Effects of Condensed Tannins in Mao (Antidesma thwaitesianum Muell. Arg.) Seed Meal on Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Nitrogen Utilization in Goats

Could natural phytochemicals be used to reduce nitrogen excretion and excreta-derived N2O emissions from ruminants?

Ruminants play a critical role in our food system by converting plant biomass that humans cannot or choose not to consume into edible high-quality food. However, ruminant excreta is a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas with a long-term global warming potential 298 times that of carbon dioxide. Natural phytochemicals or forages containing phytochemicals have shown the potential to improve the efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilization and decrease N2O emissions from the excreta of ruminants. Dietary inclusion of tannins can shift more of the excreted N to the feces, alter the urinary N composition and consequently reduce N2O emissions from excreta. Essential oils or saponins could inhibit rumen ammonia production and decrease urinary N excretion. In grazed pastures, large amounts of glucosinolates or aucubin can be introduced into pasture soils when animals consume plants rich in these compounds and then excrete them or their metabolites in the urine or feces. If inhibitory compounds are excreted in the urine, they would be directly applied to the urine patch to reduce nitrification and subsequent N2O emissions. The phytochemicals' role in sustainable ruminant production is undeniable, but much uncertainty remains. Inconsistency, transient effects, and adverse effects limit the effectiveness of these phytochemicals for reducing N losses. In this review, we will identify some current phytochemicals found in feed that have the potential to manipulate ruminant N excretion or mitigate N2O production and deliberate the challenges and opportunities associated with using phytochemicals or forages rich in phytochemicals as dietary strategies for reducing N excretion and excreta-derived N2O emissions.

Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia-nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea-nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4 ) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.

Digestibility and nitrogen balance of goats on high and low protein rations supplemented with a commercial tannin feed-additive

Despite the increasing importance of goat production in response to high demand for their products and their relative robustness to environmental stressors, and in contrast to other ruminant species, little data is available on how tannin extract feeding affects their feed intake, nutrient digestion and nitrogen (N) metabolism. Therefore, a trial in Oman investigated the respective variables by using a commercial tannin feed additive. In a 4 (treatments) x 3 (periods) x 2 (animals) Youden square, two weaned Batinah bucks each were fed a high or low protein diet of Rhodes grass hay and crushed barley grain, with or without the addition of a chestnut and quebracho tannin extract at 2 g/kg metabolic weight. Feed offered, feed refused and faeces and urine excreted were quantified to determine diet digestibility, total N excretion, N retention and rumen microbial protein synthesis (MPS). Due to their young age and low live weight, feed intake of goats was relatively low. Crude protein level and tannin addition had no statistically significant effect on dry matter (DM) and N intake, DM digestibility, N excretion in faeces and urine, as well as MPS. In consequence, no benefit of tannin feeding could be confirmed for the goats' N retention, irrespective of diet composition. These results indicate, on one hand, an effective neutralisation of the tested tannin extract along the gastrointestinal tract of goats, but on the other hand, that stimulation of MPS or N retention by tannins cannot be evidenced when diet components are present that simultaneously release energy and protein, as is the case with barley.

Black Soldier Fly Larva Oil in Diets with Roughage to Concentrate Ratios on Fermentation Characteristics, Degradability, and Methane Generation

Currently, the scarcity of high-quality, expensive animal feed is a primary factor driving up the cost of animal husbandry. As a result, most researchers have focused on improving the potential of using alternative feed resources derived from the black soldier fly larva. In particular, the utilization of oil from black fly larvae is a byproduct of the industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of black soldier fly larva oils and the proportion of roughage-to-concentrate ratios on gas kinetics, rumen characteristics, degradability, and mitigate CH4 production by using in vitro gas production techniques. The in vitro investigation used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The level of R:C ratios (60:40 and 40:60) were factor A, while BSFO levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% of DM) were factor B. Under this investigation, the combined impact of R:C ratio and BSFO on the kinetics of gas and accumulative gas production was found to be significant (p < 0.01). After 4 h of incubation, the pH and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration were found to be impacted by the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C-ratios (p < 0.01). Moreover, after 4 and 8 h of incubation, supplementing the BSFO at 4% with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of CH4 in the rumen (p < 0.05). However, the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C ratios had no effect on the degradability of DM after 12 and 24 h of incubation (p > 0.05), whereas increasing the concentration of BSFO in concentrate at 6% reduced the DM degradability after 24 h of incubation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding BSFO to the diet at various R:C ratios enhanced the propionate (C3) concentration, with the highest level observed with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 and 4% BSFO inclusion (p < 0.05). To summarize, the addition of BSFO at 4% with a 40:60 of R:C ratio increased C3 levels, decreased CH4 emission, and preserved DM degradability. A R:C ratio of 40:60 could improve the total volatile fatty acids and digestibility. Moreover, the inclusion of 6% BSFO at different R:C ratios lowered the in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, NH3-N, and protozoal populations.

Comparison of Cassava Chips and Winged Bean Tubers with Various Starch Modifications on Chemical Composition, the Kinetics of Gas, Ruminal Degradation, and Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics Using an In Situ Nylon Bag and an In Vitro Gas Production Technique

This research assessed the impact of cassava chips (CSC) and winged bean tubers (WBT) with various starch modification methods on the chemical composition, ruminal degradation, gas production, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation of feed using an in situ and in vitro gas production technique. Experimental treatments were arranged for a 2 × 5 factorial, a completely randomized design with two sources of starch and five levels of modification treatments. Two sources of starch were CSC and WBT, while five modification treatments of starch were: no modification treatment, steam treatment, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment, calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) treatment, and lactic acid (LA) treatment. The starch modification methods with NaOH and CaOH₂ increased the ash content (p <0.05), whereas the crude protein (CP) content was lower after treatment with NaOH (p < 0.05). Steam reduced the soluble fraction (a) and effective dry matter degradability of WBT in situ (p <0.05). In addition, the WBT steaming methods result in a lower degradation rate constant in situ (p <0.05). The degradation rate constants for the insoluble fraction (c) in the untreated CSC were higher than those of the other groups. Starch modification with LA reduced in vitro dry matter degradability at 12 and 24 h of incubation (p <0.05). The starch modification method of the raw material showed the lowest pH value at 4 h (p <0.05). The source of starch and starch modification methods did not influence the in vitro ammonia nitrogen concentrations, or in vitro volatile fatty acids. In conclusion, compared to the CSC group and untreated treatment, treating WBT with steam might be a more effective strategy for enhancing feed efficiency by decreasing or retarding ruminal starch degradability and maintaining ruminal pH.

In Vitro Evaluation of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Tubers as an Alternative Feed for Ruminants

The purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of the replacement of cassava chips with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBTs) on gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation in ruminant diets. The study was performed using a 3 × 4 factorial arrangements and was designed using a completely random method. Factor A employed three various roughage sources that were frequently used by locals to feed ruminants: Oryza sativa L. (a1), Brachiaria ruziziensis (a2), and Pennisetum purpureum (a3). The levels of WBTs substitutions for cassava chips at 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% in the diet were selected as factor B. The experiment's findings revealed that replacing the cassava chips in the diet with WBTs at levels of 66 and 100% enhanced the fermentation process by producing a high gas volume at 96 h when Ruzi grass (RZ) was used as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). The interaction between the roughage source and WBTs showed that organic matter (OM) degradability improved markedly in the case of RZ grass in combination with WBTs at all levels. Both the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) at 8 h of incubation and the average value decreased when a complete substitution of casava chips with WBT (WBT 100%) was employed or when employing rice straw as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). There was no interaction between WBTs and roughage source on the ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentration (ml/dL) and rumen microbial count (p > 0.05). In summary, WBTs can be used effectively when combined with grass (Ruzi and Napier). The implementation of WBTs as a novel alternative feed may effectively replace cassava chips without affecting rumen function.

Effects of substituting agro-industrial by-products for soybean meal on beef cattle feed utilization and rumen fermentation

The purpose of the present investigation was to detect the effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with citric waste fermented yeast waste (CWYW) as an alternative protein source of portentous substances in a concentrate mixture diet of beef cattle on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, plasma urea-nitrogen, energy partitioning, and nitrogen balance. Four Thai-native beef bulls (170 ± 10.0 kg of initial body weight) were randomly allocated to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were four levels of CWYW replacing SBM in a concentrated diet at ratios of 0, 33, 67, and 100%. SBM was added to the concentrate diet at a dose of 150 g/kg DM. All cattle were offered ad libitum rice straw and the concentrate diet at 5 g/kg of body weight. The study was composed of four periods, each lasting for 21 days. The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in total dry matter intake, nutritional intake, or digestibility between treatments (p > 0.05). When CWYW replaced SBM at 100% after 4 h of feeding, ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, plasma urea nitrogen, and bacterial population were highest (p < 0.05). Volatile fatty acids and energy partitioning were not different (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments. Urinary nitrogen excretion was greatest (p < 0.05) for cattle fed CWYW to replace SBM at 100% of the concentrate. However, nitrogen absorption and retention for Thai-native cattle were similar (p > 0.05) among treatments. In conclusion, CWYW may be utilized as a substitute for SBM as a source of protein in Thai-native beef cattle without having an adverse impact on feed utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, or blood metabolites.

Utilization of Mao (Antidesma thwaitesianum Muell. Arg.) Pomace Meal to Substitute Rice Bran on Feed Utilization and Rumen Fermentation in Tropical Beef Cattle

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing rice bran with mao pomace meal on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Four crossbred (50% Brahman × 50% Thai native) beef cattle with an initial body weight of 195 ± 13 kg and 16 months of age were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments included four levels of RB replacement with mao pomace meal at 0, 33, 67, and 100% in concentrate diets. Rice straw was used as a roughage source, fed ad libitum. Replacement of mao pomace meal with rice bran did not affect (p > 0.05) the intakes of concentrate, rice straw, and total dry matter intake. Ether extract intake decreased linearly when increasing the levels of mao pomace meal (p < 0.01). The experimental diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the digestibility of fiber and crude protein, while dry matter, organic matter, and ether extract digestibility decreased linearly in the group of mao pomace meal replacing rice bran (p < 0.05). Increasing levels of mao pomace meal in concentrate diets did not alter rumen pH, ammonia−nitrogen, or total volatile fatty acid concentration (p > 0.05). The proportion of propionate increased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas acetate and the acetate to propionate ratio decreased linearly (p < 0.05) when replacing rice bran with mao pomace meal. Moreover, the proportion of propionate was greatest, while acetate was lowest when mao pomace meal was included at 100% in the concentrate diet. In conclusion, the replacement of rice bran with mao pomace meal in a diet could enhance the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Nonetheless, it reduced the digestion of nutrients in tropical beef cattle.

Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, Hematology, and Nitrogen Balance of Goats after Receiving Supplemental Coffee Cherry Pulp as a Source of Phytochemical Nutrients

This research examines the impact of adding dried coffee cherry pulp (CoCP) to goat feed on the digestibility of the feed, rumen fermentation, hematological, and nitrogen balance. A goat feeding experiment employed four male crossbreds (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) aged 12 months and weighing 21.0 ± 0.2 kg each. The treatment was conceived as a 4 × 4 Latin square with four specific CoCP levels at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/day. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and crude protein intake (CPI) were unaffected by the addition of CoCP. However, across treatment groups, there was a linear increase in ether extract intake (EEI) (p < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) (p = 0.06), and acid detergent fiber intake (ADFI) (p = 0.04), as well as a quadratic effect on DMI% BW (p = 0.04). The findings showed that rumen temperature, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, or pack cell volume did not change with CoCP supplementation. Total volatile fatty acid showed linear effects on acetate (p = 0.03) and was quadratically affected by propionate concentration (p = 0.02), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.01), acetic plus butyric to propionic acid ratio (p = 0.01), and methane estimation (p = 0.01). With increased CoCP supplementation, there was a linear decrease in protozoa count by about 20.2% as the amount of CoCP supplemented increased (p = 0.06). CoCP supplementation in animal feed resulted in a linear decrease in urinary nitrogen (p = 0.02) and a quadratic effect on absorbed nitrogen (p = 0.08) among treatment groups, with greater N utilization values found in goats fed 200 g/d CoCP. In light of this, supplementing CoCP into animal feed may improve animal digestion and rumen fermentation effectiveness while having no effect on feed intake, rumen microbes, or blood metabolites.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Hydrolyzed Yeast on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Hematology in Growing Beef Cattle

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and hematology in growing crossbred Bos indicus cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 142 ± 12 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having five blocks based on a homogenous subpopulation of sex and BW. Cattle were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) and supplemented with HY at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. Supplementation with the HY did not change average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p ≥ 0.06). The addition of HY did not adversely affect nutrient intake (p ≥ 0.48), while the digestibility of crude protein (CP) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) in the cattle receiving HY. The addition of HY did not affect rumen pH, but NH3-N concentration increased linearly (p = 0.02) in the cattle. The total volatile fatty acid (total VFA) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. The proportion of acetate decreased cubically (p= 0.03) while propionate increased cubically (p= 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (p= 0.01) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. In addition, acetate was the lowest, but total VFA and propionate were the highest in cattle fed the HY at 2 g/kg DM. Butyrate increased cubically (p = 0.02) with the addition of HY. The protozoal and fungal populations were similar among treatments (p ≥ 0.11), but the bacterial population increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the addition of HY. Supplementation of HY did not influence blood urea nitrogen (BUN), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, or eosinophils (p≥ 0.10). However, monocytes and neutrophils increased linearly (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) by HY supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of HY at 2 g/kg DM promotes CP digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and hematology but does not affect the growth performance of growing beef cattle.

Effect of Cyanide-Utilizing Bacteria and Sulfur Supplementation on Reducing Cyanide Concentration and In Vitro Degradability Using In Vitro Gas Production Technique

The objective of this research was to supplement the cyanide-utilizing bacteria and sulfur in the HCN-rich diet, affecting the gas production and fermentation of rumen in vitro, and lowering the HCN content and the digestion of nutrients. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was applied during the test. In the experiments, three factors were used. Factor A was the level of CUB at 0 and 108 CFU/mL. Factor B was the level of sulfur in the diet at 0% and 3% of dry matter (DM). Factor C was the three levels of potassium cyanide (KCN) at 0, 300, and 600 ppm. The interaction of CUB × sulfur × KCN affected gas production from the immediately soluble fraction (a) (p < 0.05). However, the greatest ruminal cyanide concentration was found when CUB (with and without), sulfur (3%), and KCN (600 ppm) were introduced at 0 h (p < 0.05). It revealed that the addition of CUB and sulfur had a significant impact on gas accumulation at 96 h (p < 0.05). The addition of CUB with sulfur had an effect on pH at 2 h and ruminal cyanide levels at 6 h (p < 0.05). At 2 h, sulfur supplementation with KCN had an effect on NH3-N (p < 0.01). The addition of sulfur (3%) and KCN (300 ppm) produced the highest ammonia nitrogen. However, the combination of sulfur (3%) and KCN (600 ppm) produced the lowest level of ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.01). CUB supplementation increased the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) by 11.16% compared to the without-CUB supplemented group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 3% sulfur increased the in vitro neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD) by 16.87% but had no effect on IVDMD or in vitro acid detergent fiber (IVADFD) (p < 0.05). The volatile fatty acid (VFA) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate were not different when CUB, sulfur, and KCN were added. Doses above 600 ppm had the lowest concentrations of TVFA and propionate (p < 0.01). Based on the results of this investigation, supplementing with CUB and sulfur (3%) may improve cumulative gas, digestibility, and TVAF. Supplementing with CUB, on the other hand, reduced HCN the most, by 54.6%.

The Effect of Phytonutrients in Terminalia chebula Retz. on Rumen Fermentation Efficiency, Nitrogen Utilization, and Protozoal Population in Goats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Terminalia chebula meal (TCM) supplementation on digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Eight goats with an initial body weight (BW) of 13 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive different levels of TCM supplementation at 0, 8, 16, and 24 g/kg of total dry matter (DM) intake, respectively. The goats were fed with concentrate diets at 13 g/kg BW, while rice straw was used as a roughage source, fed ad libitum. The results revealed that the feed intake and the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). However, crude protein (CP) digestibility decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when supplemented with TCM at 24 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05). The addition of TCM did not change the ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas the concentration of NH3-N at 4 h post feeding was reduced with the inclusion of TCM at 16 and 24 g/kg of total DM intake. The total numbers of bacteria were enhanced by the addition of TCM, while the protozoal population, in both entodiniomorph and holotrich, was reduced (p < 0.05). The supplementation of TCM did not change the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetic acid, or butyric acid, while the propionic acid concentration at 4-h post feeding increased significantly, especially when supplemented at 16 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05. In addition, urinary nitrogen (N) excretion decreased, while fecal N excretion, N absorption, N retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake increased with the inclusion of TCM at all levels. In summary, the inclusion of TCM could improve rumen fermentation efficiency and N balance without having an adverse effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen ecology; however, the protozoal population decreased. Therefore, this study suggests that TCM (16 g/kg of total DM intake) could be used as a plant source for rumen enhancement in goats fed a diet based on rice straw without having an adverse effect on feed intake or nutrient digestion. However, further studies on the production of types of meat and milk that have a long-term feeding trial should be carried out.

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

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

Examining the Variables Leading to Apparent Incongruity between Antimethanogenic Potential of Tannins and Their Observed Effects in Ruminants—A Review

In recent years, several secondary plant metabolites have been identified that possess antimethanogenic properties. Tannin-rich forages have the potential to reduce methane emissions in ruminants while also increasing their nutrient use efficiency and promoting overall animal health. However, results have been highly inconclusive to date, with their antimethanogenic potential and effects on both animal performance and nutrition being highly variable even within a plant species. This variability is attributed to the structural characteristics of the tannins, many of which have been linked to an increased antimethanogenic potential. However, these characteristics are seldom considered in ruminant nutrition studies—often because the analytical techniques are inadequate to identify tannin structure and the focus is mostly on total tannin concentrations. Hence, in this article, we (i) review previous research that illustrate the variability of the antimethanogenic potential of forages; (ii) identify the source of inconsistencies behind these results; and (iii) discuss how these could be optimized to generate comparable and repeatable results. By adhering to this roadmap, we propose that there are clear links between plant metabolome and physiology and their antimethanogenic potential that can be established with the ultimate goal of improving the sustainable intensification of livestock.

Performance of kids produced by three breeds of goat fed diets supplemented with graded levels of turmeric powder

Inclusion of some plants especially spices in the diets of farm animals have been researched upon extensively for parameters like growth, blood chemistry, and feed utilization among others. In contrary, the use of turmeric as feed additive for ruminant production is so low, while its effects on reproduction (especially during pregnancy) in ruminants are not available due to little/no information on its properties, processing, and inclusion rate. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate pre- and post-weaning performances of kids produced by three breeds of goat fed diets supplemented with graded levels of turmeric powder intensively in southwestern Nigeria. Kids produced by Kalahari Red (KR), West African Dwarf (WAD), and KalaWAD Does fed diets containing turmeric powder (TP) at different levels were monitored for pre-weaning that lasted for 12 weeks, while selected kids were observed for 4 weeks post-weaning. Each Doe breed was fed diet at 5% bodyweight during pregnancy and pre-weaning, including some selected kids during post-weaning. Dietary treatments included concentrate diet (CD) as TP-0, CD + 2 g/kg TP as TP-2g, and CD + 5 g/kg TP as TP-5 g. Brachiaria ruziziensis was used as basal diet. Data obtained were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial layout in a completely randomized design, while analysis of variance was done using SAS 9.1. Significance level was taken at 5% probability, while means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test of the same statistical package. Results of the study for breed effect revealed that KR kids had the best (p < 0.05) pre-weaning performance from birth (3.2 kg) till weaning (14.5 kg) and for weight gains (11.2 kg and 134.0 g/day). No mortality was recorded for WAD kids. For TP effects, the kids fed TP-2g had the highest (p < 0.05) weight gains (1.6 kg and 58.6 g/day) and reduced value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 6.2 for post-weaning performance. Kids fed TP-5g had the highest (p < 0.05) value for protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 1.4 at the end of post-weaning. For interaction effects of breeds and TP, KR kids fed TP-5g performed best (p < 0.05) at the pre-weaning period in terms of weights from birth (3.6 kg) till weaning (15.7 kg), while KR kids fed TP-2g had highest (p < 0.05) pre-weaning weight gains (12.5 kg and 148.9 g/day). KR kids fed TP-5g performed best (p < 0.05) at the post-weaning period in terms of weight gains (1.8 kg and 64.4 g/day). KR kids fed TP-2g and KalaWAD kids fed TP-5g had the lowest FCR (5.2) and the highest PER (1.6) respectively at the post-weaning period. It can be concluded that breeds of kid, TP inclusion, and their interaction influenced pre- and post-weaning performances of the kids.

Effect of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production in Thai native beef cattle

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (Bamboo-Cass) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial population and methane production in Thai native beef cattle.

Methods

Four Thai native beef cattle bulls (190±2 kg) were randomly allotted to four respective dietary treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments were the varying levels of Bamboo-Cass supplementation at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/head/d, respectively. Rice straw was fed ad libitum and the concentrate offered at 0.5% of body weight.

Results

Under this experiment, the findings revealed that acetate and butyrate production were decreased (p<0.05), propionate increased (p<0.05), whilst ruminal NH₃-N concentration was decreased (p<0.05) by supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d. Moreover, rice straw intake, and microbial population were linearly increased (p<0.05), while methane production was decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The results from the present study indicate that supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d significantly enhanced feed intake, decreased protozoa and increased bacterial population, rumen fermentation efficiency while decreased methane production. Therefore, Bamboo-Cass as a supplement is promising as a rumen enhancer in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Muell. Arg. pomace as a source of plant secondary compounds on digestibility, rumen environment, hematology, and milk production in dairy cows

Mao pomace meal (MPM) contains condensed tannins and saponins at 92 and 98 g/kg, respectively, and these substances can be used to manipulate ruminal fermentation in ruminant. Four multiparous lactating Holstein cows with 45 ± 5 days in milk were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four different levels of MPM supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day, respectively. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at 1:1.5 of concentrate to milk yield ratio and urea-treated (3%) rice straw was fed ad libitum. The results revealed that feed intake, nutrient digestibility, blood urea nitrogen, and hematological parameters were not affected by MPM supplementation (p > 0.05). However, ruminal pH and propionate were increased quadratically (p < 0.05) in cows receiving MPM whereas acetate, acetate to propionate ratio and estimate methane production were decreased (p < 0.05). Supplementation of MPM linearly decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen and protozoal population at 4 hr postfeeding (p < 0.05). Milk production and milk composition were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of MPM at 200 g/head/day could modify ruminal fermentation and reduce methane production without adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility, hematological parameters, and milk production in dairy cows.

Effect of condensed tannins from Leucaena leucocephala on rumen fermentation, methane production and population of rumen protozoa in heifers fed low-quality forage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the experiment was to assess the effect of increasing amounts of Leucaena leucocephala forage on dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), enteric methane production, rumen fermentation pattern and protozoa population in cattle fed Pennisetum purpureum and housed in respiration chambers.

METHODS

Five crossbred heifers (Bos taurus×Bos indicus) (BW: 295±6 kg) were fed chopped P. purpureum grass and increasing levels of L. leucocephala (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of dry matter [DM]) in a 5×5 Latin square design.

RESULTS

The voluntary intake and methane production were measured for 23 h per day in respiration chambers; molar proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were determined at 6 h postprandial period. Molar concentration of VFAs in rumen liquor were similar (p>0.05) between treatments. However, methane production decreased linearly (p<0.005), recording a maximum reduction of up to ~61% with 80% of DM incorporation of L. leucocephala in the ration and no changes (p>0.05) in rumen protozoa population were found.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of 80% of L. leucocephala in the diet of heifers fed low-quality tropical forages has the capacity to reduce up to 61.3% enteric methane emission without affecting DMI, OMI, and protozoa population in rumen liquor.

Natural Phenol Polymers: Recent Advances in Food and Health Applications

Natural phenol polymers are widely represented in nature and include a variety of classes including tannins and lignins as the most prominent. Largely consumed foods are rich sources of phenol polymers, notably black foods traditionally used in East Asia, but other non-edible, easily accessible sources, e.g., seaweeds and wood, have been considered with increasing interest together with waste materials from agro-based industries, primarily grape pomace and other byproducts of fruit and coffee processing. Not in all cases were the main structural components of these materials identified because of their highly heterogeneous nature. The great beneficial effects of natural phenol-based polymers on human health and their potential in improving the quality of food were largely explored, and this review critically addresses the most interesting and innovative reports in the field of nutrition and biomedicine that have appeared in the last five years. Several in vivo human and animal trials supported the proposed use of these materials as food supplements and for amelioration of the health and production of livestock. Biocompatible and stable functional polymers prepared by peroxidase-catalyzed polymerization of natural phenols, as well as natural phenol polymers were exploited as conventional and green plastic additives in smart packaging and food-spoilage prevention applications. The potential of natural phenol polymers in regenerative biomedicine as additives of biomaterials to promote growth and differentiation of osteoblasts is also discussed.

Use of Asian selected agricultural byproducts to modulate rumen microbes and fermentation

In the last five decades, attempts have been made to improve rumen fermentation and host animal nutrition through modulation of rumen microbiota. The goals have been decreasing methane production, partially inhibiting protein degradation to avoid excess release of ammonia, and activation of fiber digestion. The main approach has been the use of dietary supplements. Since growth-promoting antibiotics were banned in European countries in 2006, safer alternatives including plant-derived materials have been explored. Plant oils, their component fatty acids, plant secondary metabolites and other compounds have been studied, and many originate or are abundantly available in Asia as agricultural byproducts. In this review, the potency of selected byproducts in inhibition of methane production and protein degradation, and in stimulation of fiber degradation was described in relation to their modes of action. In particular, cashew and ginkgo byproducts containing alkylphenols to mitigate methane emission and bean husks as a source of functional fiber to boost the number of fiber-degrading bacteria were highlighted. Other byproducts influencing rumen microbiota and fermentation profile were also described. Future application of these feed and additive candidates is very dependent on a sufficient, cost-effective supply and optimal usage in feeding practice.