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10 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Rumen Functions for In Vitro Fatty Acid Bio-Hydrogenation, Methane Production and Fermentation Pattern of Total Mixed Ration Supplemented with Allium sativum (Garlic) Essential Oils

by Ram Kumar Singh, Avijit Dey, Shubham Thakur, Mala Singh and Puran Chand Lailer

Fermentation 2023, 9(7), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9070615 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 979

Abstract

The potential for plant-origin essential oils to modulate rumen functions for reducing bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids and methane production has been a significant area of research in recent times. This study investigated the effects supplementation of garlic (Allium sativum) essential oils [...] Read more.

The potential for plant-origin essential oils to modulate rumen functions for reducing bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids and methane production has been a significant area of research in recent times. This study investigated the effects supplementation of garlic (Allium sativum) essential oils have on in vitro bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids, methanogenesis and fermentation characteristics of total mixed ration in buffalo with the aim of enhancing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in animal products as well as reducing environmental pollution. Allium sativum (AS) essential oils were examined at four levels [0 (Control), 33.33 µL (AS-1), 83.33 µL (AS-2) and 166.66 µL (AS-3) per litre of buffered rumen fluid] in a radio-frequency based automatic gas production system (ANKOM-RF). Two bottles per treatment per run over two incubation runs were undertaken to gain representative results. Oats hay and concentrate mixture (1:1) was used as a substrate (500 ± 5 mg) and incubated with 60 mL of buffered rumen fluid in 250 mL ANKOM bottles fitted with automatic an gas recording system at 39 °C for 24 h, following standard in vitro gas production protocols. The results demonstrated a reduction (p < 0.01) in lipid bio-hydrogenation, measured by lowered saturated fatty acids and enhanced unsaturated fatty acids on the supplementation of AS essential oils, irrespective of the dose levels. Moreover, the increased (p < 0.01) production of trans vaccenic (trans C18:1) acid (TVA) following graded dose supplementations of the AS essential oils increased the production of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in animal products. Although, reduced methane production (p < 0.01) was evidenced, the decrease in total gas production and feed digestibility (TDDM) demonstrated the strong antimicrobial properties of AS at all dose levels. The study reveals that the Allium sativam (Garlic) essential oils have the potential to be an agent for the reduction of the rumen biohydrogenation of fatty acids and methanogenesis. However, in vivo examination is necessary to validate the findings and confirm its suitability for use as an additive to enhance nutraceutical and organoleptic properties in animal products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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17 pages, 2567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Grain Diet Feeding Altered Blood Metabolites, Rumen Microbiome, and Metabolomics of Yaks

by Dongwen Dai, Shuxiang Wang, Xun Wang, Changpeng Gao, Shatuo Chai and Xiaofeng Xu

Fermentation 2023, 9(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9030215 - 23 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Currently, information available on the comprehensive changes in the rumen bacteria and metabolites of yaks fed high-grain diets is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-grain diet feeding on the blood metabolites, rumen microbiome, and metabolomics of yaks by using [...] Read more.

Currently, information available on the comprehensive changes in the rumen bacteria and metabolites of yaks fed high-grain diets is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-grain diet feeding on the blood metabolites, rumen microbiome, and metabolomics of yaks by using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Here, fourteen healthy male yaks (body weight, 249.61 ± 8.13 kg) were randomly assigned to two different diets: a hay diet (0% grain, CON, n = 7), or a high-grain diet (70% grain, HG, n = 7). At the 74th day of treatment, blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected for the blood metabolites, rumen microbiome, and metabolomics analyses. The HG diet increased lipopolysaccharides (LPS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), haptoglobin (HPT), serum amyloid-A (SAA), interleukin-1β (IL1-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serum concentrations (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON diet, the HG diet decreased rumen pH (p < 0.05), and increased total volatile fatty acids concentration, and proportion of butyrate (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Saccharibacteria were higher (p < 0.05), while Bacteroidetes was lower (p < 0.05) in the HG group than those in the CON group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Christensenelaceae_R-7_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, and Acetitomaculum were higher than in those in the HG diet (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the HG diet increased the concentrations of biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, and putrescine), common amino acids (phenylalanine, threonine, serine, etc.), and arachidonic acid (prostaglandin H2, prostaglandin E2, 12(S)-HPETE, etc.). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the HG diet altered the microbiota and metabolites, as well as potentially damaged their rumen health and induced inflammation in yaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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13 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensiling Cyanide Residue and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation of Cassava Root Silage Treated with Cyanide-Utilizing Bacteria and Cellulase

by Waroon Khota, Chatchai Kaewpila, Rattikan Suwannasing, Nikom Srikacha, Julasinee Maensathit, Kessara Ampaporn, Pairote Patarapreecha, Suwit Thip-uten, Pakpoom Sawnongbue, Sayan Subepang, Kriwit Khanbu and Anusorn Cherdthong

Fermentation 2023, 9(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020151 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2085

Abstract

Cyanide is a strong toxin in many tropical forage plants that can negatively affect ruminants. The aim of this study is to determine the cyanide removal efficiency, silage quality, and in vitro rumen fermentation of fresh cassava roots ensiled without an additive (control) [...] Read more.

Cyanide is a strong toxin in many tropical forage plants that can negatively affect ruminants. The aim of this study is to determine the cyanide removal efficiency, silage quality, and in vitro rumen fermentation of fresh cassava roots ensiled without an additive (control) and with Acremonium cellulase (AC), two cyanide-utilizing bacterial inoculants (Enterococcus feacium KKU-BF7 (BF7) and E. gallinarum KKU-BC10 (BC10)), and their combinations (BF7 + BC10, AC + BF7, AC + BC10 and AC + BF7 + BC10). A completely randomized design was used with eight treatments × four small-scale silo replicates. Additionally, extra silage samples (seven silos/treatment for individually opening after 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 30 days of ensiling) were added to observe the changes in the total cyanide concentration and pH value. The fresh cassava root contained an optimal number of lactic acid bacteria (10⁵ colony forming units/g fresh matter), and the contents of dry matter (DM) and total cyanides were 30.1% and 1304 mg/kg DM, respectively. After 30 days of ensiling, all silages demonstrated a low pH (<3.95; p < 0.01). Cyanide content ranged from 638 to 790 mg/kg DM and was highest in the control (p < 0.01). The addition of BF7 + BC10 increased the crude protein (CP) content (p < 0.01). The addition of AC decreased the fibrous contents (p < 0.01). The control had less acetic acid and propionic acid contents (p < 0.01) and a greater butyric acid content (p < 0.01). However, the degrees of in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and gas production were similar among treatments. Methane production ranged between 29.2 and 33.3 L/kg IVDMD (p < 0.05), which were observed in the AC + BC10 and BF7 + BC10 treatments, respectively. Overall, our results suggested that the cyanide removal efficiency after 30 days of ensiling with good-quality cassava-root silage was approximately 39% of the initial value. The enterococci inoculants and/or AC could improve the ensiling process and cyanide removal efficiency (increasing it to between 47 and 51% of the initial value). The novel enterococci inoculants (BF7 + BC10) were associated with a decreased cyanide content and an increased CP content. They appeared to promote the methanogenesis potential of the cassava root silage. More research is required to validate the use of cyanide-utilizing bacterial inoculants in cyanogenetic plants, bioenergy fermentation, and livestock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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9 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ruminal Degradation of Taurine and Its Effects on Rumen Fermentation In Vitro

by Shuo Zhang, Qinyue Liang, Mengmeng Li and Guangyong Zhao

Fermentation 2023, 9(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010043 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2146

Abstract

Taurine accounts for approximately 0.1% of an animal’s body. It cannot be used for protein synthesis but plays a wide range of important roles in the animal body. Taurine does not exist in plants, while mammals can only synthesize 30–40% of the taurine [...] Read more.

Taurine accounts for approximately 0.1% of an animal’s body. It cannot be used for protein synthesis but plays a wide range of important roles in the animal body. Taurine does not exist in plants, while mammals can only synthesize 30–40% of the taurine they need. Supplementing taurine to beef cattle may be necessary to improve their nutrient utilization and health status. However, no data are available regarding the metabolism of taurine in the rumen. Two in vitro trials were conducted to investigate the ruminal degradability of taurine and its effects on rumen fermentation. In Trial 1, Tilley and Terry’s in vitro rumen fermentation technique was used for incubation. As treatments, two levels of taurine, i.e., 0 and 10 mg, were added into plastic tubes containing 0.4000 g of feed mixture with a calibrated volume of 50 mL. Three adult cattle fitted with rumen cannulas were used as the donors for rumen fluid. The incubation was carried out at 39 °C for 48 h. The results showed that the taurine degradability increased with incubation time (p < 0.001) while its 2 h-degradability reached 99%. Taurine decreased the 48 h-dry matter degradability (DMD) (p = 0.008) and increased the 24 h- and 48 h-pH (p = 0.005; p = 0.018), respectively. In Trial 2, the Hohenheim gas test was used for incubation. Four levels of taurine, i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg, were added into glass syringes containing 0.2000 g feed mixture with a calibrated volume of 100 mL as treatments. The rumen fluid donors were the same as in Trial 1. The incubation was carried out at 39 °C for 48 h. The results showed that taurine increased the 48 h-pH (p < 0.001) linearly, decreased the cumulative gas production (p < 0.001) and the total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration (p = 0.014), and quadratically affected the ammonia–nitrogen (p < 0.001) and microbial crude protein (MCP) concentrations (p < 0.001). It was concluded that taurine was highly degradable in rumen fermentation. Taurine inhibits ruminal fermentation by decreasing DMD, VFA and gas production while improving MCP synthesis on a dose-dependent basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

14 pages, 2319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Capsaicin and Yucca schidigera Extracts as Feed Additives on Rumen Fermentation and Microflora of Beef Cattle Fed with a Moderate-Energy Diet

by Xin Yi, Baoyun Wu, Jinglei Ma, Xiaojing Cui, Ziqi Deng, Sanlong Hu, Wei Li, Runa A, Xiang Li, Qingxiang Meng, Zhenming Zhou and Hao Wu

Fermentation 2023, 9(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010030 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Capsaicin (CAP) and Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) are two types of plant extracts that can change rumen fermentation. This study was conducted to investigate whether supplementation of beef cattle diets with CAP and YSE for 90 days would affect rumen fermentation and microflora. [...] Read more.

Capsaicin (CAP) and Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) are two types of plant extracts that can change rumen fermentation. This study was conducted to investigate whether supplementation of beef cattle diets with CAP and YSE for 90 days would affect rumen fermentation and microflora. Forty-five healthy Angus steers (initial body weight = 510.54 ± 41.27 kg) were divided into three groups: control (CON), CAP, and YSE. Ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations were significantly higher in the YSE group than in the CON group and significantly lower in the CAP group than in the CON group. At the phylum level, YSE increased the relative abundances of Bacteroidota and Patescibacteria and reduced that of Bacillota. At the genus level, CAP and YSE both increased the relative abundances of genera subordinate to Bacteroidota and decreased the relative abundances of genera subordinate to Bacillota. Our study shows that YSE and CAP have different effects on rumen fermentation and microflora after long-term supplementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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15 pages, 1618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Replacing Alfalfa Hay with Oat Hay in Fermented Total Mixed Ration on Growth Performance and Rumen Microbiota in Lambs

by Mingjian Liu, Yu Wang, Zhijun Wang, Gentu Ge, Yushan Jia and Shuai Du

Fermentation 2023, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010009 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

The use of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) is a promising approach for the preservation of feedstuff, but the effect of FTMR on the between growth performance and ruminal microflora of lambs are still limited. This study aimed to assess the effects [...] Read more.

The use of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) is a promising approach for the preservation of feedstuff, but the effect of FTMR on the between growth performance and ruminal microflora of lambs are still limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of different roughage types in the FTMR on growth performance and rumen microbiota of lambs. Forty-five six-month-old Small tail Han sheep × Ujumqin male lambs were randomly allocated into three groups (three pens per treatment and five lambs per pen) with the initial body weight (BW) of 28.50 ± 1.50 kg. The three treatments were as follows: the low oat percentages group (LO) contained 200 g/kg oat hay + 400 g/kg alfalfa hay, the medium oat percentages group (MO) contained 300 g/kg oat hay + 300 g/kg alfalfa hay, and the high oat percentages group (HO) contained 400 g/kg oat hay + 200 g/kg alfalfa hay. The result revealed that the dry matter intake and average daily gain were markedly (p < 0.05) higher in the MO treatment than in the LO and HO treatments, whereas no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in the final body weight. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences on the Shannon and Simpson index among the three treatments. The PCoA score plot illustrated the individual separation in the LO, MO, and HO treatments. At the phylum level, the presence of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes belonging to the dominant phyla is widely described in rumen communities among the three treatments. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Fibrobacter, and Succinivibrio in the level of the genes were remarkably higher (p < 0.05) in MO treatment than that in LO and HO treatments, while the relative abundance of Sediminispirochaeta was remarkably higher (p < 0.05) in LO treatment than that in MO and HO treatments. These results indicated that the MO treatments could more effectively improve growth performance than the LO and HO treatments, and also revealed that the different forage types in diets reshaped the compositions and function of the rumen microbiota. Consequently, the findings presented in this study provide a reference for the application of FTMR in animal production and the understanding of the interaction between diet, animal performance, and ruminal microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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11 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Different Fiber Substrates on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Rumen Microbial Community in Korean Native Goats and Hanwoo Steers

by Seon-Ho Kim and Ha-Guyn Sung

Fermentation 2022, 8(11), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8110611 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae) (KNG) and Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) are indigenous breeds inhabiting Korea. This study compared the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, dry matter (DM) degradation, and ruminal microbial communities of Korean native goats and [...] Read more.

Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae) (KNG) and Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) are indigenous breeds inhabiting Korea. This study compared the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, dry matter (DM) degradation, and ruminal microbial communities of Korean native goats and Hanwoo steers consuming rice hay (RH) and cotton fiber (CF). The pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N), and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production significantly differ (p < 0.05) across species in all incubation times. After 24 h, the pH, NH₃-N, and total VFAs production were higher in Korean native goats than in Hanwoo steers. Total gas, molar proportion of propionate, and total VFAs were higher (p < 0.05) in RH than in CF for both ruminant species. DM digestibility of both substrates were higher (p < 0.05) in Hanwoo steers than in KNG. Both treatments in KNG produced higher (p < 0.01) microbial DNA copies of general bacteria than those in Hanwoo steers. Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Fibrobacter succinogenes had significantly higher DNA copies under RH and CF in Hanwoo steers than in Korean native goats. B. fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavifaciens after 24 h of incubation had a higher abundance (p < 0.05) in RH than in CF. Overall results suggested that rumen bacteria had host-specific and substrate-specific action for fiber digestion and contribute to improving ruminal functions of forage utilization between ruminant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

10 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Granulated Cane Sugar as a Partial Replacement for Steam-Flaked Corn in Diets for Feedlot Cattle: Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis

by Alejandro Plascencia, Alberto Barreras, Yissel S. Valdés-García and Richard A. Zinn

Fermentation 2022, 8(10), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8100555 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1430

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental granulated cane sugar (GCS) levels (0, 13.3, 26.6, and 39.9% on a dry matter basis) in a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet on measures of ruminal fermentation and the site and extent [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental granulated cane sugar (GCS) levels (0, 13.3, 26.6, and 39.9% on a dry matter basis) in a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet on measures of ruminal fermentation and the site and extent of nutrient digestion. Four Holstein steers (251 ± 3.6 kg live weight) with “T” type cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the treatments. The experiment lasted 84 d. Replacing steam-flaked corn (SFC) with GCS linearly decreased the flow of ammonia-N (NH3-N) to the small intestine, increasing the flow of microbial nitrogen (MN; quadratic effect, p = 0.02), ruminal N efficiency (linear effect, p = 0.03) and MN efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.04). The ruminal digestion of starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. The postruminal digestion of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch were not affected by the GCS inclusion. However, postruminal N digestion decreased (linear effect, p = 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. There were no treatment effects on total tract OM digestion. However, total tract NDF and N digestion decreased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. The ruminal pH decreased (linear effect, p < 0.01) as the GCS increased in the diet. The ruminal acetate molar proportion decreased (linear effect, p = 0.02) and the ruminal valerate molar proportion tended to increase (linear effect, p = 0.08) as the level of GCS increased. It is concluded that replacing as much as 13% of SFC with GCS in a finishing diet will enhance the efficiency of N utilization (g non-ammonia-N entering the small intestine/g N intake) without detrimental effects on total tract OM digestion. The inclusion of GCS decreased the ruminal proportion of acetate linearly without an effect on the acetate-to-propionate ratio or estimated methane production. Some of the effects on N utilization at a high level of GCS inclusion (27 and 40%) can be magnified by the differences in the CP content between diets. A higher level of GCS supplementation in the diet decreased the ruminal pH below 5.5, increasing the risk of ruminal acidosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

12 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of Different Brown Seaweeds as Feed and Feed Additives Regarding Rumen Fermentation and Methane Mitigation

by Eslam Ahmed, Belgutei Batbekh, Naoki Fukuma, Masaaki Hanada and Takehiro Nishida

Fermentation 2022, 8(10), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8100504 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2670

Abstract

This study investigated the impacts of different brown seaweed species—Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fulvellum, Ecklonia maxima, Lessonia flavicans, Lessonia nigrescens, and Laminaria japonica—on rumen fermentation and methane (CH₄) mitigation. The current in vitro batch culture study [...] Read more.

This study investigated the impacts of different brown seaweed species—Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum fulvellum, Ecklonia maxima, Lessonia flavicans, Lessonia nigrescens, and Laminaria japonica—on rumen fermentation and methane (CH₄) mitigation. The current in vitro batch culture study for 24 h at 39 °C evaluated these species in two experimental designs: as feed additive and as feed. The control group for both experimental designs was composed of 500 mg of basal diet (50% grass hay/50% concentrate). For the feed additives experimental design, each seaweed species was evaluated when it was added at 20% of the basal diet, while as a feed, the inclusion level of each species was 20% to partially replace the concentrate in the basal diet as follows (50% hay/30% concentrate/20% seaweed). Chemical analyses showed that the seaweeds were characterized by a high fiber content and high amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, while the protein content ranged within 7 and 13%. When they were applied as feed additives, they increased the production of volatile fatty acids, with L. japonica being the most effective; however, they failed to suppress CH₄ production. In contrast, their inclusion as a feed in the basal diet led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in CH₄, especially for E. maxima and L. japonica, by up to 18 and 21%, respectively, but this was associated with general inhibition of the rumen fermentation. Therefore, the tested seaweeds could be used as a source of minerals and as a feed additive to improve rumen fermentation, but without anti-methanogenic potential. Meanwhile, their inclusion as feed at 20% could reduce CH₄ production with an adverse effect on fermentation. Thus, further trials are needed to identify the appropriate inclusion level to achieve effective CH₄ reduction without any detrimental effects on rumen fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

14 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation of Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Rumen Bacterial Community by Comparing Those of the Goat, Sheep, and Cow In Vitro

by Jinhui Li, Hui Yan, Jiaxin Chen, Chunhui Duan, Yunxia Guo, Yueqin Liu, Yingjie Zhang and Shoukun Ji

Fermentation 2022, 8(9), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8090427 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to establish the correlation between ruminal fermentation parameters and the bacterial community by comparing those of the goat, sheep, and cow, thus illustrating the main bacteria causing the difference in rumen fermentation among goats, sheep, and cows and [...] Read more.

In this study, we aimed to establish the correlation between ruminal fermentation parameters and the bacterial community by comparing those of the goat, sheep, and cow, thus illustrating the main bacteria causing the difference in rumen fermentation among goats, sheep, and cows and providing a new idea for improving the feed digestibility of ruminants. Rumen fluid from goats (Taihang White cashmere goat, n = 6), sheep (Hu sheep, n = 6), and cows (Holstein cow, n = 6) was collected using oral intubation and immediately brought back to the laboratory for a fermentation test with the same total mixed ration (TMR) feed in vitro. The rumen bacterial composition was measured by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in the MiSeq platform, the gas production (GP) was recorded after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of fermentation, and the feed nutrient digestibility and the rumen fluid parameters were determined after 48 h of fermentation. The results showed that the 48 h GP of the sheep group was higher than that of the cow group (p < 0.05), and the theoretical maximum GP was higher than that of the goat and cow groups (p < 0.05). The organic matter digestibility (OMD), dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), and gross energy digestibility (GED) of the sheep group were higher than those of the goat and cow groups (p < 0.05). The ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), microbial protein (MCP), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentrations of the sheep group were higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05), and the pH of the sheep group was lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that bacterial composition also differed in the rumens of the sheep, goat, and cow groups (ANOSIM, p < 0.05). We then used a random forest machine learning algorithm to establish models to predict the fermentation parameters by rumen bacterial composition, and the results showed that rumen bacterial composition could explain most of the ruminal fermentation parameter variation (66.56%, 56.13%, 65.75%, 80.85%, 61.30%, 4.59%, 1.41%, −3.13%, 34.76%, −25.62%, 2.73%, 60.74%, 76.23%, 47.48%, −13.2%, 80.16%, 4.15%, 69.03%, 32.29%, and 89.96% for 48 h GP, a (GP of quickly degraded part), b (GP of slowly degraded part), c (GP rate), a + b (theoretical maximum GP), DMD, OMD, GED, CPD, NDFD, ANDF, pH, NH₃-N, MCP, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, TVFA, and A:P (acetic acid–propionic acid ratio), respectively). A correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Selenomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and Olsenella significantly correlated with most in vitro fermentation parameters (p < 0.05). A comprehensive analysis showed that rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial composition differed in goats, sheep, and cows. The ruminal fermentation parameters of GP, a, b, c, a + b, pH, NH₃-N, propionic acid, valeric acid, and A:P could be accurately predicted by rumen bacteria (explanation > 55% of variation), and the Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Olsenella, Selenomonas, and Peptostreptococcus were the main bacteria that affected the in vitro fermentation parameters of goats, sheep, and cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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21 pages, 2025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and In Situ Degradability of Desmanthus spp. Forage Harvested at Different Maturity Stages

by Felista W. Mwangi, Edward Charmley, Oyelola A. Adegboye, Christopher P. Gardiner, Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli, Robert T. Kinobe and Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli

Fermentation 2022, 8(8), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8080377 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2185

Abstract

This study evaluated the change in nutritive value and in situ degradability of Desmanthus spp. (desmanthus) cultivars JCU2; D. virgatus, JCU4; D. bicornutus and JCU7; D. leptophyllus harvested at varying maturity stages to test the hypothesis that the nutritive value and in [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the change in nutritive value and in situ degradability of Desmanthus spp. (desmanthus) cultivars JCU2; D. virgatus, JCU4; D. bicornutus and JCU7; D. leptophyllus harvested at varying maturity stages to test the hypothesis that the nutritive value and in situ degradability of desmanthus differ between cultivars and with maturity stage at harvest. In Experiment 1, desmanthus was harvested at 11, 38, 72 and 103 days of regrowth (maturity), separated into the leaf and stem portion, dried and analysed for dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. In Experiment 2, desmanthus was harvested 78, 122 and 168 days after planting (maturity). Samples were dried, and DM, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradation were determined using the in situ technique with three fistulated Droughtmaster steers. The results showed an interaction between cultivar and maturity on the leaf to stem mass ratio, leaf CP, stem NDF and the leaf ADF (p ≤ 0.04). The leaf-to-stem mass ratio declined more steeply with maturity in JCU7 compared to JCU2 and JCU4 (p = 0.04), while there was a higher decline in leaf CP of JCU4 than JCU2 and JCU7 (p < 0.01). The total potentially degradable fraction of DM and CP did not differ between cultivars (p ≥ 0.30) but declined with maturity (p ≤ 0.04). However, the effective DM degradability at a high particle outflow rate was higher in JCU4 than in JCU7. Taken together, these results indicate that differences exist between cultivars, and higher livestock production may be achieved by utilising the different cultivars in a blend and at earlier maturity stages. Therefore, the hypothesis that nutritive value and in situ degradability of desmanthus differ between cultivars and with maturity stage at harvest was accepted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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19 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumption of Purple Neem Foliage Rich in Anthocyanins Improves Rumen Fermentation, Growth Performance and Plasma Antioxidant Activity in Growing Goats

by Nittaya Taethaisong, Siwaporn Paengkoum, Chatsirin Nakharuthai, Narawich Onjai-uea, Sorasak Thongpea, Boontum Sinpru, Jariya Surakhunthod, Weerada Meethip and Pramote Paengkoum

Fermentation 2022, 8(8), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8080373 - 06 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how the consumption of purple neem foliage rich in anthocyanins improves rumen fermentation, growth performance and plasma antioxidant activity in growing goats. In total, 25 Anglo-Nubian Thai native male goats (about 20 ± 2 kg body weight; mean [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate how the consumption of purple neem foliage rich in anthocyanins improves rumen fermentation, growth performance and plasma antioxidant activity in growing goats. In total, 25 Anglo-Nubian Thai native male goats (about 20 ± 2 kg body weight; mean standard deviation (SD)) were assigned to 2 × 2 + 1 factorial in a completely randomized study design. There were five treatments: (1) control, (2) 3% normal neem foliage in concentrate, (3) 6% normal neem foliage in concentrate, (4) 3% purple neem foliage in concentrate and (5) 6% purple neem foliage in concentrate. The results show that the goats that were fed 6% purple neem foliage in concentrate had a higher (p < 0.01) feed intake gDM/d, %BW, g/kgBW^0.75, nutrient intake, nutrient digestion, final weight, weight change and ADG than did the goats that were fed 3% purple neem foliage in concentrate, 3% normal neem foliage in concentrate, 6% normal neem foliage in concentrate and control treatment. The feeding of 6% purple neem foliage in concentrate had higher (p < 0.01) N intake, N urine, N digestion, N digestion (%), N retention and N retention (%) than the other treatments. The goats receiving 6% purple neem foliage in concentrate had no negative effect (p < 0.01) on pH but had a higher (p < 0.01) level of ammonia nitrogen, BUN, acetic acid, propionic acid, ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid and total VFA at 2 and 4 h after feeding compared to the other treatments. The effect of anthocyanin-rich 6% purple neem foliage was shown to be higher than the other treatments (p < 0.01) for total bacteria, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Streptococcus bovis at 2 and 4 h after feeding. The goats fed 6% purple neem foliage displayed higher (p < 0.01) levels of total antioxidant (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant activity in plasma at 2 and 4 h after feeding. The goats fed 6% purple neem foliage had lower (p < 0.01) protozoa methanogen and malondialdehyde (MDA) at 2 and 4 h after feeding. In developing growing goats, the introduction of anthocyanin-rich purple neem foliage boosted plasma antioxidant capacity, improved rumen volatile fatty acids and caused a shift in the structure and relative abundance of the ruminal microbial community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

12 pages, 2023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Rumen Fermentation Efficiency Using Different Energy Sources: In Vitro Comparison between Buffalo and Cow

by Alessandro Vastolo, Roberta Matera, Francesco Serrapica, Monica I. Cutrignelli, Gianluca Neglia, Dieu donné Kiatti and Serena Calabrò

Fermentation 2022, 8(8), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8080351 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

During haymaking and ensilage, a significant loss of sugars occurs. The addition of a total mixed ratio (TMR) with a liquid feed might provide promptly utilisable energy and recover the nutrients lost during the conservation. Interesting results were already obtained by including liquid [...] Read more.

During haymaking and ensilage, a significant loss of sugars occurs. The addition of a total mixed ratio (TMR) with a liquid feed might provide promptly utilisable energy and recover the nutrients lost during the conservation. Interesting results were already obtained by including liquid feed in a TMR in a dairy cow. However, the possibility to also utilize them in Italian Mediterranean buffalo is not yet supported by data. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics of different types of liquid feed, utilising bovine and buffalo rumen liquor as inocula. TMR supplemented with 0.025 g of four different liquid feeds was incubated with the TMR as control with buffalo and bovine rumen fluid using in vitro gas production technique. Considering bovine inoculum, all the experimental diets showed lower organic matter degradability and higher volatile fatty acid production than control TMR, while with buffalo rumen liquor, significant differences were observed between experimental and control diets in terms of gas production and fermentation kinetics. The tested liquid feeds can have different fermentation patterns depending on their ingredients and compositions. Supplementing liquid feeds to a standard diet seems to provide a source of energy that improves fermentation. No negative effects were observed on the in vitro fermentation at the dosage utilised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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16 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduction of Enteric Methane Emissions in Heifers Fed Tropical Grass-Based Rations Supplemented with Palm Oil

by Ever del Jesus Flores-Santiago, Roberto González-Garduño, Humberto Vaquera-Huerta, Jesús Miguel Calzada-Marín, Said Cadena-Villegas, Jeyder I. Arceo-Castillo, Paulina Vázquez-Mendoza and Juan C. Ku-Vera

Fermentation 2022, 8(8), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8080349 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

Vegetable oils have been shown to reduce enteric methane (CH₄) production by up to 20%. However, when the level of incorporation exceeds the threshold of 70 g/kg DM, dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility may be reduced. The objective of [...] Read more.

Vegetable oils have been shown to reduce enteric methane (CH₄) production by up to 20%. However, when the level of incorporation exceeds the threshold of 70 g/kg DM, dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility may be reduced. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the incorporation of three levels of palm oil (PO) on enteric CH₄ emissions, rumen fermentation and apparent digestibility in heifers fed low-quality grass. Four rumen-cannulated heifers (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (CON) and three increasing PO levels: 20, 40 and 60 g/kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four periods of 22 days (14 days of adaptation to the ration), 5 days of feces and rumen fluid sampling (day 18, 4 h postprandial) and the last 3 days for measurements of CH₄ in respiration chambers. With the exception of CP (p = 0.04), starch (p = 0.002) and EE (p < 0.001), the intake of nutrients was not affected by the inclusion of PO (p > 0.05). The apparent digestibility (AD) of nutrients was not affected by the inclusion of PO (p > 0.05), except for starch, which reduced its AD as the PO level was increased (p < 0.05). The gross energy intake was higher in PO-containing rations (p = 0.001), on the other hand, the digestible energy intake was similar between treatments (p > 0.05). In situ ruminal digestion kinetics and the potential degradability remained unchanged (p > 0.05), however, the effective degradability decreased with the inclusion of PO in the rations (p < 0.05). The ruminal pH and molar proportions of acetic, isovaleric and valeric acid were not different between treatments (p > 0.05). The ruminal concentration of propionic acid increased as the PO level increased, reaching its highest molar proportion with 60 g/kg PO (p < 0.05), however, the acetic/propionic ratio and the molar proportions of butyric acid and isobutyric acid decreased as the PO level increased (p < 0.05). The total daily CH₄ production was lower in diets containing 20, 40 and 60 g/kg PO compared to the CON diet (p < 0.001). The production of CH₄ per kg DMI and DOMI was greater (p < 0.05) for the CON diet compared to all three rations containing PO. The emission intensity, Y_m, energy lost as CH₄, emission factor (EF) and kg CO₂ eq/year were reduced as an effect of the inclusion of PO (p < 0.05). Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the incorporation of PO in cattle rations has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions by 4% for every 10 g/kg PO in the ration, without affecting DMI, apparent digestibility or the consumption of digestible nutrient fractions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

10 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rubber Seed Kernel Fermented with Yeast on Feed Utilization, Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Dairy Heifers

by Nirawan Gunun, Thanaporn Ouppamong, Pichad Khejornsart, Anusorn Cherdthong, Metha Wanapat, Sineenart Polyorach, Chatchai Kaewpila, Sungchhang Kang and Pongsatorn Gunun

Fermentation 2022, 8(6), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8060288 - 19 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used to improve the nutritive value of feedstuffs, especially rubber seed kernel. In the current study, rubber seed kernel was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with yeast to enhance the nutritive value. The yeast-fermented rubber [...] Read more.

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used to improve the nutritive value of feedstuffs, especially rubber seed kernel. In the current study, rubber seed kernel was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with yeast to enhance the nutritive value. The yeast-fermented rubber seed kernel (YERSEK) was substituted for soybean meal in ruminant diets to evaluate the effect of YERSEK on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in dairy heifers. Five Holstein Friesian crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 215 ± 20 kg were used in this research. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin squared design and the dietary treatments were five levels of YERSEK at 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg dry matter in concentrate at 1% of BW, with rice straw fed ad libitum. The supplementation with YERSEK reduced rice straw and total DM intake linearly (p < 0.05). The intake of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased linearly (p < 0.05), while ether extract intake increased linearly (p < 0.01) with YERSEK supplementation. The ether extract digestibility tended to be high (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of YERSEK. Supplementation with the YERSEK did not change (p > 0.05) ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen in this study, but ruminal ammonia nitrogen was increased (p < 0.01) in the heifers receiving YERSEK. Increasing the YERSEK levels did not adversely affect the proportion of volatile fatty acids (VFA), which included acetate, propionate and butyrate and the microbial population (p > 0.05). Microbial protein synthesis was similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). The inclusion of YERSEK at 250 g/kg DM in concentrate feed had no effect on the utilization of feed, rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis. The YERSEK could be used as a protein replacement for up to 86% of the soybean meal in feed concentrate for dairy heifers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

25 pages, 2485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Meta-Analysis of Essential Oils Use for Beef Cattle Feed: Rumen Fermentation, Blood Metabolites, Meat Quality, Performance and, Environmental and Economic Impact

by José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna, Griselda Dorantes-Iturbide, Alejandro Lara-Bueno, Luis Alberto Miranda-Romero, Germán David Mendoza-Martínez and Itzel Santiago-Figueroa

Fermentation 2022, 8(6), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8060254 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3632

Abstract

The objective of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) affected rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, growth performance and meat quality of beef cattle through a meta-analysis. In addition, a simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) affected rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, growth performance and meat quality of beef cattle through a meta-analysis. In addition, a simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of EOs on the economic and environmental impact of beef production. Data were extracted from 34 peer-reviewed studies and analyzed using random-effects statistical models to assess the weighted mean difference (WMD) between control and EOs treatments. Dietary supplementation of EOs increased (p < 0.01) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.209 kg/d), final body weight (WMD = 12.843 kg), daily weight gain (WMD = 0.087 kg/d), feed efficiency (WMD = 0.004 kg/kg), hot carcass weight (WMD = 5.45 kg), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (WMD = 3.48 cm²). Lower (p < 0.05) ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen (WMD = −1.18 mg/dL), acetate (WMD = −4.37 mol/100 mol) and total protozoa (WMD = −2.17 × 10⁵/mL), and higher concentration of propionate (WMD = 0.878 mol/100 mol, p < 0.001) were observed in response to EOs supplementation. Serum urea concentration (WMD = −1.35 mg/dL, p = 0.026) and haptoglobin (WMD = −39.67 μg/mL, p = 0.031) were lower in cattle supplemented with EOs. In meat, EOs supplementation reduced (p < 0.001) cooking loss (WMD = −61.765 g/kg), shear force (WMD = −0.211 kgf/cm²), and malondialdehyde content (WMD = −0.040 mg/kg), but did not affect pH, color (L* a* and b*), or chemical composition (p > 0.05). Simulation analysis showed that EOs increased economic income by 1.44% and reduced the environmental footprint by 0.83%. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of EOs improves productive performance and rumen fermentation, while increasing the economic profitability and reducing the environmental impact of beef cattle. In addition, supplementation with EOs improves beef tenderness and oxidative stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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21 pages, 2622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Anthocyanin-Rich Black Cane (Saccharum sinensis Robx.) Silage for Ruminants Using Molasses and Iron Sulphate: A Sustainable Alternative

by Ngo Thi Minh Suong, Siwaporn Paengkoum, Rayudika Aprilia Patindra Purba and Pramote Paengkoum

Fermentation 2022, 8(6), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8060248 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2885

Abstract

Anthocyanin-rich black cane (aBC) is a grass rich in lignin and carbohydrates, with an abundance of anthocyanins. Silages of aBC produced with molasses (MS) and/or ferrous sulphate (FS) mixtures may have beneficial effects on silage quality and animal performance in ruminants. However, the [...] Read more.

Anthocyanin-rich black cane (aBC) is a grass rich in lignin and carbohydrates, with an abundance of anthocyanins. Silages of aBC produced with molasses (MS) and/or ferrous sulphate (FS) mixtures may have beneficial effects on silage quality and animal performance in ruminants. However, the addition of MS and FS to ensiled grass is relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the effect of their administration at different doses to select an effective treatment to modulate the ensiling characteristics of aBC. In the first trial, fresh or pre-ensiled materials (PBC) were compared with ensiled PBC treated with: 0% MS 0% FS, 4% MS, 8% MS, 0.015% FS, 0.030% FS, 4% MS + 0.015% FS, 4% MS + 0.030% FS, 8% MS + 0.015% FS, and 8% MS + 0.030% FS on a fresh matter basis. The quality of ensiling characteristics was determined in laboratory-scale silos after 42 d of preservation. Based on these results, the second trial was further conducted in rumen cultures to ensure that the selected treatment would not impair rumen fermentation. For this, ruminal biogases, rumen fermentation profiles, and microbial communities were evaluated. Ensiled PBC with the incremental addition of MS and FS resulted in the observations for anthocyanin contents and the ensiling characteristics of the aBC silages. The combination of MS (4%) and FS (0.030%) incorporated into silages had the highest silage production effect among the experimental treatments. This combination demonstrated the sustainable mitigation of the ruminal biogases of methane and carbon dioxide without impairment of total gas production. Concurrently, this combination improved total volatile fatty acid concentrations, modulated cellulolytic bacteria, and suppressed methanogenic bacteria in rumen fluids. The results presented here indicated that addition of a mixture of 4% MS and 0.030% FS to aBC resulted in an optimal balance of ensiling characteristics and is suitable for use in ruminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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14 pages, 2022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Oil Sources on In Vitro Fermentation, Microbes, Greenhouse Gas, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen

by Sardar Muhammad Amanullah, Seong-Shin Lee, Dimas Hand Vidya Paradhipta, Young-Hoo Joo, Dong-Hyeon Kim, Pil-Nam Seong, Seung-Min Jeong and Sam-Churl Kim

Fermentation 2022, 8(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8050242 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

This study estimated the effects of oil sources on fermentation characteristics, greenhouse gas, microbial diversity, and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen. In vitro ruminal incubation was performed with 7 mg of oil source, 15 mL rumen buffer, and 150 mg of [...] Read more.

This study estimated the effects of oil sources on fermentation characteristics, greenhouse gas, microbial diversity, and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen. In vitro ruminal incubation was performed with 7 mg of oil source, 15 mL rumen buffer, and 150 mg of synthetic diet at 39 °C for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Oil sources consisted of corn oil (CO; linoleic acid (C18:2n-6)), linseed oil (LSO; linolenic acid (C18:3n-3)), or Ca-salts (protected C18:2n-6). The ruminal gas was collected for CH₄ and CO₂ analysis. Incubated rumen buffer was sub-sampled for the analysis of microbial quantification, fermentation characteristics, and fatty acid profiles. The results showed that Ca-salt increased acetate (p = 0.013), while CO increased propionate (p = 0.007). Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and R. albus increased (p < 0.05) with Ca-salt after 12 h of incubation, while Streptococcus bovis increased (p < 0.05) by LSO. The CO and Ca-salt resulted in the highest C18:2n-6 (p = 0.002), while LSO resulted in the highest C18:3n-3 (p = 0.001). The Ca-salt had the lowest C18:0 (p = 0.002), but the highest C18:1cis-9 (p = 0.004). In conclusion, Ca-salt supplementation resisted biohydrogenation to some extent, decreased methanogenic archaea and protozoa, and exerted less toxic effects on fibrolytic bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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13 pages, 1727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Selenium on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbial Metagenome in Goats

by Xingzhou Tian, Xu Wang, Jiaxuan Li, Qingyuan Luo, Chao Ban and Qi Lu

Fermentation 2022, 8(5), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8050240 - 21 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2411

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of selenium yeast (SY) on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen bacterial diversity, and expression pathways in goats. A total of 18 Qianbei-pockmarked weather goats from Guizhou (body weight, 25.75 ± 1.75 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of selenium yeast (SY) on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen bacterial diversity, and expression pathways in goats. A total of 18 Qianbei-pockmarked weather goats from Guizhou (body weight, 25.75 ± 1.75 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to three groups according to a completely randomized design. Control group (CON, n = 6) kids were fed a basal diet, while treatment 1 (LS, n = 6) and treatment 2 (HS, n = 6) kids were fed a basal diet with 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg SY, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 74 days. The results indicated that the ruminal fluid of LS goats had significantly higher levels of propionic, caproic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids than that of the CON. The levels of butyric and valeric acids were higher in the HS group than in the CON. The acetate:propionate ratio was significantly higher in the CON than in the two treatments. In addition, the inclusion of 2.4 mg/kg SY can lead to a significant decrease in the relative abundances of Euryarchaeota, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level compared to the CON and the HS groups. At the genus level, the LS group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter and Sarcina, whereas it could lead to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Clostridium in the ruminal fluid relative of the other two groups. At the species level, the LS group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of bacterium_P3, bacterium_P201, and Sarcina_sp._DSM_11001 compared to the other groups. Moreover, the CON group had a significant decrease in the relative abundance of bacterium_P201 compared to the other two treatments. Compared to the CON, the addition of 2.4 mg/kg SY significantly enriched carbohydrate metabolism pathways in the ruminal fluid for gene encoding. Additionally, goats receiving SY showed a significant upregulation of glycosyl transferase and carbohydrate binding module pathways. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with SY modulates fermentation parameters, and it affects microbial diversity and microbial metagenome in the rumen of Qianbei-pockmarked goats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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10 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Rhodanese Enzyme Addition on Rumen Fermentation, Cyanide Concentration, and Feed Utilization in Beef Cattle Receiving Various Levels of Fresh Cassava Root

by Chanadol Supapong, Sukruthai Sommai, Benjamad Khonkhaeng, Chanon Suntara, Rittikeard Prachumchai, Kampanat Phesatcha, Pin Chanjula and Anusorn Cherdthong

Fermentation 2022, 8(4), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8040146 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2370

Abstract

Fresh cassava root is not recommended for animal feeding due to high quantities of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which produces symptoms of poisoning. The purpose of this study was to find out how a rhodanese enzyme addition affects rumen fermentation, HCN content, feed utilization, [...] Read more.

Fresh cassava root is not recommended for animal feeding due to high quantities of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which produces symptoms of poisoning. The purpose of this study was to find out how a rhodanese enzyme addition affects rumen fermentation, HCN content, feed utilization, and blood metabolites in beef calves fed fresh cassava root. Four Thai native beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 95 ± 10.0 kg (1–1.5 years old) were randomly allocated to receive fresh cassava root containing HCN at 0, 300, 450, and 600 ppm according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Rice straw was the basal diet. The rhodanese enzyme was combined with concentrated feeds at a concentration of 1 mg/10⁴ ppm HCN. The fresh cassava root was cleaned to remove dirt and chopped into 3 to 5 mm sized pieces before being fed to the animals at their various levels. The total feed intake of beef cattle increased when fed with fresh cassava root (p < 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was different among various fresh cassava root levels (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-N levels were measured 4 hours after feeding, and the average concentration declined considerably in animals fed fresh cassava root at 300–600 ppm HCN (p < 0.05). Cyanide concentration in the rumen was linearly increased by 270.6% (p < 0.05) when it was supplemented with a high level of fresh cassava root. Blood urea-N concentration was altered and decreased when supplemented with fresh cassava root (p < 0.01). The blood thiocyanate concentration was altered by the levels of fresh cassava root and rhodanese enzyme, which ranged from 4.1 to 27.9 mg/dL (p < 0.01). Cattle given fresh cassava root showed no influence on total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, or butyric acid concentrations in the rumen (p > 0.05). However, the concentration of propionic acid increased slightly (p < 0.05) 4 hours after feeding. Supplementing fresh cassava root up to 600 ppm HCN/day improved N absorption, retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake (p < 0.05). Therefore, increasing the inclusion of fresh cassava root with a rhodanese enzyme addition improves total feed intake, CP digestibility, nitrogen utilization, blood thiocyanate, and propionate concentrations, which may remove HCN without harming animal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

22 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Feed Supplement Containing Dried Kratom Leaves on Apparent Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Serum Antioxidants, Hematology, and Nitrogen Balance in Goats

by Pin Chanjula, Juraithip Wungsintaweekul, Rawee Chiarawipa, Adirek Rugkong, Benjamad Khonkhaeng, Chanon Suntara and Anusorn Cherdthong

Fermentation 2022, 8(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8030131 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4647

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to examine the influence of supplementation with dried kratom leaf (DKTL) on the performance, hematology, and nitrogen balance in goats. Four 12-month-old male crossbred (Thai Native x Anglo Nubian) goats with an initial body weight (BW) [...] Read more.

The objectives of the present study were to examine the influence of supplementation with dried kratom leaf (DKTL) on the performance, hematology, and nitrogen balance in goats. Four 12-month-old male crossbred (Thai Native x Anglo Nubian) goats with an initial body weight (BW) of 24.63 ± 0.95 kg were allocated randomly to receive four different levels of DKTL using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The DKTL was added to a total mixed ration (TMR) diet with doses of 0, 2.22, 4.44, and 6.66 g/day to investigate the treatment’s efficacy. The DKTL was high in secondary metabolites, including mitragynine, total phenolics, total tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. There were quadratic effects on total DMI in terms of kg/day (p = 0.04), %BW (p = 0.05), and g/kg BW.75 (p = 0.02). DKTL increased apparent digestibility with quadratic effects (DM; p = 0.01, OM; p = 0.01, CP; p = 0.04, NDF; p = 0.01, and ADF; p = 0.01). The pH value was within the rumen’s normal pH range, whereas NH₃-N and BUN concentrations were lower with DKTL supplementation, and also reduced cholesterol (CHOL, p = 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.01). The protozoa population decreased linearly as DKTL levels increased (p < 0.01), whereas Fibrobacter succinogenes increased quadratically at 0 h (p = 0.02), and mean values increased linearly (p < 0.01). The average value of acetic acid (C2) and methane production (CH4) decreased linearly (p < 0.05) when DKLT was added to the diet, whereas the quantity of propionic acid (C3) increased linearly (p = 0.01). Our results indicate that DKTL could be a great alternative supplement for goat feed. We believe that DKTL could provide opportunities to assist the goat meat industry in fulfilling the demands of health-conscious consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

16 pages, 461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Green Manure Sunn Hemp Crop Silage Prepared with Additives: Aerobic Instability, Nitrogen Value, and In Vitro Rumen Methane Production

by Chatchai Kaewpila, Waroon Khota, Pongsatorn Gunun, Piyawit Kesorn, Thachawech Kimprasit, Chaweng Sarnklong and Anusorn Cherdthong

Fermentation 2022, 8(3), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8030104 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3005

Abstract

Sunn hemp (SH, Crotalaria juncea, L.) is a tropical multiple-purpose legume. The green manure SH (GMSH) crop might display protein ecology in sustaining ruminants; however, its silage features remain unclear. To efficiently prepare GMSH crop silage, additive treatments consisting of control (no [...] Read more.

Sunn hemp (SH, Crotalaria juncea, L.) is a tropical multiple-purpose legume. The green manure SH (GMSH) crop might display protein ecology in sustaining ruminants; however, its silage features remain unclear. To efficiently prepare GMSH crop silage, additive treatments consisting of control (no additive, CON), molasses (MO), Acremonium cellulase (AC), and Lactobacillus casei TH14 strain inoculant (TH14) were implemented using a completely randomized design. Repeated measurements were done after silage (AE conditions) in a small-scale silo system for 120 days and after aerobic instability (AE + AIS conditions). Briefly, ensiling loss and aerobic stability ranged from 150 to 175 g/kg and 8.3 to 104 days, respectively. In AE conditions, the pH ranged from 4.33 to 5.74, and MO or AC was desirable (p < 0.01) for lactic acid fermentation. AC reduced the fiber contents. MO increased soluble non-protein nitrogen by decreasing insoluble nitrogen. TH14 increased the ammonia nitrogen level and in vitro methane production. In AE + AIS conditions, AC led to more air damage to the chemical compositions and reduced digestibility in vitro. The results show that an optimization of additives could effectively modify GMSH crop silage to make it a good protein roughage source; however, more studies are required for effectively feeding ruminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Cereals and Legumes Processing on In Situ Rumen Protein Degradability: A Review

by Piera Iommelli, Fabio Zicarelli, Nadia Musco, Fiorella Sarubbi, Micaela Grossi, Daria Lotito, Pietro Lombardi, Federico Infascelli and Raffaella Tudisco

Fermentation 2022, 8(8), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8080363 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2423

Abstract

The determination of the ruminal degradability rate of feeds, mainly starch and crude protein, is one of the most common methods to evaluate the nutritional value of ruminant feed. The protein requirements for ruminants are met from microbial protein and undegraded dietary protein [...] Read more.

The determination of the ruminal degradability rate of feeds, mainly starch and crude protein, is one of the most common methods to evaluate the nutritional value of ruminant feed. The protein requirements for ruminants are met from microbial protein and undegraded dietary protein digested in the small intestine. In order to reach maximum productivity, high-quality proteins are needed, and the requirement for undegraded dietary protein increases with the performance of the animal. This protein can be supplied by reducing the ruminal degradation to increase the amount of protein digested post-rumen, but the form in which a feed is administered influences degradability, and grain processing, especially, is a common practice to improve feed efficiency. Despite these aspects, studies on the effects of feed processing methods on protein degradability are limited, even though more and more ruminants are fed with processed feeds. For these reasons, this review investigated the protein degradability of different processed cereals and legumes in ruminants based on the analysis of available literature in order to take stock of the state of the art on this topic. Results showed that: First, the majority of the papers are focused on the energy aspects mainly due to carbohydrate-rich feeds; second, the majority of the studies in the literature are quite old, probably because the changes occurred in the animal testing legislation that made in vivo studies more and more difficult in the last 20 years; third, as a consequence, the few data available in recent years concern in vitro experiments; fourth, we found a high variability of the experimental conditions thus affecting protein degradability and making it quite difficult to compare the different results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Rumen Fermentation Efficiency)

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