Effects of Chickpea in Substitution of Soybean Meal on Milk Production, Blood Profile and Reproductive Response of Primiparous Buffaloes in Early Lactation

Replacing maize silage with hydroponic barley forage in lactating water buffalo diet: impact on milk yield and composition, water and energy footprint, and economics

This study investigated the feasibility of integrating hydroponic barley forage (HBF) production into dairy ruminant production, focusing on its effect on milk yield and components, energy and water footprints, and economic implications. Maize silage (MS) was used as a benchmark for comparison. The research was conducted on a water buffalo dairy farm equipped with a fully automated hydroponic system producing approximately 6,000 kg/d of HBF as fed (up 1,000 kg/d on DM basis). Thirty-three lactating water buffaloes were assigned to 3 dietary treatments based on the level of MS or HBF in the diet: D0 (100% MS), D50 (50% MS and 50% HBF), and D100 (100% HBF). The feeding trial lasted 5 weeks plus a 2-week adaptation period during which each cow underwent a weighing, BCS scoring, recording of milk yield and components, including somatic cell count and coagulation characteristics. Based on the data obtained from the in vivo study, the water and energy footprints for the production of MS and HBF and buffalo milk, as well as income over feed cost, were evaluated. Complete replacement of MS with HBF resulted in a slight increase in milk yield without significant impact on milk component. The resource footprint analysis showed potential benefits associated with HBF in terms of water consumption. However, the energy footprint assessment showed that the energy ratio of HBF was less than 1 (0.88) compared with 11.89 for MS. This affected the energy efficiency of milk yield in the 3 diets, with the D50 diet showing poorer performance due to similar milk yield compared with D0, but higher energy costs due to the inclusion of HBF. The production cost of HBF was about 4 times higher than that of farm-produced MS, making feed costs for milk yield more expensive. Nevertheless, HBF can potentially improve income over feed costs if it increases milk yield enough to offset its higher production costs. Overall, the results suggest that the current practice of using HBF to replace high quality feedstuffs as concentrates is likely to result in energy and economic losses.

Identification and validation of putative biomarkers by in silico analysis, mRNA expression and oxidative stress indicators for negative energy balance in buffaloes during transition period

OBJECTIVE

Transition period is considered from 3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized with dramatic events (endocrine, metabolic, and physiological) leading to occurrence of production diseases (negative energy balance/ketosis, milk fever etc). The objectives of our study were to analyze the periodic concentration of serum beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), glucose and oxidative markers along with identification, and validation of the putative markers of negative energy balance in buffaloes using in-silico and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay.

METHODS

Out of 20 potential markers of ketosis identified by in-silico analysis, two were selected and analyzed by qRT-PCR technique (upregulated; acetyl serotonin o-methyl transferase like and down regulated; guanylate cyclase activator 1B). Additional two sets of genes (carnitine palmotyl transferase A; upregulated and Insulin growth factor; downregulated) that have a role of hepatic fatty acid oxidation to maintain energy demands via gluconeogenesis were also validated. Extracted cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) from the blood of the buffaloes were used for validation of selected genes via qRTPCR. Concentrations of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers were identified with their respective optimized protocols.

RESULTS

The analysis of qRT-PCR gave similar trends as shown by in-silico analysis throughout the transition period. Significant changes (p<0.05) in the levels of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers throughout this period were observed. This study provides validation from in-silico and qRT-PCR assays for potential markers to be used for earliest diagnosis of negative energy balance in buffaloes.

CONCLUSION

Apart from conventional diagnostic methods, this study improves the understanding of putative biomarkers at the molecular level which helps to unfold their role in normal immune function, fat synthesis/metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. Therefore, provides an opportunity to discover more accurate and sensitive diagnostic aids.

The use of small diameter nozzles in temperature-controlled hemp oil extraction allows high oil yields and good quality residual hemp cake feed

The use of two nozzle diameters (6 and 8 mm) in a cold (50°C) hemp seed oil extraction process was evaluated in terms of extraction efficiency, and chemical composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of the residual cake. Seeds of the varieties Futura 75 and Uso 31 were pressed using a mechanical press with a cooling device. Five pressings were carried out for each variety and nozzle size, the functional parameters of the extraction processes were recorded, and sample of the residual cakes (n = 20) were analyzed. The 6 mm nozzle determined a higher oil yield (+4%) with a limited increase in temperature in the pressing chamber and in the oil (on average + 3°C compared to the 8 mm nozzle). A lower oil yield and consequently a higher fat content in the corresponding cake was observed when using the 8 mm nozzle. Despite the similar fat content, the two varieties had different oil yields and different residual cake compositions. The gas production kinetic of cakes was influenced by variety but little by nozzle size. Overall, the use of a smaller nozzle in a temperature-controlled extraction process can be a useful option to increase hemp oil yield while maintaining good fermentation characteristics of the residual cakes as ruminant feed.

Use of Cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in Buffalo Feeding: Effect on Mozzarella Cheese Quality

The high demand for PDO buffalo mozzarella cheese is leading to the use of new strategies for feeding supplementation. Spirulina is acknowledged as a valuable source of protein with antioxidant and immune-modulatory effects in humans and animals. This investigation aimed to examine the effect of Spirulina integration in buffalo diets on mozzarella cheese quality, sensory profile, consumer acceptability, and willingness to pay (WTP). The trial was carried out on two groups of 12 buffaloes that differed in Spirulina integration: 50 g/head/d before calving (1 month) and 100 g/head/d after calving (2 months). Both the bulk milk and mozzarella cheese samples from the two groups did not differ in chemical composition. However, Spirulina inclusion influenced the sensory quality of mozzarella cheese, which resulted it being externally brighter, with a higher butter odour and whey flavour and greater sweetness, bitterness, juiciness, tenderness, oiliness, and buttermilk release than the control. The consumer test showed that information about Spirulina affected consumer liking, causing them to be in favour of the Spirulina group, leading to a higher price for it. In conclusion, Spirulina inclusion in buffalo diets affected the sensory quality of mozzarella cheese. The provision of product information to consumers can be a crucial factor in determining their liking and WTP.

Dietary Supplementation of Capsaicin Enhances Productive and Reproductive Efficiency of Chinese Crossbred Buffaloes in Low Breeding Season

The present study investigated the role of dietary capsaicin (CPS) supplementation on milk yield (liters/head) and milk composition (total solids, lactose, albumin, protein, fat, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), somatic cell count (SCC) and somatic cell score (SCS), serum metabolites (lipoprotein esterase (LPL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), and reproductive physiology (follicular development, estrus response, ovulation and pregnancy) following synchronization during the low breeding season. One hundred (n = 100) crossbred buffaloes were randomly assigned to four dietary groups consisting of CPS supplementation dosages (0, 2, 4 or 6 mg/kg of total mixed ration; TMR) as CPS-0 (n = 26), CPS-2 (n = 22), CPS-4 (n = 25) and CPS-6 (n = 27), respectively, in a 30-day feed trial. The results revealed that the CPS-4 group of buffaloes had a better estrus rate (72%) along with improved (p < 0.05) ovulatory follicle diameter (13.8 mm), ovulation rate (68%) and pregnancy rate (48%) compared to other treatment groups. Milk yield improved (p < 0.05) in CPS-4 supplemented buffaloes after day 20 of the trial, comparatively. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of milk sampling day (day 30) on total milk solids, lactose, milk protein and MUN levels, whereas lactose, MUN, SCC and SCS were influenced by supplementation dosage (CPS-4). Glucose levels were affected in buffaloes by sampling time (artificial insemination (AI) and 50-day post-AI) and CPS-dose (CPS-4 and CPS-6), respectively. LPL level changed in CPS-2 and CPS-4 groups at AI time and 50 days after AI. In addition, the AST level was different in CPS-4 at AI time and 50 days after AI. Therefore, our data suggest that a medium dose (~4 mg/kg of TMR) of CPS provided a better response in the form of milk yield, milk composition, serum metabolites and reproductive performance in crossbred buffaloes during the low breeding season.

Evaluation of in vitro starch digestibility and chemical composition in pasta former foods

Former food products include various leftovers from the food industry which, although they have lost values for human consumption, could be safely used for livestock, thus limiting environmental impact of food waste, and reducing feeding costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional characteristics of different types of former foods from pasta industry. Four types of dry pasta refusal (wholemeal, semolina, purple, and tricolor) and whole barley grain (control) were analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro starch digestibility; the energy content was also estimated. For each product type, samples collected in three different times at a pasta plant were analyzed. All products showed higher (p &lt; 0.001) protein contents and lower (p &lt; 0.001) fat contents than barley. The amount of NDF varied between the samples (p &lt; 0.001), while all samples reported high starch content (&gt;60% DM). The energy content was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in pasta former food compared with whole barley grain. Purple pasta showed different in vitro starch digestibility compared to the other former foods (p &lt; 0.001). However, all products showed higher values of resistant starch, whereas barley was mainly composed by slowly digestible starch. The results indicated that dry pasta former foods could be suitable energy sources for feeding pig, but their inclusion in diets must consider the slow digestibility.

Characteristics of Buffalo Farming Systems in Turkey Based on a Multivariate Aggregation of Indicators: A Survey Study

This study aimed to determine the heterogeneity that exists in water buffalo husbandry systems in Marmara Region, Turkey. A questionnaire containing a total of 60 indicators was submitted to 52 farmers. A Principal Component Analysis was performed to reduce original variables into a simplified and latent structure, which was characterized by six orthogonal components: milk productivity, economic efficiency, roughage management, dual-purpose farming, concentrate supply, and fodder production. An ANOVA model was applied to the six components to investigate the effects of the province, investment levels, grazing type, milk production, and profitability. Differences in milk productivity, roughage management, concentrate supply, and fodder management were significant according to the province and grazing type, which indicated a difference in intensification levels among the cities. Economic efficiency and dual-purpose farming differed significantly for milk production levels as well as milk productivity, and economic efficiency differed for profitability levels. We found a tendency regarding the impact of roughage management on profitability. The results conclude that profitability was associated with improving the milking traits of buffaloes and roughage management of the farms.

Use of GnRH Treatment Based on Pregnancy-Associated Glyco-Proteins (PAGs) Levels as a Strategy for the Maintenance of Pregnancy in Buffalo Cows: A Field Study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of GnRH administrated at day 35 after artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffalo cows. In ten buffalo farms in the period January−February, 481 buffalo cows were subjected to estrus synchronization protocol and fixed-time artificial insemination (Ovsynch−TAI program). Radioimmunoassays (RIA) for pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were used to detect pregnancy at day 28 after AI (cut-off value: ≥1 ng/mL). Among pregnant subjects, those with PAG values between 1 and 2.5 ng/mL were considered at risk of embryonic mortality (EM) and were assigned into two groups: treated (T; n = 57) control (C; n = 57). Treated buffaloes received 0.01 mg of buserelin acetate intramuscularly on day 35 after AI, whereas control buffaloes received no treatment. The pregnancy diagnosis was confirmed at day 60 through PAGs level and rectal palpation. The treatment with GnRH had a significant effect (p < 0.001) in reducing EM. Between days 28 and 60 after AI, the animals that experienced EM were only 2/57 in the T group, while were 13/57 in the C group. Moreover, GnRH treatment produced a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the PAG concentration between day 28 and day 60. Administration of GnRH at day 35 after AI in animals considered at risk of low embryo survival based on PAG levels allowed a reduction in pregnancy losses and improved the pregnancy rate during low-breeding season in buffalo.

A Nutritional Investigation of Major Feed Types and Feed Rations Used in Medium-Scale Dairy Production Systems in Sri Lanka

In this paper, the nutritional quality, digestibility, and chemical composition of major feed types as well as the use of those feeds in rations by medium-scale dairy farmers in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka were studied. Nine dairy farms were visited fortnightly over a five-month period to identify the feeds that were commonly used. All farms operated under a stall-feeding system in which a manually mixed ration (MMR) was fed 2–3 times daily. Four forages were identified: Guinea grass ecotype A (Panicum maximum), called Guinea grass; Hybrid Napier CO-3 (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum), called CO-3 grass; Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium); and maize stover (Zea mays L.), along with three other supplementary feeds (maize silage, barley distillers’ by-products, and commercially formulated cattle feed). These feeds were subjected to proximate analysis and in vitro digestibility analysis. The metabolisable energy (ME) of the forages ranged from 7.5–10.0 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), with the ME of Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (7.5 and 8.0 MJ/kg DM, respectively) being lower than that of Gliricidia (10.0 MJ/kg DM). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration of both Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (both 72% DM) was much higher than that of Gliricidia (47% DM). Crude protein (CP) was higher in Gliricidia (17.5% DM) than in either Guinea grass or CO-3 grass (8.0 and 8.8% DM, respectively). The ME of the supplementary feeds varied between 11.0 and 12.8 MJ/kg DM, while CP varied between 15.0 and 24.0% DM. The daily ME intake of cows was consistently 10% lower than their calculated daily energy requirement; for dry cows, the mean intake was 90 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 101 MJ required, while for cows in early lactation the mean intake was 126 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 140 MJ required. The average CP intake of lactating cows (13.5% DM) was inadequate (requirements: 16 to 17.5% DM), while the average CP intake of dry cows (11.8% DM) was satisfactory (requirements: 11 to 12% DM). The current study shows that the majority of the feed types used in these medium-scale dairy farms provide insufficient ME or CP to meet the nutritional requirements of either lactating or dry cows irrespective of the quantity of feed provided.

Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production, and Nitrogen Metabolism

This study was carried out to determine the optimal inclusion rate of palm kernel cake (PKC) in diets for lactating goats based on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk production and nitrogen metabolism. Twelve goats were used, eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian, with a body weight of 46.0 ± 9.4 kg and 105 ± 5 days of lactation, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design in triplicate. The diets were composed of increasing levels of PKC; 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates intakes decreased (p < 0.01) with the PKC inclusion. Milk production and milk protein decreased (p = 0.001), and milk production efficiency was not affected (p > 0.05) by the PKC inclusion. The ether extract intake varied quadratically (p < 0.01). Feeding and rumination efficiencies of dry matter and NDF were reduced (p < 0.001). The fat and total solids contents of the milk were influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Nitrogen excretion (feces and milk), and retained nitrogen decreased (p < 0.001). Moderate use of up to 80 g kg−1 DM of PKC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended since at these levels milk production or body weight are significantly affected.

Effect of Methionine Supplementation on Serum Metabolism and the Rumen Bacterial Community of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

Methionine is the first or second limiting amino acid for ruminants, such as sika deer, and has a variety of biological functions such as antioxidant activity, immune response, and protein synthesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of methionine supplementation on antler growth, serum biochemistry, rumen fermentation, and the bacterial community of sika deer during the antler-growing period. Twelve 4-year-old male sika deer were randomly assigned to three dietary groups supplemented with 0 g/day (n = 4, CON), 4.0 g/day (n = 4, LMet), and 6.0 g/day (n = 4, HMet) methionine. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in the production performance between the three groups, but antler weight was higher in both the LMet and HMet groups than in the CON group. Methionine supplementation significantly increased the serum glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher in the HMet group than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). No significant effect was found on the apparent amino acid digestibility of the three groups, but cysteine and methionine digestibility were higher in the LMet group. The serum hydroxylysine level was significantly lower in the LMet and HMet groups, whereas the serum lysine level was significantly lower in the HMet group compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The LMet group had the highest but a nonsignificant total volatile fatty acid content and significantly higher microbial protein content in the rumen than the CON group (p < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant in the rumen of the sika deer. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) results showed a significant change in the bacterial composition of the three groups (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Prevotella and Rikenellaceae-RC9 was significantly higher in the LMet group compared with the CON group and CON and HMet groups, respectively. These results revealed that methionine supplementation improved the antioxidant activity and immune status, affecting amino acid metabolism and rumen microbial composition of the sika deer.

Effect of Prepartum Dietary Energy Level on Production and Reproduction in Nili Ravi Buffaloes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prepartum dietary energy level on postpartum production and reproduction in Nili Ravi buffaloes (n = 21). The buffaloes were offered low energy (LE: 1.31 Mcal/kg DM NEL (net energy for lactation)), medium energy (ME: 1.42 Mcal/kg DM NEL) or high energy (HE: 1.54 Mcal/kg DM NEL) diet for 63 days prepartum, and received the same lactation diet (LD: 1.22 Mcal/kg DM NEL) during 14 weeks postpartum. The effects of dietary energy level and week were analyzed with Proc GLIMMIX model. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in buffaloes fed the LE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. Calf birth weight (CBW) was higher in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. Milk production was similar in buffaloes fed the HE, ME or LE diet within 14 weeks postpartum and throughout the lactation. Milk fat was higher in buffaloes fed the LE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. Milk protein and lactose yields was high in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. Body condition score was high in HE and was affected by diet × week interactions during pre and postpartum period. The concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and triglycerides in serum was lowest in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with the buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. The buffaloes fed the HE diet had early uterine involution (UI), first estrus, short dry days, and calving interval (CI) compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. None of buffaloes fed the LE diet exhibited estrus during the first 14 weeks postpartum compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. In conclusion, prepartum feeding of high energy diet can be helpful in improving the postpartum productive and reproductive performance in Nili Ravi buffaloes.

Effects of Hydroxyselenomethionine with Symmetrical and Chelated Chemical Structure on Lactation Performances, Anti-Oxidative Status and Immunities, Selenium Transfer Efficiencies for Early-Lactating Dairy Cows

The current study was conducted to investigate effects of hydroxyselenomethionine (HMBSe) with symmetrical and chelated chemical structure, a novel organic selenium (Se) source, on lactation performance, anti-oxidative status and immunities, and transfer efficiencies for early lactation dairy cows compared with that of sodium selenite (SS). Forty-five multiparous early-lactating dairy cows with similar days in milk, 56.0 d and milk yield 36.1 kg/d, were fed with same basal diet containing 0.04 mg of Se/kg of dry matter (DM) basis. They were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments according to one-way ANOVA design: control (basal diet, without Se supplementation), SS (0.30 mg of Se/kg of DM), or HMBSe (0.30 mg of Se/kg of DM). The experiment lasted for 9 weeks, with the first week as adaptation. Results showed that the organic HMBSe cows increased the milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, the numbers of red blood cells in whole blood, Se concentrations in milk and serum, ratio of milk to serum significantly (P < 0.01); feed efficiency, energy-corrected milk yield, contents of superoxide dismutase in serum, hemoglobin, and the numbers of white blood cells in whole blood significantly (P < 0.05) compared to control and SS. Moreover, HMBSe cows had trends to increase glutathione peroxidase activities (P = 0.09), total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.06), and had trends to decrease the contents of malonaldehyde (P = 0.07) in serum compared to control and SS. In conclusion, HMBSe was more effective on the lactation performances, anti-oxidative status, and immunities and Se transfer efficiencies for early-lactating dairy cows compared to control and SS, which was very meaningful to develop the enriched Se milk products.

Impact of Dry Sugar Beet Pulp on Milk Production, Digestibility Traits, and Blood Constituents of Dairy Holstein Cows

Simple Summary

There are many agriculture by-products in the agriculture sector, and many of them have high socio-economic value. There is a growing interest in recycling agro-industrial by-products for feeding ruminants. Sugar beets are used to produce sugar and result in sugar beet pulp by-products, which can be used as feed for livestock, either as dried flakes or as compressed pellets. In this study, the effect of partial replacement of yellow corn grains (YCG) with dry sugar beet pulp (DSBP) at levels of 25 and 50% was evaluated with respect to the milk production and health condition of dairy Holstein cows. Partial replacement of YCG with DSBP in the rations of dairy cows led to significant improvements in the digestion, rumen activity, plasma biochemical parameters, milk yield, milk composition, feed use, and milk yield. Furthermore, the reduction in feed cost and the increase in milk yield improved with increasing DSBP in the ration. Thus, replacing feed ingredients with DSBP is recommended for feeding dairy Holstein cows with low-cost feeds without reducing their health status and production.

Abstract

Thirty multiparous lactating Holstein cows with an average live body weight of 642 ± 21 kg and an average daily milk yield of 30.46 ± 0.59 kg were used in this study. Cows with parities of 2 and 4 were used following their peak period, and were divided into three groups, with ten cows in each group. The control group was fed yellow corn grain rations (YCG), while for the 2nd and 3rd groups, 25 and 50% of YCG was replaced with dry sugar beet pulp (DSBP), denoted as DSBP₂₅ and DSBP₅₀, respectively. The contents of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and fiber carbohydrate in the experimental rations tended to decrease; however, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, and fiber fractions tended to increase in the DSBP₂₅ and DSBP₅₀ groups. Only crude fiber digestibility increased (p < 0.05) in the DSBP rations. Rumen pH value and concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) decreased, while the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) increased in the DSBP₂₅ and DSBP₅₀ groups. The concentrations of total protein and globulin in blood plasma were higher (p < 0.05) in DSBP₂₅ and DSBP₅₀ than in YCG. However, plasma albumin concentration, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were lower (p < 0.05) in DSBP₅₀ than in YCG. Milk yield and yield of 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM) were higher (p < 0.05) in DSBP₂₅ and DSBP₅₀ than in YCG. Fat, protein, solids not fat (SNF), and total solids (TS) contents in milk increased significantly (p < 0.05) for feeding rations containing DSBP. Feed cost was reduced, but the output of milk yield increased with DSBP. In conclusion, introducing DSBP into the rations of Holstein dairy cows led to significant improvements in their productive performance.

Milk Production Responses and Digestibility of Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Partially Supplemented with Forage Rape (Brassica napus) Silage Replacing Corn Silage

Simple Summary

To develop alternative silage resources, we employed buffaloes as an animal model to evaluate the possibility and effects of forage rape silage in the dairy buffalo diet. We comprehensively assessed the nutrition value of forage rape silage by the apparent total-tract digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, blood metabolism and milk composition of lactating buffaloes. Our current results showed that the inclusion of forage rape silage in diets improved the milk quality, such as milk protein, milk fat, and total solid percentage. Furthermore, partial supplementation of forage rape silage also promotes buffaloes’ dry matter intake. These may be related to the favorable physiological and metabolic changes induced by the forage rape silage. Thus, our current data show the applicability of forage rape silage as a good feed resource for ruminants.

Abstract

Worldwide, silage is considered the main component in dairy animal diets; however, this portion is mainly dominated by corn silage, which raises availability challenges in some agricultural production systems. The present study evaluated a partial replacement of corn silage with forage rape silage (FRS) and its effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, milk production, and blood metabolites in buffalo. Thirty-six lactating buffaloes were randomly assigned to four different groups, according to supplementation of FRS (only corn silage, FRS₀) or with 15% (FRS₁₅), 25% (FRS₂₅), and 35% (FRS₃₅) of forage rape silage instead of corn silage. The results showed that, compared to corn silage, forage rape silage has a lower carbohydrate but a higher protein concentration. The buffalo intake of dry matter and organic matter were improved linearly with the FRS increasing in the diet. The apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber also increased by the FRS supplementation compared with FRS₀. Conversely, FRS supplementation decreased the propionic, butyric, and valeric acid contents and increased the acetic:propionic ratio and microbial protein content. Furthermore, FRS inclusion led to a significantly higher milk urea and non-fat milk solid content, higher blood glucose, total globulins, blood urea nitrogen, and lower blood high-density lipoprotein. These results suggested that FRS has high a nutritional value and digestibility, is a good feed resource, and showed favorable effects when supplemented with dairy buffalo ration.

The Use of Draught Animals in Rural Labour

Simple Summary

Although mechanisation has markedly reduced animal labour demand in agriculture, draught animals are still used in small production units located on terrains that do not favour agriculture mechanisation. Especially in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, they represent one of the main sources of sustenance for thousands of families who utilise animal labour in numerous agricultural tasks, such as ploughing and harvesting, as well as means of transport and hauling. Depending on the geographic area, the species involved are equids (horses, donkeys, and mules) and bovids (buffaloes and cattle). Draught animals proved to be sustainable in terms of global warming and the use of non-renewable energy as compared with agricultural machinery. However, critical points are the quality of human–animal interaction, due to the close contact between animals and humans while working, and the welfare of draught animals when transported and slaughtered, due to the high prevalence of injuries they suffer when subjected to these practices. Therefore, their use should be promoted in rural marginal areas where only low investments are usually feasible, and the energy of the animals can be obtained at a low cost by feeding them harvest residues and by-products.

Abstract

This study discusses scientific findings on the use of draught animals such as equids (i.e., horses, mules, and donkeys) and bovids (i.e., cattle and water buffaloes) in rural labours. Relevant peer-reviewed literature published between 1980 and 2021 was retrieved from CAB Abstracts, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases. Although animals were used to produce draught power since their domestication and are still being used for this purpose, mechanisation has markedly reduced animal labour demand in agriculture. However, the process was uneven across continents according to economic constraints, and draught animals are currently concentrated in small production units located on terrains that do not favour agriculture mechanisation in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Generally, equids can work at rates similar to those of bovids or faster but can sustain the work for shorter periods of time. In addition, buffaloes possess tough hooves and resistance to disease that make them suitable for working in wetlands and clay soils. Draught animals allow a marked reduction of both GHG emissions and non-renewable energy consumption as compared with agricultural machinery. In addition, they may allow obtaining profits from otherwise non-usable lands. Therefore, their use should be promoted in rural areas where low investments are usually the only ones feasible, and the energy of the animals can be obtained at a low cost by feeding them harvest residues and by-products. However, more attention should be paid to the quality of human–animal interactions—due to the close contact between animals and humans while working—and to the welfare of draught animals when transported and slaughtered—due to the high prevalence of injuries they suffer when subjected to these practices.

Chickpea Can Be a Valuable Local Produced Protein Feed for Organically Reared, Native Bulls

We assessed the effects of inclusion of chickpea from 24 to 21%, as feed basis, in diets for organically reared bulls. Sixteen young bulls (270 ± 6.4 days of age; 246 ± 0.13 kg in weight) belonging to a native Italian breed (Maremmana) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments. The control diets were based on mixed grass hay, maize meal, and barley meal. In the experimental diets, barley was equally substituted by locally produced chickpea. Animals were weighed every 2 weeks until the prefixed slaughtering weight (630 kg). Plasma metabolites were measured at the 1st, 7th, and 14th month of the experiment. Chemical composition, colour, shear force, and water holding capacity of meat were assessed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum 7 days after slaughter. The chickpea-fed animals showed a significantly greater average daily gain (1064 vs. 1168 kg/day), a shorter growing phase (364 vs. 335 days), and a better carcass conformation. Plasma metabolites and meat quality were not influenced by the treatments. The better growth performance and carcass quality of the chickpea fed bulls resulted in a higher economic profit for the chickpea-based diets. Results suggest that chickpea may allow sustainable performance improvement of native breeds within their traditional farming systems.