS and reducing SBM proportions linearly increased (p < 0.01) the in situ ruminal degradation of individual EAA from 75.5% to 83.5%. The degradation of EAA followed the trend of CP degradation among TMR, except for Cys that was lower (p < 0.05) than that of CP in RCS60 (79.7% vs. 86.3%). The degradation of EAA in individual feed ingredients not always corresponded to the degradation of CP and was feed dependent. Increasing the proportions of RCS in the TMR linearly reduced (p < 0.001) the ID of EAA (except for Ile) from 78.2% to 67.3%. However, the ID of EAA did not always reflect the ID of CP, and in general, the differences between the ID of CP and EAA increased as RCS increased in the TMR. The ID values of most of the EAA were similar (p > 0.05) to ID of CP in RCS15 and RCS30, while they mostly differed (p < 0.05) in RCS45 and RCS60, and being higher for EAA than CP (except for Cys that was lower than CP, p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for intestinal absorbable AA, resulting in higher values (p < 0.05) of intestinal absorbable for all EAA than of CP in diet RCS60. In conclusion, increasing levels of RCS in TMR reduced the extent of EAA flow into the small intestine, the ID of EAA, and consequently the intestinal absorbable EAA. Therefore, accurate determination of metabolizable AA must be considered for optimal diet formulation when including high proportions of RCS in diets of high-producing dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

14 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaves with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Emission

by Shin Ja Lee, Hyun Sang Kim, Jun Sik Eom, You Young Choi, Seong Uk Jo, Gyo Moon Chu, Yookyung Lee, Jakyeom Seo, Kyoung Hoon Kim and Sung Sill Lee

Animals 2021, 11(7), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072008 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4267

Abstract

We evaluated whether olive leaves (OLs) are effective as feed additives and supplements for ruminants and the potential methane reduction effects during in vitro fermentation. Two Hanwoo cows (460 ± 20 kg) equipped with cannula were fed Timothy hay and corn-based feed 3% [...] Read more.

We evaluated whether olive leaves (OLs) are effective as feed additives and supplements for ruminants and the potential methane reduction effects during in vitro fermentation. Two Hanwoo cows (460 ± 20 kg) equipped with cannula were fed Timothy hay and corn-based feed 3% of the body weight at a ratio of 6:4 (8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.). Ruminal fluid from the cows was collected and mixed before morning feeding. In vitro batch fermentation was monitored after 12 and 24 h of incubation at 39 °C, and OLs were used as supplements to achieve the concentration of 5% in the basal diet. At 12 h of fermentation, methane production decreased in the 5% OLs group compared to that in the control group, but not at 24 h. The proportion of cellulose-degrading bacteria, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, tended to increase in the 5% OLs group at 12 h. The amount of ammonia produced was the same as the polymerase chain reaction result for Prevotella ruminicola. At 12 h, the proportion of Prevotella ruminicola was significantly higher in the 5% OLs group. OLs may be used incorporated with protein byproducts or other methane-reducing agents in animal feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

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10 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Neutral Detergent Cellulase Method and Chemical Composition to Predict In Vivo Fermentable Organic Matter of Roughages

by Yue Liu, Rui Li, Hao Wu, Qingxiang Meng, Muhammad Zahoor Khan and Zhenming Zhou

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061594 - 28 May 2021

Viewed by 2581

Abstract

In Vivo fermentable organic matter (FOM) reflects the energy production and the potential of rumen’s microbial protein synthesis. However, the in vivo method with fistulated animals for FOM measurement compromises animal welfare and is laborious as well as expensive. Although the alternative in [...] Read more.

In Vivo fermentable organic matter (FOM) reflects the energy production and the potential of rumen’s microbial protein synthesis. However, the in vivo method with fistulated animals for FOM measurement compromises animal welfare and is laborious as well as expensive. Although the alternative in situ nylon bag technique has been widely used, it is also costly and requires rumen liquor. Therefore, the present study was performed to compare the in situ nylon bag technique with the in vitro neutral detergent cellulase (NDC) method or chemical composition to estimate in vivo FOM of roughages. For this purpose, we selected 12 roughages, including six each from forages and crop residues. Our results have shown the strong correlation equations between FOM_{in situ} and FOM_NDC of forages (n = 6; R² = 0.79), crop residues (n = 6; R² = 0.80), and roughages (n = 12; R² = 0.84), respectively. Moreover, there were also strong correlations between the chemical composition of roughages and FOM_{in situ} (n = 12; R² = 0.84–0.93) or FOM_NDC (n = 12; R² = 0.79–0.89). In conclusion, the in vitro NDC method and chemical composition were alternatives to in situ nylon bag technique for predicting in vivo FOM of roughages in the current experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

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8 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corn versus Barley in Finishing Diets: Effect on Steer Performance and Feeding Behavior

by Hannah M. DelCurto-Wyffels, Julia M. Dafoe, Cory T. Parsons, Darrin L. Boss, Timothy DelCurto, Samuel A. Wyffels, Megan L. Van Emon and Janice G. P. Bowman

Animals 2021, 11(4), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040935 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2262

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of barley and corn finishing rations on feedlot performance and behavior of steers. Feedlot rations in this study were comprised of a main concentrate of either corn or barley. Steers were fed in a GrowSafe system to measure [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of barley and corn finishing rations on feedlot performance and behavior of steers. Feedlot rations in this study were comprised of a main concentrate of either corn or barley. Steers were fed in a GrowSafe system to measure individual animal intake and behavior. Weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed were measured for each steer. Feeding behavior including time spent eating (min/day), visits per day, time per visit (min), eating rate (g/min), intake (kg/day), and intake per visit (g) were measured for each individual. Corn-fed steers had greater ADG (p < 0.01) and heavier hot carcass weights (HCW; p < 0.01). In addition, corn fed steers had a higher yield grade than barley fed steers (p < 0.01). No treatment effects (p ≥ 0.11) were observed for time spent eating, visits per day, time per visit, eating rate, intake g/kg body weight, or intake per visit. Although corn-fed steers had a greater ADG and HCW than barley-fed steers, they tended to consume more feed (p = 0.06). Depending on the difference of costs associated with feeding corn or barley, barley could be a potential high-quality feed source in beef cattle finishing rations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

19 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic and Productive Response and Grazing Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows Supplemented with High Moisture Maize or Cracked Wheat Grazing at Two Herbage Allowances in Spring

by Verónica M. Merino, Lorena Leichtle, Oscar A. Balocchi, Francisco Lanuza, Julián Parga, Rémy Delagarde, Miguel Ruiz-Albarrán, M. Jordana Rivero and Rubén G. Pulido

Animals 2021, 11(4), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040919 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

The aim was to determine the effect of the herbage allowance (HA) and supplement type (ST) on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and composition, grazing behavior, rumen function, and blood metabolites of grazing dairy cows in the spring season. Experiment I: 64 [...] Read more.

The aim was to determine the effect of the herbage allowance (HA) and supplement type (ST) on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and composition, grazing behavior, rumen function, and blood metabolites of grazing dairy cows in the spring season. Experiment I: 64 Holstein Friesian dairy cows were distributed in a factorial design that tested two levels of daily HA (20 and 30 kg of dry matter (DM) per cow) and two ST (high moisture maize (HMM) and cracked wheat (CW)) distributed in two daily rations (3.5 kg DM/cow/day). Experiment II: four mid-lactation rumen cannulated cows, supplemented with either HMM or CW and managed with the two HAs, were distributed in a Latin square design of 4 × 4, for four 14-d periods to assess ruminal fermentation parameters. HA had no effect on milk production (averaging 23.6 kg/day) or milk fat and protein production (823 g/day and 800 g/day, respectively). Cows supplemented with CW had greater protein concentration (+1.2 g/kg). Herbage DMI averaged 14.17 kg DM/cow.day and total DMI averaged 17.67 kg DM/cow.day and did not differ between treatments. Grazing behavior activities (grazing, rumination, and idling times) and body condition score (BCS) were not affected by HA or ST. Milk and plasma urea concentration increased under the high HA (+0.68 mmol/L and +0.90 mmol/L, respectively). Cows supplemented with HMM had lower milk and plasma urea concentrations (0.72 mmol/L and 0.76 mmol/L less, respectively) and tended (p = 0.054) to have higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Ruminal parameters did not differ between treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruminant Nutrition)

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