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Caradus JR, Chapman DF, Rowarth JS. Improving Human Diets and Welfare through Using Herbivore-Based Foods: 2. Environmental Consequences and Mitigations. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1353. [PMID: 38731357 PMCID: PMC11083977 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal-sourced foods are important for human nutrition and health, but they can have a negative impact on the environment. These impacts can result in land use tensions associated with population growth and the loss of native forests and wetlands during agricultural expansion. Increased greenhouse gas emissions, and high water use but poor water quality outcomes can also be associated. Life cycle analysis from cradle-to-distribution has shown that novel plant-based meat alternatives can have an environmental footprint lower than that of beef finished in feedlots, but higher than for beef raised on well-managed grazed pastures. However, several technologies and practices can be used to mitigate impacts. These include ensuring that grazing occurs when feed quality is high, the use of dietary additives, breeding of animals with higher growth rates and increased fecundity, rumen microbial manipulations through the use of vaccines, soil management to reduce nitrous oxide emission, management systems to improve carbon sequestration, improved nutrient use efficacy throughout the food chain, incorporating maize silage along with grasslands, use of cover crops, low-emission composting barns, covered manure storages, and direct injection of animal slurry into soil. The technologies and systems that help mitigate or actually provide solutions to the environmental impact are under constant refinement to enable ever-more efficient production systems to allow for the provision of animal-sourced foods to an ever-increasing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Caradus
- Grasslanz Technology Ltd., PB 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Jacqueline S. Rowarth
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Lincoln University, 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand;
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Kumar P, Abubakar AA, Verma AK, Umaraw P, Adewale Ahmed M, Mehta N, Nizam Hayat M, Kaka U, Sazili AQ. New insights in improving sustainability in meat production: opportunities and challenges. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:11830-11858. [PMID: 35821661 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2096562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Treating livestock as senseless production machines has led to rampant depletion of natural resources, enhanced greenhouse gas emissions, gross animal welfare violations, and other ethical issues. It has essentially instigated constant scrutiny of conventional meat production by various experts and scientists. Sustainably in the meat sector is a big challenge which requires a multifaced and holistic approach. Novel tools like digitalization of the farming system and livestock market, precision livestock farming, application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence to manage production and environmental impact/GHG emission, can help in attaining sustainability in this sector. Further, improving nutrient use efficiency and recycling in feed and animal production through integration with agroecology and industrial ecology, improving individual animal and herd health by ensuring proper biosecurity measures and selective breeding, and welfare by mitigating animal stress during production are also key elements in achieving sustainability in meat production. In addition, sustainability bears a direct relationship with various social dimensions of meat production efficiency such as non-market attributes, balance between demand and consumption, market and policy failures. The present review critically examines the various aspects that significantly impact the efficiency and sustainability of meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Abubakar Ahmed Abubakar
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Verma
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pramila Umaraw
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Muideen Adewale Ahmed
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nitin Mehta
- Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Muhammad Nizam Hayat
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ubedullah Kaka
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Awis Qurni Sazili
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Production and Biodiversity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Halal Products Research Institute, Putra Infoport, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Molle G, Gregorini P, Cabiddu A, Decandia M, Giovanetti V, Sitzia M, Dattena M, Porcu C, Pasciu V, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Berlinguer F, Cannas A. Does the timing of pasture allocation affect rumen and plasma metabolites and ghrelin, insulin and cortisol profile in dairy ewes? Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:969950. [PMID: 36204296 PMCID: PMC9530272 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.969950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A study was undertaken to assess the impact of the timing of grazing on rumen and plasma metabolites and some metabolic hormones in lactating dairy sheep allocated to an Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) pasture in spring for 4 h/d. Twenty-four mid lactation Sarda ewes stratified for milk yield, body weight, and body condition score, were divided into four homogeneous groups randomly allocated to the treatments (2 replicate groups per treatment). Treatments were morning (AM, from 08:00 to 12:00) and afternoon pasture allocation (PM, from 15:30 to 19:30). Samples of rumen liquor (day 39) and blood plasma (days 17 and 34 of the experimental period) were collected before and after the grazing sessions. Moreover, on days 11 and 35, grazing time was assessed by direct observation and herbage intake measured by the double weighing procedure. Grazing time was longer in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.001) but herbage intake was undifferentiated between groups. The intake of water-soluble carbohydrates at pasture was higher in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.05). The post-grazing propionic and butyric acid concentration, as measured on day 39, were higher in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.05). The basal level of glucose on day 34 and insulin (on both sampling days) were higher in PM than AM (P < 0.05). The opposite trend was detected for non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.05, day 34) and urea (both days). Pasture allocation in the afternoon rather than in the morning decreased plasma concentration of ghrelin (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.001), with a smoothed trend on day 34 in the latter variable. To conclude, postponing the pasture allocation to afternoon increased the intake of WSC, favoring a glucogenic pattern of rumen fermentation and a rise of glucose and insulin levels in blood, although these effects were not consistent across the whole experimental period. Moreover, the afternoon grazing decreased the level of cortisol and ghrelin, suggesting a higher satiation-relaxing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristian Porcu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fiammetta Berlinguer
| | - Antonello Cannas
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Pozo CA, Kozloski GV, Cuffia M, Repetto JL, Cajarville C. Changing the grazing session from morning to afternoon or including tannins in the diet was effective in decreasing the urinary nitrogen of dairy cows fed a total mixed ration and herbage. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:4987-5003. [PMID: 35450709 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate whether increasing soluble carbohydrates in the herbage by changing the time of the grazing session or including Acacia mearnsii tannin in the diet would affect intake, digestion, N partitioning, and productive performance of dairy cows fed a diet combining ryegrass herbage with partial total mixed ration (PMR). We hypothesized that both strategies could reduce the concentration of NH3-N in the rumen, reducing urinary N excretion. Nine Holstein cows were used in a triplicate 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 3 experimental periods of 22 d. The cows were fed a fixed amount of PMR [60% of the predicted individual dry matter intake (DMI)], and an unrestricted amount of herbage in 1 grazing session of 5 h/d. The treatments were (1) morning grazing session and afternoon PMR meal (AM); (2) morning PMR meal and afternoon grazing session (PM); and (3) morning grazing session and afternoon PMR meal supplemented with 15.0 g of tannins/kg of PMR dry matter (TAN). Milk production was not affected by treatments. Although the protein concentration was lower for TAN than for PM, no differences were detected for the yield of any component between treatments. The concentration of individual or grouped fatty acids in milk fat was not affected by treatments, except for 16:1 cis-9 and Δ9-desaturase ratios 14:1/14:0 and 16:1/16:0, which were lower for TAN. Treatments did not affect total DMI, but PM tended to increase herbage DMI and reduce dry matter and crude protein digestibilities. Treatments did not affect cow eating and ruminating behavior except for the proportion of time spent eating PMR, which was higher for PM and TAN. Although no relevant effects of treatments on ruminal fermentation, purine derivatives excretion in urine, or N excretion in milk were detected, both PM and TAN decreased the total N excreted in urine by an average of 8% compared with AM. In conclusion, changing the grazing session from the morning to the afternoon and including tannins in the diet were effective in decreasing the excretion of urinary N but did not change the productive performance of dairy cows fed PMR and ryegrass herbage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio A Pozo
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Gilberto V Kozloski
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Maira Cuffia
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza, 3080, Argentina
| | - José L Repetto
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Salud de Sistemas Productivos (IPAV), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, San José, 80100, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Cajarville
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Salud de Sistemas Productivos (IPAV), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, San José, 80100, Uruguay.
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Batalha CDA, Franklin de Souza Congio G, Chiavegato MB, Berndt A, Frighetto RTS, Santos FAP, Da Silva SC. Effect of timing of paddock allocation in tropical grass on performance, nitrogen excretion, and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13734. [PMID: 35537860 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of timing of paddock allocation (AM or PM) in tropical grass on nutritive value of the herbage, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen excretion, and enteric CH4 emissions of dairy cows. Twenty cows were grouped in pairs and randomly distributed within pair to one of two treatments. PM herbage had greater contents of dry matter (DM), soluble carbohydrates, starch, and nonfibrous carbohydrate to protein ratio and lower contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. There was no treatment effect on DMI, N excretion, milk yield, and CH4 emissions. However, milk protein and casein yields tended to be greater for PM than AM, while milk urea nitrogen concentration was lower for PM than AM. The increase in nutritive value of the afternoon relative to the morning herbage within the framework of this study was not large enough to increase DMI and milk yield or to decrease CH4 emission intensity by the dairy cows as hypothesized. The findings indicate that PM treatment can be a simple and useful grazing strategy that results in an herbage harvest with greater nutritional value and in lower excretion of urea N into milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Delveaux Araujo Batalha
- Animal Science Department, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Flávio Augusto Portela Santos
- Animal Science Department, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Sila Carneiro Da Silva
- Animal Science Department, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
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6
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The Effect of Frequency of Fresh Pasture Allocation on the Feeding Behaviour of High Production Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030243. [PMID: 35158567 PMCID: PMC8833787 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In pasture based systems dairy cows spend more than 50% of their time grazing and ruminating, thus these behaviours require a lot of time and energy. Understanding the impact of management factors such as pasture allocation frequency on animal feeding behaviour will assist with the development of systems that support natural and efficient animal feeding behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of frequency of fresh pasture allocation, three treatments offering fresh pasture every 12, 24 or 36 hours on the grazing and ruminating behaviours of high-yielding dairy cows. Animals displayed diurnal feeding patterns, irrespective of treatment, concentrating the majority of their grazing activity during the day (90%) and their ruminating activity during the night (73%). Peak grazing activity coincided with fresh pasture allocation in the 12 h and 24 h treatments. However, in the 36 h treatment peak grazing activity did not correspond with the allocation of fresh pasture and grazing was more evenly distributed over each 24 h period, indicating the animals’ inability to anticipate feed. Increased competition for resources in the 12 h treatment likely resulted in the greater grazing and ruminating times exhibited by primiparous animals, indicating greater overall energy expenditure on feeding behaviour. Abstract For ruminants, grazing and ruminating activities are essential in nutrient capture and ultimately animal performance however these activities can demand significant time and energy. This study evaluated the effect of three different pasture allocation frequencies (PAF’s; 12, 24 and 36 h) on the feeding behaviour of grazing dairy cows. Eighty-seven spring calving dairy cows were divided into three treatments. Animals were rotationally grazed with fixed paddock sizes of 0.14 ha, 0.28 ha and 0.42 ha paddocks for the 12 h, 24 h and 36 h treatments, respectively. Animals (14 per treatment) were fitted with behaviour halters that monitored feeding activity. Diurnal feeding patterns were evident for all animals irrespective of PAF, concentrating the majority of grazing during daytime (90%) and ruminating activity during night (73%). Treatment significantly affected feeding behavior patterns. Peak grazing activity coincided with fresh pasture allocation in the 12 h and 24 h treatments. In the 36 h treatment, grazing was more evenly distributed over each 24 h period with peak grazing activity witnessed daily between 17:00 and 19:00 regardless of fresh pasture allocation, suggesting lack of anticipation of fresh feed delivery. In the 12 h treatment primiparous animals exhibited greater grazing and ruminating activity relative to multiparous animals in the 12 h treatment highlighting the impact of competition for resources within each feed on lower dominance animals.
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7
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Ayers A, Ziegler SE, Darby HM, Bosworth S, Alvez JP, Colby J, Kraft J, Greenwood SL. Assessment of dietary protein supplementation on milk productivity of commercial organic dairy farms during the grazing season. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1099-1114. [PMID: 34799110 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Variability of protein and energy supply from pasture during the grazing season is a primary factor that can influence milk production of grazing organic dairy herds in the Northeast United States. This study evaluated the effects of altering the crude protein (CP) content of dietary supplements included in dairy rations fed to grazing organic dairy herds, on milk production and composition. Six commercial organic farms participated in a 6-wk trial, consisting of a 2-wk baseline period and 4-wk experimental period. Farms were paired by their summer 2017 milk urea nitrogen profile, and farms within each pair were assigned by restricted randomization to (1) continuation of their regular supplements (n = 3, control group, CON), or (2) supplement with altered CP as percentage of dry matter, formulated using an organic barley and roasted soybean mix (n = 3, treatment group, TRT). Throughout the 6-wk trial, individual milk samples were collected at 2 consecutive milkings weekly, while pasture and supplement samples, pasture measurements, and management information were collected twice weekly per farm. Data were statistically analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.) for all parameters, and effects of treatment, week, and their interaction (treatment × week) were determined. The supplement CP (percentage of dry matter) during the baseline period was 13.5% for CON and 15.3% for TRT and 14.8% for CON and 19.3% for TRT during the experimental period. Milk production was 21% higher during the experimental period for TRT compared with CON (24.1 vs. 19.9 kg of milk per day, respectively). Milk production decreased for CON from wk 1 to wk 6 (23.6 vs. 20.4 kg of milk per day), whereas TRT maintained milked production from wk 1 to wk 6 (22.8 vs. 22.7 kg of milk per day). Milk composition was different between groups, with CON having higher fat percent (4.21 vs. 3.73%, respectively) and protein percent (3.15 vs. 3.05%, respectively) compared with TRT for the 6 wk. The milk urea nitrogen concentrations were similar between TRT and CON for the baseline period (11.9 vs. 12.1 mg/dL) and the final week of the experimental period (14.5 vs. 14.2 mg/dL). Although the effects of different diet CP fractions, particularly rumen undegradable protein and soluble protein, must be further delineated, these results indicate that altering the CP content of dietary supplements fed to grazing organic dairy cattle during the summer period in the Northeast US could be a useful mechanism to maintain milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ayers
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
| | - S E Ziegler
- University of Vermont Extension, University of Vermont, St. Albans 05478
| | - H M Darby
- University of Vermont Extension, University of Vermont, St. Albans 05478
| | - S Bosworth
- University of Vermont Extension, University of Vermont, St. Albans 05478
| | - J P Alvez
- Center for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
| | - J Colby
- Center for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
| | - J Kraft
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
| | - S L Greenwood
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405.
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Moorby JM, Fraser MD. Review: New feeds and new feeding systems in intensive and semi-intensive forage-fed ruminant livestock systems. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100297. [PMID: 34312094 PMCID: PMC8664714 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The contributions that ruminant livestock make to greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions are well documented and of considerable policy and public concern. At the same time, livestock production continues to play an important role in providing nutrient-rich foodstuffs for many people, particularly in less developed countries. They also offer a means by which plants that cannot be digested by humans, e.g. grass, can be converted into human-edible protein. In this review, we consider opportunities to improve nutrient capture by ruminant livestock through new feeds and feeding systems concentrating on intensive and semi-intensive systems, which we define as those in which animals are given diets that are designed and managed to be used as efficiently as possible. We consider alternative metrics for quantifying efficiency, taking into account resource use at a range of scales. Mechanisms for improving the performance and efficiencies of both individual animals and production systems are highlighted. We then go on to map these to potential changes in feeds and feeding systems. Particular attention is given to improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing enteric methane production. There is significant potential for the use of home-grown crops or novel feedstuffs such as insects and macroalgae to act as alternative sources of key amino acids and reduce reliance on unsustainably grown soybeans. We conclude by highlighting the extent to which climate change could impact forage-based livestock production and the need to begin work on developing appropriate adaptation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Moorby
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth SY23 3EE, UK.
| | - M D Fraser
- Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre, Aberystwyth University, Cwmystwyth, Aberystwyth SY23 4AB, UK
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Rivero MJ, Keim JP, Balocchi OA, Lee MR. In Vitro Fermentation Patterns and Methane Output of Perennial Ryegrass Differing in Water-Soluble Carbohydrate and Nitrogen Concentrations. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061076. [PMID: 32580459 PMCID: PMC7341224 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Globally, the livestock sector is responsible for 37% of total anthropogenic methane emissions, most of which are produced from enteric fermentation of ruminants. Livestock is also responsible for 65% anthropogenic nitrous oxide and 64% of anthropogenic ammonia emissions. The literature reports several dietary management options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants, and potentially improve productivity. However, strategies that aim to reduce the emissions of one specific greenhouse gas can have side effects (increase) on other pollutant gases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of two types of perennial ryegrass (PRG) pastures differing in their concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC, high (HS) and low (LS)) on the in vitro nitrogen use efficiency in the rumen and on methane emissions. The greater WSC and lower crude protein (CP) concentrations of high sugar pastures modified in vitro rumen fermentation, tending to increase total volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, reduce acetate:propionate ratio and methane (CH4) concentration, and improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency through lower rumen ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentrations. In vivo studies with cattle are required to confirm the potential of these measures to increase the sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of grazing livestock production systems. Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of perennial ryegrass (PRG) forages differing in their concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein (CP), and collected in spring and autumn, on in vitro rumen fermentation variables, nitrogen (N) metabolism indicators and methane (CH4) output, using a batch culture system. Two contrasting PRG pastures, sampled both in autumn and spring, were used: high (HS) and low (LS) sugar pastures with WSC concentrations of 322 and 343 g/kg for HS (autumn and spring), and 224 and 293 g/kg for LS in autumn and spring, respectively. Duplicates were incubated for 24 h with rumen inocula in three different days (blocks). Headspace gas pressure was measured at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, and 24 h, and CH4 concentration was determined. The supernatants were analysed for individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations, and NH3-N. The solid residue was analysed for total N and neutral detergent insoluble N. Another set of duplicates was incubated for 4 h for VFA and NH3-N determination. The HS produced more gas (218 vs. 204 mL/g OM), tended to increase total VFA production (52.0 mM vs. 49.5 mM at 24 h), reduced the acetate:propionate ratio (2.52 vs. 3.20 at 4 h and 2.85 vs. 3.19 at 24 h) and CH4 production relative to total gas production (15.6 vs. 16.8 mL/100 mL) and, improved N use efficiency (22.1 vs. 20.9). The contrasting chemical composition modified in vitro rumen fermentation tending to increase total VFA production, reduce the acetate:propionate ratio and CH4 concentration, and improve N use efficiency through lower rumen NH3-N.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Jordana Rivero
- Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Rudecindo Ortega 02950, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK;
| | - Juan P. Keim
- Animal Production Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Independencia 641, Valdivia 5090000, Los Ríos, Chile;
- Correspondence:
| | - Oscar A. Balocchi
- Animal Production Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Independencia 641, Valdivia 5090000, Los Ríos, Chile;
| | - Michael R.F. Lee
- Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK;
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
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Beltran IE, Gregorini P, Daza J, Balocchi OA, Morales A, Pulido RG. Diurnal Concentration of Urinary Nitrogen and Rumen Ammonia Are Modified by Timing and Mass of Herbage Allocation. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110961. [PMID: 31766132 PMCID: PMC6912627 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Low nitrogen use efficiency in grazing dairy cows leads to high urinary N excretion, which contributes to greenhouse gases emission. This problem has been associated with high N and low energy intake, increasing rumen ammonia (NH3) concentration, and thereby, increasing urinary N excretion. Under this situation, it is important to discover nutritional and grazing management strategies that allow reduced urine N excretion in the pasture. This study evaluated whether changes in time of herbage allocation and herbage mass modify the diurnal pattern of urinary nitrogen (N) concentration and ruminal NH3 of lactating dairy cows. We found that the combination of time of herbage allocation and herbage mass modified rumen NH3 production and urinary N concentration. Results suggest that maintaining cows in the holding pen at the milking parlor for two hours after morning and afternoon milking could allow collection of urine from cows in the slurry pit during peak N concentration, returning cows to the pasture at a time of day when urinary N concentration is decreased. Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate whether changes in time of herbage allocation and herbage mass (HM) (low (L) or medium (M)) modify the diurnal pattern of urinary nitrogen (N) concentration and ruminal ammonia (NH3) of lactating dairy cows. Four Holstein-Friesian cows fitted with rumen cannula were randomly allocated to one of four treatments: 1) low herbage mass in the morning (L-AM) (Access to new herbage allocation after morning milking with a herbage mass (HM) of 2000 kg DM/ha); 2) low herbage mass in the afternoon (L-PM) (Access to new herbage allocation after afternoon milking with a HM of 2000 kg DM/ha); 3) medium herbage mass in the morning (M-AM) (Access to new herbage allocation after morning milking with a HM of 3000 kg DM/ha); and 4) medium herbage mass in the afternoon (M-PM) (Access to new herbage allocation after afternoon milking with a HM of 3000 kg DM/ha). A four by four Latin Square design with four treatments, four cows, and four experimental periods was used to evaluate treatment effects. Rumen NH3 concentration was greater for L-AM compared to L-PM and M-PM at 13:00 and 16:00 h. Urine urea and N concentrations were lower for M-AM compared to L-AM. Urine N concentration was greater for L-AM than other treatments at 10:00 hours and greater for M-PM compared to M-AM at 16:00 hours. Results suggest that maintaining the cows in the holding pen at the milking parlor for two hours after morning grass silage supplementation for L-AM and for two hours after afternoon grass silage supplementation for M-PM, could allow collection of urine from cows at the holding pen and storage of urine in the slurry pit during the time of peak N concentration, returning cows to the pasture at a time of day when urinary N concentration is decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio E. Beltran
- Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile;
- Institute for Agricultural Research, Remehue Research Centre, PO Box 24-0, Osorno, Chile
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Department of Agricultural Science, Lincoln University, PO Box 7647, Lincoln, New Zealand;
| | - José Daza
- Animal Production Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile; (J.D.); (O.A.B.)
| | - Oscar A. Balocchi
- Animal Production Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile; (J.D.); (O.A.B.)
| | - Alvaro Morales
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile;
| | - Ruben G. Pulido
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile;
- Correspondence:
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Congio GFS, Chiavegato MB, Batalha CDA, Oliveira PPA, Maxwell TMR, Gregorini P, Da Silva SC. Strategic grazing management and nitrous oxide fluxes from pasture soils in tropical dairy systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 676:493-500. [PMID: 31055205 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Greenhouse gases emissions are considered one of the most important environmental issues of dairy farming systems. Nitrous oxide (N2O) has particular importance owing to its global warming potential and stratospheric ozone depletion. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of two rotational grazing strategies characterized by two pre-grazing targets (95% and maximum canopy light interception; LI95% and LIMax, respectively) on milk production efficiency and N2O fluxes from soil in a tropical dairy farming system based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Cameroon). Results indicated that LI95% pre-grazing target provided more frequent defoliations than LIMax. Water-filled pore space, soil and chamber temperatures were affected by sampling periods (P1 and P2). There was a significant pre-grazing target treatment × sampling period interaction effect on soil NH4+ concentration, which was most likely associated with urinary-N discharge. During P1, there was a greater urinary-N discharge for LI95% than LIMax (26.3 vs. 20.9 kg of urinary-N/paddock) caused by higher stocking rate, which resulted in greater N2O fluxes for LI95%. Inversely, during P2, the soil NH4+ and N2O fluxes were greater for LIMax than LI95%. During this period, the greater urinary-N discharge (46.8 vs. 44.8 kg of urinary-N/paddock) was likely associated with longer stocking period for LIMax relative to LI95%, since both treatments had similar stocking rate. Converting hourly N2O fluxes to daily basis and relating to milk production efficiency, LI95% was 40% more efficient than LIMax (0.34 vs. 0.57 g N-N2O/kg milk·ha). In addition, LI95% pre-grazing target decreased urea-N loading per milk production by 34%. Strategic grazing management represented by the LI95% pre-grazing target allows for intensification of tropical pasture-based dairy systems, enhanced milk production efficiency and decreased N-N2O emission intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilhermo F S Congio
- Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marília B Chiavegato
- Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Camila D A Batalha
- Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Thomas M R Maxwell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Sila C Da Silva
- Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Beltrán IE, Gregorini P, Morales A, Balocchi OA, Pulido RG. Interaction between herbage mass and time of herbage allocation modifies milk production, grazing behaviour and nitrogen partitioning of dairy cows. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an18183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the interaction effects between herbage mass and time of herbage allocation on milk production, grazing behaviour and nitrogen partitioning in lactating dairy cows. Forty-four Holstein Friesian cows were grouped according to milk production (24.7 ± 2.8 kg), bodyweight (580.6 ± 51.7 kg), days in milk (74 ± 17.1) and body condition score (3.1 ± 0.3), and then assigned randomly to one of four treatments: (1) L-AM: access to new herbage allocation after morning milking with herbage mass of 2000 kg DM/ha, (2) L-PM: access to new herbage allocation after afternoon milking with herbage mass of 2000 kg DM/ha, (3) M-AM: access to new herbage allocation after morning milking with herbage mass of 3000 kg DM/ha, and (4) M-PM: access to new herbage allocation after afternoon milking with herbage mass of 3000 kg DM/ha. All cows received a daily low herbage allowance of 21 kg DM measured above ground level, 3.0 kg DM of grass silage and 3.5 kg DM of concentrate. Herbage intake was similar between treatments, averaging 8.3 kg DM/day (P > 0.05). Total grazing time was lower for M-PM compared with other treatments (P < 0.01). Milk production was greater for M-AM and M-PM compared with L-PM (P < 0.05). Urea in milk and plasma were greater for L-AM than L-PM and M-PM (P < 0.01). Similarly, rumen ammonia was greater for L-AM compared with M-PM and M-AM (P < 0.05). Nitrogen intake was 13.6% greater for L-AM than L-PM, and 17.5% greater for L-AM than M-PM (P < 0.05). Nitrogen use efficiency was 22.1% greater for M-PM than L-AM, and 11.8% greater for M-PM than L-PM (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the best management combination was observed when a medium herbage mass was delivered in the afternoon, maintaining a low nitrogen intake, low urinary nitrogen excretion and high milk production.
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HAYGERT-VELHO IONEM, CONCEIÇÃO GABRIELMDA, COSMAM LUIZC, ALESSIO DILETAR, BUSANELLO MARCOS, SIPPERT MICHELIR, DAMIANI CÁSSIA, ALMEIDA ANAPAULAA, VELHO JOÃOPEDRO. Multivariate analysis relating milk production, milk composition, and seasons of the year. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 90:3839-3852. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820180345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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