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Ma J, Fan X, Sun G, Yin F, Zhou G, Zhao Z, Gan S. Replacing alfalfa hay with amaranth hay: effects on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant ability in dairy cow. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:218-227. [PMID: 37946438 PMCID: PMC10766491 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to explore the effects of dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant ability in dairy cows. METHODS A total of 45 healthy Holstein cows with same parity and similar milk yield and body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups: control diet without amaranth hay (CON) or 50% and 100% alfalfa hay replaced by an equal amount of amaranth hay (dry matter basis, AH1 and AH2, respectively). All the cows were fed regularly 3 times a day at 06:30, 14:30, and 22:30 and had free access to water. The experiment lasted for 60 d. RESULTS The dry matter intake of CON and AH1 groups was higher (p<0.05) than that of AH2 group. Compared with AH1 group, the milk yield of AH2 group was reduced (p<0.05). Moreover, dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay increased (p<0.05) milk fat, ammonia nitrogen and acetate concentrations. However, the crude protein digestibility of AH2 group was lower (p<0.05) than that of CON group, while an opposite tendency of serum urea nitrogen was found between two groups. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of AH1 group was increased (p<0.05) when compared to AH2 group. Amaranth hay treatment increased (p<0.05) the serum concentration of glutathione peroxidase in dairy cows. Compared with CON group, the malonaldehyde activity of AH1 group was decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Dietary replacing alfalfa hay with amaranth hay (50% ratio) in dairy cows did not affect production performance but improved their antioxidant ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088,
China
| | - Xue Fan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070,
China
| | - Guoqing Sun
- Modern Animal Husbandry (Hefei) Co. Ltd., Hefei 230000,
China
| | - Fuquan Yin
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088,
China
| | - Guangxian Zhou
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088,
China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088,
China
| | - Shangquan Gan
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088,
China
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Grodkowski G, Gołębiewski M, Slósarz J, Sakowski T, Puppel K. Comparison between the Behavior of Low-Yield Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows under Barn and Pasture Feeding Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101697. [PMID: 37238127 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cow pasturing poses many logistical and nutritional problems. Animals have more difficulty accessing pasture feed and require more time to consume the equivalent amount of dry matter compared to total mixed ration (TMR) feed from a feed table. The study was conducted during August 2016-October 2017 on 64 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 54 Brown Swiss (BS) cows. All animals were equipped with CowManager sensor devices, and the cows' behaviors were recorded: time spent on feed intake, rumination, physical activity, and rest. In winter, cows were mainly fed hay, while in summer, they took forage from the pasture or freshly cut forage provided in the barn. The study showed that the time of day had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on the cows' feeding behaviors. The study also showed behavioral differences between HF and BS breeds. HF cows, regardless of the location and type of feed provided, spent more time on feed intake and chewed less compared to the BS breed. These differences were observable in all studied lactation groups. Animals were most willing to take forage two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset and showed an increased willingness to take feed immediately after leaving the milking parlor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Grodkowski
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Gołębiewski
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Slósarz
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sakowski
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, Jastrzębiec, Postępu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Kamila Puppel
- Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
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Salvati GGS, Santos WP, Silveira JM, Gritti VC, Arthur BAV, Salvo PAR, Fachin L, Ribeiro AP, Morais Júnior NN, Ferraretto LF, Daniel JLP, Beauchemin KA, Santos FAP, Nussio LG. Effect of kernel processing and particle size of whole-plant corn silage with vitreous endosperm on dairy cow performance. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1794-1810. [PMID: 33309382 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Kernel processing and theoretical length of cut (TLOC) of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) can affect feed intake, digestibility, and performance of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate for lactating dairy cows the effects of kernel processing and TLOC of WPCS with vitreous endosperm. The treatments were a pull-type forage harvester without kernel processor set for a 6-mm TLOC (PT6) and a self-propelled forage harvester with kernel processor set for a 6-mm TLOC (SP6), 12-mm TLOC (SP12), and 18-mm TLOC (SP18). Processing scores of the WPCS were 32.1% (PT6), 53.9% (SP6), 49.0% (SP12), and 40.1% (SP18). Twenty-four Holstein cows (139 ± 63 d in milk) were blocked and assigned to six 4 × 4 Latin squares with 24-d periods (18 d of adaptation). Diets were formulated to contain 48.5% WPCS, 15.5% citrus pulp, 15.0% dry ground corn, 9.5% soybean meal, 6.8% low rumen degradability soybean meal, 1.8% calcium soap of palm fatty acids (FA), 1.7% mineral and vitamin mix, and 1% urea (dry matter basis). Nutrient composition of the diets (% of dry matter) was 16.5% crude protein, 28.9% neutral detergent fiber, and 25.4% starch. Three orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatments: effect of kernel processing (PT6 vs. SP6) and effect of TLOC (particle size; SP6 vs. SP12 and SP12 vs. SP18). Cows fed SP6 produced 1.2 kg/d greater milk yield with no changes in dry matter intake, resulting in greater feed efficiency compared with PT6. Cows fed SP6 also produced more milk protein (+36 g/d), lactose (+61 g/d), and total solids (+94 g/d) than cows fed PT6. The mechanism for increased yield of milk and milk components involved greater kernel fragmentation, starch digestibility, and glucose availability for lactose synthesis by the mammary gland. However, cows fed SP6 had lower chewing time and tended to have greater levels of serum amyloid A compared with PT6. Milk yield was similar for SP6 and SP12, but SP12 cows tended to have less serum amyloid A with greater chewing time. Cows fed SP18 had lower total-tract starch digestibility and tended to have lower plasma glucose and produce less milk compared with cows fed SP12. Compared with PT6, feeding SP6 raised linear odd-chain FA concentration in milk. Similarly, a reduction of these same FA occurred for SP12 compared with SP6. Cows fed SP6 had greater proportion of milk C14:1 and C16:1 compared with PT6 and SP12. Lesser trans C18:1 followed by greater C18:0 concentrations were observed for SP12 and PT6 compared with SP6, which is an indication of more complete biohydrogenation in the rumen. Under the conditions of this study, the use of a self-propelled forage harvester with kernel processing set for a 12-mm TLOC is recommended for WPCS from hybrids with vitreous endosperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G S Salvati
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - W P Santos
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - J M Silveira
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - V C Gritti
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - B A V Arthur
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - P A R Salvo
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - L Fachin
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - A P Ribeiro
- Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Itapina Campus, Colatina, ES 29717-000, Brazil
| | - N N Morais Júnior
- Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Itapina Campus, Colatina, ES 29717-000, Brazil
| | - L F Ferraretto
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53718
| | - J L P Daniel
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020900, Brazil
| | - K A Beauchemin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1J 4B1
| | - F A P Santos
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - L G Nussio
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - University of São Paulo Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
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Effect of feeding hay vs. silages of various types to dairy cows on feed intake, milk composition and coagulation properties. J DAIRY RES 2020; 87:334-340. [PMID: 32900394 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029920000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This research paper addresses the hypotheses (1) that milk produced from hay-fed cows differs from that of silage-fed cows and (2) that silage type has an important impact, too. Four diets differing in forage type but with equal estimated milk production potential and a forage:concentrate ratio of 0.85 : 0.15 were compared regarding their effect on feed intake, milk yield and milk properties. The forages tested were hay, grass silage, conventional short-chopped and long-chopped maize silage subjected to a novel processing technology (Shredlage®). Twenty-four dairy cows were fed two of the four diets in two consecutive runs in an incomplete (4 × 2) Latin-square design (n = 12 per diet). Each experimental period lasted 22 d, with 12 d of adaptation and 10 d of sampling. During sampling, feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily, milk composition and coagulation properties were determined four times. The composition of the diet ingredients was analysed weekly. Data were analysed with a mixed model considering feed, period and their interaction as fixed effects. Stage of lactation, milk yield and milk composition from the pre-experimental period were used as covariates in the model. Dry matter intake was lower with the long-chopped processed maize silage compared to the other three groups. There were some diet differences in intakes of net energy for lactation and absorbable protein in the duodenum, but this did not result in changes in milk yield. The milk fat content was higher with the grassland-based diets compared to the maize silage diets. No treatment effect on milk acidity and rennet coagulation properties was observed. In conclusion, there were no indications for specific physico-chemical properties of milk from a hay-based diet, and maize processing technology was not of large effect either. Future investigations should focus on sensory differentiation of the milk produced with different forages.
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The Ruminal Microbiome and Metabolome Alterations Associated with Diet-Induced Milk Fat Depression in Dairy Cows. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9070154. [PMID: 31340604 PMCID: PMC6680951 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9070154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk fat depression (MFD) syndrome represents a significant drawback to the dairy industry. The aim of this study was to unravel the ruminal metabolome-microbiome interaction in response to diet-induced MFD in dairy cows. Twelve healthy second parity Holstein dairy cows (days in milk (DIM) = 119 ± 14) were randomly assigned into control (CON, n = 6) group and treatment (TR, n = 6) group. Cows in TR group received a high-starch total mixed ration (TMR) designed to induce an MFD syndrome. Decreased milk fat yield and concentration in TR cows displayed the successful development of MFD syndrome. TR diet increased the relative abundance of Prevotella and decreased the relative abundance of unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Oribacterium, unclassified Veillonellaceae and Pseudobutyrivibrio in ruminal fluid. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the ruminal fluid content of glucose, amino acids and amines were significantly increased in TR cows compared with CON cows. Correlation analysis revealed that the concentration of amines and amino acids were highly correlated with the abundance of Oribacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio, RC9_gut_group, unclassified BS11_gut_group and Selenomonas. In general, these findings revealed that TR diet reduced the rumination time and altered rumen fermentation type, which led to changes in the composition of ruminal microbiota and metabolites, and caused MFD.
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Tao Q, Chen Y, Zhao J, Li B, Li Y, Tao S, Li M, Li Q, Xu Q, Li Y, Li H, Li B, Chen Y, Wang C. Enhanced Cd removal from aqueous solution by biologically modified biochar derived from digestion residue of corn straw silage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 674:213-222. [PMID: 31004898 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biologically modified biochars derived from digestion residue of corn straw silage at different pyrolysis temperature (300-700 °C) were prepared for removing Cd from water. Compared with the pristine biochar derived from corn straw (CB), transabdominal transformation of corn straw silage (TCB) significantly increased surface area (4.24-56.58 m2 g-1), oxygen-containing functional group (COC, MgO, SiO) and mineral components (CaCO3, KCl). The sorption isotherms could be well described by Langmuir model, the kinetic data was best fitted by the Pseudo second order model. The maximum sorption capacity (Qm) obtained from Langmuir model for TCB700 (175.44 mg g-1) was 3 times of CB700 (56.82 mg g-1). Precipitation with minerals, ion exchange and complexation with oxygen-containing functional groups were the main mechanisms of Cd(II) sorption on TCB. These results imply that biologically modified biochar derived from digestion residue of corn straw silage at ≥600 °C is an effective sorbent for Cd removal from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tao
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Junwen Zhao
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bing Li
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuhao Li
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shiyi Tao
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qiquan Li
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yiding Li
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huanxiu Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bin Li
- China National Tobacco Corporation Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yulan Chen
- Liangshan Branch of Sichuan Provincial Tobacco Company, Xichang 615000, Sichuan, China
| | - Changquan Wang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Sun S, Hou Z, Dai Q, Wu D. Effects of the Forage Type and Chop Length of Ramie Silage on the Composition of Ruminal Microbiota in Black Goats. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E177. [PMID: 31003497 PMCID: PMC6523289 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the forage type and chop length of ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.) silage on rumen fermentation and ruminal microbiota in black goats. Sixteen Liuyang black goats (22.35 ± 2.16 kg) were fed with the roughage of corn silage or ramie silage at chop lengths of 1, 2, or 3 cm. The Chao 1 index and the observed number of microbial species differed significantly between the corn and ramie silage groups (p < 0.05); however, Firmicutes (relative proportion: 34.99-56.68%), Bacteroidetes (27.41-47.73%), and Proteobacteria (1.44-3.92%) were the predominant phyla in both groups. The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia (0.32-0.82%) was lowest for the 2 and 3 cm chop lengths (p < 0.05) and was negatively correlated with rumen pH and propionic acid concentration (p < 0.05), but positively correlated with the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.05). The ramie silage fermentation quality was highest for the 1 cm chop length, suggesting that moderate chopping produces optimal quality silage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Sun
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Zhenping Hou
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Qiuzhong Dai
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Duanqin Wu
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China.
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8
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Spetter MJ, Ramiro FA, Della Rosa MM, Maglietti CS, Depetris JG, Santini FJ, Raimondi JP, Roig JM, Pavan E. Brown-midrib corn silage in finishing steer diet: effects on animal performance, in vivo digestibility and ruminal kinetics disappearance. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an17585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lower lignin content in brown-midrib corn silage (BMRCS) than in conventional corn silage results in greater digestibility and dry-matter intake. Despite this advantage, the use of BMRCS has not been widely evaluated in beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of BMRCS chopped at 22-mm as the main component (79% DM basis) for finishing steer diet on digestion, animal performance and ruminal kinetics disappearance. In a first trial, 56 Angus and crossbred steers (339 ± 18 kg initial bodyweight) were divided into 14 pens that were randomly assigned to one of the following two treatments: BMR total mixed ration (BMRT) or conventional total mixed ration. Data were analysed under a completely randomised design using pen as the experimental unit (n = 7). In a second trial, BMRCS and conventional corn silage were incubated (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 72 and 120 h) in the rumen of three ruminally cannulated cows. Data were analysed under a completely randomised block (cow) design. The inclusion of BMRCS in 79% corn silage diet for finishing steers improved total diet neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility, but did not improve DM digestibility. While there was no significant improvement in animal performance, carcass yield was improved in BMRT. Future studies are needed to evaluate the improvement of carcass weight in steers fed BMRT.
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Ferraretto L, Shaver R, Luck B. Silage review: Recent advances and future technologies for whole-plant and fractionated corn silage harvesting. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3937-3951. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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White RR, Hall MB, Firkins JL, Kononoff PJ. Physically adjusted neutral detergent fiber system for lactating dairy cow rations. II: Development of feeding recommendations. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9569-9584. [PMID: 28987583 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to leverage equations derived in a meta-analysis into an ensemble modeling system for estimating dietary physical and chemical characteristics required to maintain desired rumen conditions in lactating dairy cattle. Given the availability of data, responsiveness of ruminal pH to animal behaviors, and the chemical composition and physical form of the diet, mean ruminal pH was chosen as the primary rumen environment indicator. Physically effective fiber (peNDF) is defined as the fraction of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) that stimulates chewing activity and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen. The peNDF of feedstuffs is typically estimated by multiplying the NDF content by a particle size measure, resulting in an estimated index of effectiveness. We hypothesized that the utility of peNDF could be expanded and improved by dissociating NDF and particle size and considering other dietary factors, all integrated into a physically adjusted fiber system that can be used to estimate minimum particle sizes of TMR and diet compositions needed to maintain ruminal pH targets. Particle size measures of TMR were limited to those found with the Penn State particle separator (PSPS). Starting with specific diet characteristics, the system employed an ensemble of models that were integrated using a variable mixture of experts approach to generate more robust recommendations for the percentage of dietary DM material that should be retained on the 8-mm sieve of a PSPS. Additional continuous variables also integrated in the physically adjusted fiber system include the proportion of material (dry matter basis) retained on the 19- and 8-mm sieves of the PSPS, estimated mean particle size, the dietary concentrations of forage, forage NDF, starch, and NDF, and ruminally degraded starch and NDF. The system was able to predict that the minimum proportion of material (dry matter basis) retained on the 8-mm sieve should increase with decreasing forage NDF or dietary NDF. Additionally, the minimum proportion of dry matter material on the 8-mm sieve should increase with increasing dietary starch. Results of this study agreed with described interrelationships between the chemical and physical form of diets fed to dairy cows and quantified the links between NDF intake, diet particle size, and ruminal pH. Feeding recommendations can be interpolated from tables and figures included in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin R White
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24060
| | | | - Jeffrey L Firkins
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - Paul J Kononoff
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908.
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A meta-analysis and meta-regression of the impact of particle size, level, source and preservation method of forages on chewing behavior and ruminal fermentation in dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Cook D, Bender R, Shinners K, Combs D. The effects of calcium hydroxide–treated whole-plant and fractionated corn silage on intake, digestion, and lactation performance in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5385-5393. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Nasrollahi S, Imani M, Zebeli Q. A meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of forage particle size, level, source, and preservation method on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and performance in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:8926-39. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Allen
- Department of Animal Science; Michigan State University; East Lansing Michigan
| | - James G. Coors
- Department of Agronomy; University of Wisconsin; Madison Wisconsin
| | - Gregory W. Roth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences; Pennsylvania State University; University Park Pennsylvania
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Khan NA, Yu P, Ali M, Cone JW, Hendriks WH. Nutritive value of maize silage in relation to dairy cow performance and milk quality. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2015; 95:238-252. [PMID: 24752455 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Maize silage has become the major forage component in the ration of dairy cows over the last few decades. This review provides information on the mean content and variability in chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and ensiling quality of maize silages, and discusses the major factors which cause these variations. In addition, the effect of the broad range in chemical composition of maize silages on the total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows is quantified and discussed. Finally, the optimum inclusion level of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows for milk production and composition is reviewed. The data showed that the nutritive value of maize silages is highly variable and that most of this variation is caused by large differences in maturity at harvest. Maize silages ensiled at a very early stage (dry matter (DM) < 250 g kg(-1)) were particularly low in starch content and starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio, and resulted in a lower DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content. The DMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled at DM contents of 300-350 g kg(-1), and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg(-1). The increases in milk (R(2) = 0.599) and protein (R(2) = 0.605) yields with maturity of maize silages were positively related to the increase in starch/NDF ratio of the maize silages. On average, the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage-based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d(-1), milk yield by 1.9 kg d(-1) and milk protein content by 1.2 g kg(-1). Further comparisons showed that, in terms of milk and milk constituent yields, the optimum grass/maize silage ratio depends on the quality of both the grass and maize silages. Replacement of grass silage with maize silage in the ration, as well as an increasing maturity of the maize silages, altered the milk FA profile of the dairy cows, notably, the concentration of the cis-unsaturated FAs, C18:3n-3 and n-3/n-6 ratio decreased in milk fat. Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield. Harvesting maize silages at a DM content between 300 and 350 g kg(-1) and feeding in combination with grass silage results in a higher milk yield of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazir A Khan
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700, AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan; Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
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Ferreira G, Alfonso M, Depino S, Alessandri E. Effect of planting density on nutritional quality of green-chopped corn for silage. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5918-21. [PMID: 24952777 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this on-farm study was to determine the effect of corn planting density on the nutritional quality of whole-plant corn for silage. This study was performed in a commercial 1,900-cow dairy farm located in Piedritas (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Two commercial hybrids (A and B) were planted in experimental plots within a cornfield destined for corn silage. Hybrids were sown at a theoretical seeding rate of 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, and 90,000 seeds/ha in 4 replicates per hybrid. Plots were eight 50-m-long rows separated by 52cm. Corn was planted with a no-till seeder equipped with a pneumatic dosing machine. Ten plants within each plot were cut by hand at 15cm above ground. Whole plants were chopped, weighed, mixed thoroughly, and frozen until analysis. Nutritional composition was determined by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Harvesting occurred at one-quarter milk-line [31.4% dry matter (DM)] and one-half milk-line (34.5% DM) stages of maturity for hybrids B and A, respectively. No interactions between hybrid and planting density were observed for any of the variables of interest. Planting density did not affect either plant DM weight or DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, or starch concentrations of whole-plant corn. Dry matter yield was significantly increased at higher planting densities. The similar per-plant biomass and nutritional quality among different densities can be explained by the abundant precipitation observed during this growing season (719mm since the beginning of fallow until harvest). In conclusion, greater yields of silage can be obtained by increasing corn planting density without affecting its nutritional composition, although the effect of planting density with limiting resources (e.g., precipitation) still needs to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ferreira
- CREA Lincoln, Asociación Argentina de Consorcios Regionales de Experimentación Agrícola, Sarmiento 1236, (1041) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mauro Alfonso
- Forratec Argentina SA, Acceso Elguea Román 1158 (6740), Chacabuco, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Depino
- Forratec Argentina SA, Acceso Elguea Román 1158 (6740), Chacabuco, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Alessandri
- Forratec Argentina SA, Acceso Elguea Román 1158 (6740), Chacabuco, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Fredin S, Ferraretto L, Akins M, Hoffman P, Shaver R. Fecal starch as an indicator of total-tract starch digestibility by lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:1862-71. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Weckerly FW. Conspecific body weight, food intake, and rumination time affect food processing and forage behavior. J Mammal 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-066.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Ferraretto L, Crump P, Shaver R. Effect of cereal grain type and corn grain harvesting and processing methods on intake, digestion, and milk production by dairy cows through a meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:533-50. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Effect of Corn Shredlage on lactation performance and total tract starch digestibility by dairy cows. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Schadt I, Ferguson J, Azzaro G, Petriglieri R, Caccamo M, Van Soest P, Licitra G. How do dairy cows chew?—Particle size analysis of selected feeds with different particle length distributions and of respective ingested bolus particles. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:4707-20. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-5118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Colombini S, Galassi G, Crovetto G, Rapetti L. Milk production, nitrogen balance, and fiber digestibility prediction of corn, whole plant grain sorghum, and forage sorghum silages in the dairy cow. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:4457-67. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Meta-analysis: Effect of corn silage harvest practices on intake, digestion, and milk production by dairy cows. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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HARA S, TANIGAWA T. Effects of length of cut and mechanical processing on utilization of corn silage harvested at the black line stage of maturity by lactating dairy cows. Anim Sci J 2010; 81:187-93. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2009.00719.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Performance, chewing activity, and ruminal parameters in yearling beef steers fed early-harvested sorghum silage: Effect of chop length and wheat straw addition. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Kowsar R, Ghorbani G, Alikhani M, Khorvash M, Nikkhah A. Corn Silage Partially Replacing Short Alfalfa Hay to Optimize Forage Use in Total Mixed Rations for Lactating Cows. J Dairy Sci 2008; 91:4755-64. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zebeli Q, Dijkstra J, Tafaj M, Steingass H, Ametaj BN, Drochner W. Modeling the adequacy of dietary fiber in dairy cows based on the responses of ruminal pH and milk fat production to composition of the diet. J Dairy Sci 2008; 91:2046-66. [PMID: 18420634 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2007-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to develop practical models to assess and predict the adequacy of dietary fiber in high-yielding dairy cows. We used quantitative methods to analyze relevant research data and critically evaluate and determine the responses of ruminal pH and production performance to different variables including physical, chemical, and starch-degrading characteristics of the diet. Further, extensive data were used to model the magnitude of ruminal pH fluctuations and determine the threshold for the development of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Results of this study showed that to minimize the risk of SARA, the following events should be avoided: 1) a daily mean ruminal pH lower than 6.16, and 2) a time period in which ruminal pH is <5.8 for more than 5.24 h/d. As the content of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) or the ratio between peNDF and rumen-degradable starch from grains in the diet increased up to 31.2 +/- 1.6% [dry matter (DM) basis] or 1.45 +/- 0.22, respectively, so did the daily mean ruminal pH, for which a asymptotic plateau was reached at a pH of 6.20 to 6.27. This study also showed that digestibility of fiber in the total tract depends on ruminal pH and outflow rate of digesta from reticulorumen; thereby both variables explained 62% of the variation of fiber digestibility. Feeding diets with peNDF content up to 31.9 +/- 1.97% (DM basis) slightly decreased DM intake and actual milk yield; however, 3.5% fat-corrected milk and milk fat yield were increased, resulting in greater milk energy efficiency. In conclusion, a level of about 30 to 33% peNDF in the diet may be considered generally optimal for minimizing the risk of SARA without impairing important production responses in high-yielding dairy cows. In terms of improvement of the accuracy to assessing dietary fiber adequacy, it is suggested that the content of peNDF required to stabilize ruminal pH and maintain milk fat content without compromising milk energy efficiency can be arranged based on grain or starch sources included in the diet, on feed intake level, and on days in milk of the cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zebeli
- Institute of Animal Nutrition (450), University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 10, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Guillaumie S, Goffner D, Barbier O, Martinant JP, Pichon M, Barrière Y. Expression of cell wall related genes in basal and ear internodes of silking brown-midrib-3, caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) down-regulated, and normal maize plants. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2008; 8:71. [PMID: 18582385 PMCID: PMC2453129 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-8-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silage maize is a major forage and energy resource for cattle feeding, and several studies have shown that lignin content and structure are the determining factors in forage maize feeding value. In maize, four natural brown-midrib mutants have modified lignin content, lignin structure and cell wall digestibility. The greatest lignin reduction and the highest cell wall digestibility were observed in the brown-midrib-3 (bm3) mutant, which is disrupted in the caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene. RESULTS Expression of cell wall related genes was investigated in basal and ear internodes of normal, COMT antisens (AS225), and bm3 maize plants of the INRA F2 line. A cell wall macro-array was developed with 651 gene specific tags of genes specifically involved in cell wall biogenesis. When comparing basal (older lignifying) and ear (younger lignifying) internodes of the normal line, all genes known to be involved in constitutive monolignol biosynthesis had a higher expression in younger ear internodes. The expression of the COMT gene was heavily reduced, especially in the younger lignifying tissues of the ear internode. Despite the fact that AS225 transgene expression was driven only in sclerenchyma tissues, COMT expression was also heavily reduced in AS225 ear and basal internodes. COMT disruption or down-regulation led to differential expressions of a few lignin pathway genes, which were all over-expressed, except for a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene. More unexpectedly, several transcription factor genes, cell signaling genes, transport and detoxification genes, genes involved in cell wall carbohydrate metabolism and genes encoding cell wall proteins, were differentially expressed, and mostly over-expressed, in COMT-deficient plants. CONCLUSION Differential gene expressions in COMT-deficient plants highlighted a probable disturbance in cell wall assembly. In addition, the gene expressions suggested modified chronology of the different events leading to cell expansion and lignification with consequences far beyond the phenylpropanoid metabolism. The reduced availability of monolignols and S units in bm3 or AS225 plants led to plants also differing in cell wall carbohydrate, and probably protein, composition. Thus, the deficiency in a key-enzyme of the lignin pathway had correlative effects on the whole cell wall metabolism. Furthermore, the observed differential expression between bm3 and normal plants indicated the possible involvement in the maize lignin pathway of genes which up until now have not been considered to play this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Guillaumie
- INRA, Unité de Génétique et d'Amélioration des Plantes Fourragères, BP6, F-86600 Lusignan, France
- UPS CNRS UMR 5546, Chemin de Borde Rouge, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Deborah Goffner
- UPS CNRS UMR 5546, Chemin de Borde Rouge, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Odile Barbier
- UPS CNRS UMR 5546, Chemin de Borde Rouge, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Magalie Pichon
- UPS CNRS UMR 5546, Chemin de Borde Rouge, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Yves Barrière
- INRA, Unité de Génétique et d'Amélioration des Plantes Fourragères, BP6, F-86600 Lusignan, France
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Tafaj M, Zebeli Q, Baes C, Steingass H, Drochner W. A meta-analysis examining effects of particle size of total mixed rations on intake, rumen digestion and milk production in high-yielding dairy cows in early lactation. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Jouany JP. Optimizing rumen functions in the close-up transition period and early lactation to drive dry matter intake and energy balance in cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2006; 96:250-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Yang WZ, Beauchemin KA. Physically effective fiber: method of determination and effects on chewing, ruminal acidosis, and digestion by dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2006; 89:2618-33. [PMID: 16772582 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(06)72339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content of dairy cow diets containing corn silage as the sole forage on intake, chewing, ruminal pH, microbial protein synthesis, digestibility, and milk production. A second objective was to compare current methods of measuring peNDF to determine the most suitable approach for use in ration formulation. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square using 6 lactating dairy cows with ruminal cannulas. Diets varied in peNDF content (high, medium, and low) by altering the particle length of corn silage. The physical effectiveness factors (pef) and peNDF contents of the corn silage and diets were determined based on the original (19- and 8-mm sieves) and new Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS; 19-, 8-, and 1.18-mm sieves). A dry-sieving technique that measures the proportion of particles retained on a 1.18-mm sieve was also used. The new PSPS and the 1.18-mm sieve produced similar estimates of pef and peNDF of diets but gave higher values than the original PSPS. There was a much smaller range in pef of corn silage when 3 sieves, rather than 2, were used with the PSPS (range of 0.93 to 0.96 vs. 0.41 to 0.72, respectively). Consequently, increased forage particle length in the diets increased dietary peNDF content and its intake when using the original PSPS; however, the new PSPS and the 1.18-mm sieve failed to detect changes in dietary peNDF and peNDF intake. The peNDF values estimated based on fractional NDF rather than the total NDF content were higher, but the ranking of diets was not changed. Increased intake of peNDF linearly increased digestibility of CP and tended to linearly increase digestibility of fiber in the total tract. As a result, milk yield tended to linearly increase with no effect on milk composition. Ruminal microbial protein synthesis and microbial efficiency were higher with the medium peNDF than with the high or low peNDF diets. Total chewing time and ruminating time were linearly increased with increasing dietary peNDF, whereas influence of dietary peNDF on ruminal pH and fermentation was minimal. This study showed that increasing peNDF content of diets improved fiber digestion. Of the systems used to measure peNDF, the original PSPS provided a good description of dietary particle length and its effects on chewing time and rumen pH, whereas the new PSPS provided a more consistent chewing index, the ratio of total chewing activity to peNDF, across diets varying in chop length of corn silage.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Z Yang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
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Zebeli Q, Tafaj M, Steingass H, Metzler B, Drochner W. Effects of physically effective fiber on digestive processes and milk fat content in early lactating dairy cows fed total mixed rations. J Dairy Sci 2006; 89:651-68. [PMID: 16428635 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(06)72129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Data from recent research studies were analyzed quantitatively, and the random effect of experiment was assessed to define the physiological responses of dairy cows in early lactation to intake of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF). All studies were conducted with lactating Holstein cows (84.8 +/- 3.54 days in milk) in Latin square designs, and feeds were offered ad libitum as total mixed rations (TMR). The peNDF was estimated by 2 measurement techniques, the NDF content of TMR multiplied by amount of dry matter (DM) retained on a 1.18-mm screen (peNDF(> 1.18)) and NDF content of TMR multiplied by the proportion of DM retained by 19- and 8-mm Penn State Particle Separator screens (peNDF(> 8)). Other factors, including concentrations of NDF, forage NDF, non-fiber carbohydrates, the amount of digestible organic matter of forages (FDOM), and the intake of ruminally degradable starch (RDSI) from grain in the diet were also investigated. The studied animal response variables included feed intake, ruminal fermentation, chewing activity, fiber digestibility, and milk production and composition. The ruminal pH (day mean) in this study ranged from 5.30 to 6.59. Using peNDF(> 1.18) approach, the requirements for physically effective fiber in high-yielding dairy cows fed TMR in an ad libitum intake were estimated to be about 19% of ration DM or 4.1 kg/d or 0.6 kg/100 kg of body weight to maintain a ruminal pH of about 6.0. When peNDF was measured as peNDF(> 8), ruminal pH responded in a quadratic fashion but the confidence of estimation was lower (R(2) = 0.27) compared with the peNDF(> 1.18) approach (R(2) = 0.67). Results of these data analyses showed that peNDF(> 1.18) provided a satisfactory estimation of the mean ruminal pH (R(2) = 0.67) and NDF digestibility (R(2) = 0.56). Furthermore, peNDF(> 1.18) was poorly, although positively, correlated to daily chewing (R(2) = 0.17), and rumination (R(2) = 0.24) activity. On the other hand, results from these analyses showed that milk parameters are less sensitive to the effects of dietary peNDF than other variables, such as ruminal pH, chewing activity, and fiber digestibility. Dietary FDOM correlated positively (moderately) to ruminal pH (R(2) = 0.24), daily chewing (R(2) = 0.23), and rumination (R(2) = 0.29) activity, whereas the daily RDSI from grain correlated negatively to ruminal pH (R(2) = 0.55) and positively to total volatile fatty acids (R(2) = 0.27). Inclusion of FDOM and RDSI from grain along with peNDF(> 1.18) in the models that predict rumen pH further improved the accuracy of prediction. This approach appeared to further complement the concept of peNDF that does not account for differences in ruminal fermentability of feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zebeli
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Nutrition (450), Emil-Wolff-Str. 10, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Beauchemin KA, Yang WZ. Effects of physically effective fiber on intake, chewing activity, and ruminal acidosis for dairy cows fed diets based on corn silage. J Dairy Sci 2006; 88:2117-29. [PMID: 15905442 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the effects of physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets containing corn silage as the sole forage type on feed intake, meal patterns, chewing activity, and rumen pH. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square using 6 lactating dairy cows with ruminal cannulas. Diets were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content (high, medium, and low) by altering corn silage particle length. The physical effectiveness factors for the long (original), medium (rechopped once), and fine (rechopped twice) silages were determined using the Penn State Particle Separator and were 0.84, 0.73, and 0.67, respectively. The peNDF contents of the diets were 11.5, 10.3, and 8.9%, for the high, medium, and low diets, respectively. Increased forage particle length increased intake of peNDF but did not affect intake of DM or NDF. Number of chews (chews/d) and chewing time, including eating and ruminating time, were linearly increased with increasing dietary peNDF. Meal patterns were generally similar for all treatments, except that number of meals was quadratically increased with increasing dietary peNDF. Mean ruminal pH, area between the curve and a horizontal line at pH 5.8 or 5.5, and time that pH was below 5.8 or 5.5 were not affected by peNDF content. Dietary peNDF content was moderately correlated to number of chews during eating (r = 0.41) and to total chewing time (r = 0.37). The present study demonstrates that increasing the peNDF content of diets increased chewing time, but increased chewing time did not necessarily reduce ruminal acidosis. Models that predict rumen pH should include both peNDF and fermentable OM intake. Dietary particle size, expressed as peNDF, was a reliable indicator of chewing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Beauchemin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada.
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Ferreira G, Mertens DR. Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Corn Silages and Their Effects on In Vitro Disappearance. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:4414-25. [PMID: 16291633 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)73128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estimating the available energy in corn silage provides a unique challenge because the silage contains variable proportions of grain and stover, each of which can differ in availability due to chemical composition and physical form. The objectives of this study were to investigate relationships among chemical components and their relationships with in vitro disappearance of ground and unground dried silages, and to quantify minimally fragmented starch in corn silage and investigate its impact and that of mean particle size (MPS) on in vitro disappearance of unground silages. Thirty-two corn silages were selected to provide diversity in dry matter, protein, fiber, and MPS. Detergent fibers were highly correlated with each other and with nonfiber carbohydrates, and were used to develop prediction equations between these constituents. Sieves with apertures > or =4.75 mm were used to isolate intact kernels and large kernel fragments, which were collected and analyzed to measure minimally fragmented starch (Starch>4.75). Dividing Starch>4.75 by total starch defined the proportion of minimally fragmented starch (Starch>4.75/Total), which ranged from 9 to 100% with a mean of 52%. Starch>4.75/Total was positively correlated with MPS (r = 0.46). The inverse of Starch>4.75/Total is an index of kernel fragmentation. Silages were prepared as whole material or ground to pass through a 4- or 1-mm screen of a cutter mill. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) was greater for ground than for whole samples (71.7 and 61.2%, respectively). Increased IVDMD for ground samples was attributed to greater in vitro neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and neutral detergent solubles (NDS) disappearances. The IVDMD of ground samples was related to NDF and acid detergent lignin (R2 = 0.80). The IVDMD of whole corn silage was related to acid detergent lignin, Starch>4.75, MPS, and dry matter. When IVDMD was partitioned into in vitro digestible NDS (IVdNDS) and in vitro digestible NDF, the IVdNDS of whole was not uniform or completely fermented. The difference in IVdNDS between ground and whole was related to Starch>4.75/Total. In conclusion, the proportion of minimally fragmented starch provides a corn silage fragmentation index that is related to the in vitro digestion of whole silages that, if validated by in vivo trials, may be a useful quantitative substitute for the qualitative processing adjustment factor that is used currently in summative equations for estimating the total digestible nutrients of corn silages.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ferreira
- Dairy Science Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53706, USA.
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Soita HW, Fehr M, Christensen DA, Mutsvangwa T. Effects of Corn Silage Particle Length and Forage:Concentrate Ratio on Milk Fatty Acid Composition in Dairy Cows Fed Supplemental Flaxseed. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:2813-9. [PMID: 16027195 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of length of chop of corn silage and forage:concentrate ratio (F:C) on performance and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cows supplemented with flaxseed. Our hypothesis was that decreasing forage particle length and F:C ratio would increase unsaturated fatty acid flow to the small intestine and subsequent transfer of these unsaturated fatty acids into milk. Eight Holstein cows (648.1 +/- 71.5 kg body weight; 109.6 +/-43.6 days in milk) were used in a replicated 4 x4 Latin square design with 21-d periods and a 2 x2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Dietary factors were: 1) F:C ratios (dry matter basis) of 55:45 and 45:55; and 2) corn silage particle lengths of 9.52 and 19.05 mm. All experimental cows received 1 kg of flaxseed to substitute for 1 kg of a rolled barley grain-based concentrate daily. Diets were fed twice daily as a total mixed ration. Corn silage particle length and F:C ratio had no effect on dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk composition; however, feeding short cut corn silage depressed milk protein yield. Significant particle size xF:C ratio interactions were observed for milk fat proportions of C(16:0), C(18:1) cis-9, and C(18:2) cis-9, trans-11 (a conjugated linoleic acid isomer). At short corn silage particle size, decreasing F:C ratio depressed milk fat proportion of C(16:0). Conversely, feeding short corn silage at high F:C ratio increased the proportion of C(18:1) cis-9 and C(18:2) cis-9, trans-11 in milk fat. The milk fat proportion of C(18:2) trans-10, cis-12, a conjugated linoleic acid isomer that is associated with milk fat depression, was not affected by dietary treatment. Our results show that corn silage particle length and F:C ratio influence milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cows fed supplemental flaxseed as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Soita
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada S7N 5A8
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Yang WZ, Beauchemin KA. Effects of Physically Effective Fiber on Digestion and Milk Production by Dairy Cows Fed Diets Based on Corn Silage. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:1090-8. [PMID: 15738243 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Effects of physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets on nutrient intakes, site and extent of digestion, microbial protein synthesis and milk production were evaluated in a double 3 x 3 Latin square design using 6 lactating dairy cows with ruminal and duodenal cannulas. During each of 3 periods, cows were offered 1 of 3 diets that were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content (high, medium, and low) by altering corn silage particle length. The peNDF contents were determined using the Penn State Particle Separator and were 11.5, 10.3, and 8.9%, for the high, medium, and low diets, respectively, and the physical effectiveness factors for the long, medium, and fine silages were 84.1, 72.6, and 67.2%, respectively. Increased forage particle length increased intake of peNDF but did not affect intakes of nutrients including dry matter, NDF, starch, and nitrogen. Except for starch, apparent digestibilities of nutrients in the total tract were linearly increased with increasing dietary peNDF. Fiber digestion was affected by dietary peNDF to a greater extent than were the other nutrients. However, increased digestibility due to increased dietary peNDF did not significantly improve milk production or milk composition. Increased dietary peNDF also increased numerically rumen microbial protein synthesis due to increased amount of organic matter fermented in the rumen. These results indicate that increasing the peNDF content of a corn silage based diet improves digestibility, especially digestibility of fiber, in the total tract. Dietary particle size, expressed as peNDF, is positively associated with nutrient digestibility when level of peNDF in the diet is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Z Yang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
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Seymour W, Campbell D, Johnson Z. Relationships between rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations and milk production in dairy cows: a literature study. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cooke KM, Bernard JK. Effect of Length of Cut and Kernel Processing on Use of Corn Silage by Lactating Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:310-6. [PMID: 15591394 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72689-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Forty Holstein cows were used in an 8-wk randomized block design trial to determine the effects of theoretical length of cut (TLC) and kernel processing (KP) of whole plant corn silage on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition. Corn was harvested at three-quarters milk line stage of maturity at TLC of 1.90 or 2.54 cm. At each TLC, corn was KP at either 2 or 8 mm roll clearance. The control was harvested at 1.90 cm without KP. Corn silage provided 38% of the dietary dry matter (DM) in the experimental diets. Intake of DM and nutrients was similar among treatments. Apparent digestibility of DM and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased with increasing TLC. Fiber digestibility was improved by KP compared with unprocessed corn silage. Starch digestibility was greater for corn silage KP at 2 vs. 8 mm. Apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, and ADF was lowest for the diet containing silage harvested at 2.54 cm TLC and KP at 8 mm, resulting in an interaction of TLC and KP. No differences were observed in DM intake (DMI) among treatments. An interaction of TLC and KP was observed, however, for yield of milk protein and energy-corrected milk (ECM) and efficiency of converting DMI to ECM because of lower yield for diets containing silage harvested at 2.54 cm TLC and KP at 8 mm. Results of this trial indicate that as TLC increases, aggressive KP is necessary to maintain nutrient digestibility and performance of lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Cooke
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, The University of Georgia, Tifton, 31793-0748, USA
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Fernandez I, Nozière P, Michalet-Doreau B. Site and extent of starch digestion of whole-plant maize silages differing in maturity stage and chop length, in dairy cows. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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40
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Ebling TL, Kung L. A Comparison of Processed Conventional Corn Silage to Unprocessed and Processed Brown Midrib Corn Silage on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production by Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2004; 87:2519-26. [PMID: 15328275 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(04)73376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of mechanical processing and type of hybrid on the nutritive value of corn silage for lactating cows. Treatments were brown midrib (BMR) corn silage that was unprocessed (U-BMR), BMR corn silage that was processed (P-BMR), and a conventional corn silage that was processed (P-7511). All silages were harvested at a theoretical chop length of 19 mm. The chemical compositions of the silages were similar among treatments except that BMR silages were lower in lignin and higher in protein than P-7511. Brown midrib silages had greater 30-h in situ and in vitro NDF digestion than did P-7511, and processing had no effect on 30-h in situ and in vitro fiber digestion, but it increased in situ starch digestion after 3 and 12 h of incubation. Both processed silages had a smaller proportion of particles >1.91 cm and fewer whole corn kernels compared with unprocessed silage. Lactating cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of 42% of each silage type, 40% concentrate, 10% alfalfa silage, and 8% alfalfa hay (DM basis). Cows fed TMR containing P-BMR ate more DM and produced more milk than cows fed P-7511. At feeding, the TMR containing U-BMR had a larger proportion of particles >1.91 cm when compared with the TMR of cows fed processed silages, and after 24 h the difference was even greater, indicating that cows fed unprocessed corn silage sorted more. Cows fed TMR with P-7511 and P-BMR had greater total tract digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and starch compared with cows fed U-BMR. In vivo digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was greatest for cows fed P-BMR when compared with the other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Ebling
- Delaware Agricultural Experimental Station Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark 19716-2150, USA
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Fernandez I, Martin C, Champion M, Michalet-Doreau B. Effect of Corn Hybrid and Chop Length of Whole-Plant Corn Silage on Digestion and Intake by Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2004; 87:1298-309. [PMID: 15290977 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(04)73279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this experiment were to study the effects of corn hybrid and chop length of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) on intake, and to quantify ruminal digestive processes that could help to identify factors limiting dry matter intake (DMI). Eight lactating cows and 4 dry cows fitted with a ruminal cannula were randomly assigned to 4 treatments in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with replications for lactating cows and without for ruminally cannulated cows. Treatments were fed in a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 75% WPCS and 25% concentrate. The 4 WPCS differed in the characteristics of 2 conventional hybrids, less degradable vs. more degradable in the rumen and in the chop length, fine vs. coarse. The DMI was measured for all cows, and digestion measurements and chewing activities were recorded with the cannulated cows. With lactating cows, DMI and milk yield varied with corn hybrids but not with chop length. The less degradable hybrid in the rumen was the less ingested. Dry matter intake of dry ears followed the same trend, but the differences between hybrids were lower than that observed with the lactating cows and not significant. Dry matter digestibility in the total tract and rumen fill were not different between hybrids. Ruminal mean retention time was greater for the least degradable hybrid. The rumen fill capacity could explain intake differences between hybrids. Ingestive mastication strongly reduced particle size, and the efficiency of particle size reduction was more important with the coarsely chopped WPCS than the finely chopped ones. The small differences in particle size of material entering the rumen after mastication of WPCS during eating might explain the lack of response for decreasing chop length. Because the rumen fill decreased with the decrease in chop length, rumen fill could not be the only factor responsible for DMI control of WPCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fernandez
- URH-DVA, INRA-Theix, St Genès Champanelle, France
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Kononoff PJ, Heinrichs AJ, Lehman HA. The effect of corn silage particle size on eating behavior, chewing activities, and rumen fermentation in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2003; 86:3343-53. [PMID: 14594254 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)73937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate effects of reducing corn silage particle size on eating behavior, chewing activity, and rumen fermentation in lactating dairy cows. Four cannulated, multiparous cows averaging 110 +/- 4 d in milk and weighing 675 +/- 70 kg were randomly assigned to a 4 x 4 Latin square. During each of four 14-d periods, animals were offered one of four diets that were chemically similar but varied in corn silage particle size: short (SH), mostly short (MSH), mostly long (MLG), and long (LG), with a geometric mean particle length of 7.4, 7.8, 8.3, and 8.8 mm, respectively. Reducing particle size increased dry matter intake (DMI) linearly (28.0, 26.8, 26.8, and 25.7 kg/d for SH, MSH, MLG, and LG respectively). At 8, 16, and 24 h postfeeding, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration of feed remaining in the bunk decreased linearly with reduced particle size. Time spent eating or ruminating was not different across treatments; however, total chewing activity (TC; sum of time spent eating and ruminating) exhibited a quadratic response with highest chewing activities observed for diets with shortest and longest particle size. Eating or ruminating time per kilogram of DMI was not affected by corn silage particle size, but TC per kilogram of DMI decreased linearly with decreasing particle size. In comparison, when expressed as minutes per unit of NDF intake (NDFI), ruminating, and TC were linearly reduced as particle size decreased. Rumen pH was not affected by corn silage particle size even though total concentration of volatile fatty acids increased linearly from 89.1 mM/L to 93.6 mM/L as diet particle size decreased. A quadratic effect was observed in molar proportion of acetate and propionate with the highest concentration observed in animals consuming diets of intermediate particle size. Results of this experiment suggest that reducing corn silage particle size may increase DMI, positively affect rumen fermentation, and reduce sorting behavior. Because both chewing activity and sorting tendencies increased when proportion of TMR particles > 19.0 mm increased, results suggest that particle size measurement as estimated by the PSPS is useful in understanding some factors that affect feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kononoff
- Department of Dairy and Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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43
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Ouellet DR, Lapierre H, Chiquette J. Effects of Corn Silage Processing and Amino Acid Supplementation on the Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2003; 86:3675-84. [PMID: 14672198 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)73973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of crop processing and amino acid supplementation on dairy cow performance. Corn silage processed (PCS) or unprocessed (UCS) was used as the main forage (45% of dry matter, DM) in a total mixed ration (TMR). Each TMR was either supplemented (AA) or not (AAO) with ruminally protected amino acids (lysine, 3 g/d and methionine, 14 g/d). Thirty-two (551 kg) Holstein cows were randomly assigned to four treatments: PCS-AA, PCS-AA0, UCS-AA, and UCS-AA0 in a 2 x 2 factorial structure. Between wk 7 and 17 of lactation, cows were fed ad libitum TMR comprising 45% of corn silage plus 1 kg of grass hay once a day. The UCS presented better fermentation characteristics than PCS. Dry matter intake (DMI) of the TMR was not affected by treatment and averaged 22.7 kg/d. Energy-corrected milk (ECM) production was 9% higher with UCS than with PCS (33.1 vs. 30.1 kg/d). Milk efficiency was therefore 6% higher with UCS than with PCS (1.43 vs. 1.35 kg ECM/kg of DMI). The concentration of major milk constituents (fat, protein, lactose, urea) was not affected by treatments. Apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, N, starch, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were similar among treatments. The effective ruminal degradability of DM, starch, and protein, however, was greater with PCS than with UCS. Amino acid supplementation had no effect on milk production nor on milk constituents, whether it was used with processed corn silage or with unprocessed corn silage. These data indicate that feeding UCS resulted in a greater milk production compared with PCS. The numerically higher DMI, a potentially greater intestinal digestion of starch or the better conservation of UCS could have contributed to the greater milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Ouellet
- Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lennoxville, Canada.
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44
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Schwab EC, Shaver RD, Lauer JG, Coors JG. Estimating silage energy value and milk yield to rank corn hybrids. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0377-8401(03)00210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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45
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Onetti SG, Shaver RD, Bertics SJ, Grummer RR. Influence of Corn Silage Particle Length on the Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Supplemental Tallow. J Dairy Sci 2003; 86:2949-57. [PMID: 14507031 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)73892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if the length of chop of processed corn silage influences the impact of supplemental fat on rumen fermentation and performance of dairy cows. We hypothesized that increasing forage particle length may alleviate the interference of fat on rumen fermentation. Sixteen Holstein cows averaging 120 d in milk were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial with 0 or 2% tallow (dry matter basis), and corn silage harvested at either 19 or 32 mm theoretical length of cut. The forage:concentrate ratio was 50:50, and diets were formulated to contain 18% crude protein and 32% neutral detergent fiber (dry matter basis). Cows were allowed ad libitum consumption of diets that were fed twice daily as a total mixed ration. Fat supplemented cows had lower dry matter intake and produced less milk fat relative to nonsupplemented cows. No effect of corn silage particle length was observed for dry matter intake and milk fat production. Proportion of trans-10 C18:1 and of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid was highest in milk fat of cows fed 2% supplemental tallow. Rumen pH was not affected by feeding tallow, and tended to be highest for cows eating the 32-mm theoretical length of chop corn silage diets. No effect of treatments was observed for rumen acetate-to-propionate ratio or rumen ammonia concentration. In this study, tallow supplementation had a negative impact on performance of dairy cows regardless of the corn silage particle length. Feeding tallow increased formation of trans-fatty acids in the rumen in the absence of significant changes in the rumen environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Onetti
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706-1284, USA
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46
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Kononoff PJ, Heinrichs AJ. The effect of corn silage particle size and cottonseed hulls on cows in early lactation. J Dairy Sci 2003; 86:2438-51. [PMID: 12906062 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)73838-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of reducing forage particle length (FPL) and the inclusion of cottonseed hulls (CSH) on intake, digestibility, chewing activity, and milk production of cows in early lactation. Sixteen multiparous cows averaging 17 +/- 3 d in milk and 677 +/- 58 kg BW were assigned to one of four 4 x 4 Latin squares. One square contained ruminally cannulated cows to evaluate effects of treatment on rumen fermentation and function. During each of the 23-d periods, cows were offered one of four total mixed rations that differed in particle length (long or short corn silage) and CSH inclusion rate (0 or 8% DM). Dietary treatments were: long no CSH (LGNH), long with CSH (LGH), short no CSH (SHNH), and short with CSH (SHH). Total physically effective NDF content, measured as percentage of NDF greater than 1.18 mm, was similar across diets, but mean particle length decreased with reducing FPL and inclusion of CSH. Dry matter intake was not significantly affected by FPL but was significantly increased with the inclusion of CSH. Decreasing FPL and the inclusion of CSH significantly increased neutral detergent fiber intake. Total chewing activity expressed as minutes per day was unaffected by FPL and the inclusion of CSH. Both eating and ruminating efficiency expressed as minutes per kilogram of neutral detergent fiber intake increased with increasing FPL and decreased with the inclusion of CSH. Milk production did not differ across treatments, but the inclusion of CSH significantly increased percent and yield of milk protein. Reducing FPL tended to reduce percentage milk fat but not yield. Mean ruminal pH was not affected by FPL but was highest on diets containing CSH, even though no treatment effects were observed on total VFA, acetate, or propionate concentration. These resuits indicate that corn silage FPL is a poor predictor of total chewing time and rumen pH but is useful in understanding factors affecting feeding behavior. In addition, the inclusion of CSH, resulted in increased rumination and mean rumen pH even though effects on VFA concentration were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kononoff
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Dairy and Animal Science, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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