Combination effects of phytonutrient pellet and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient degradability using in vitro technique

Phytonutrients (PTN) namely saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been demonstrated to assess the effect of rumen fermentation and methane mitigation. Phytonutrient pellet containing mangosteen, rambutan, and banana flower (MARABAC) and lemongrass including PTN, hence these plant-phytonutrients supplementation could be an alternative plant with a positive effect on rumen fermentation. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of MARABAC and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on in vitro fermentation modulation and the ability to mitigate methane production. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The two experimental factors consisted of MARABAC pellet levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate) and lemongrass supplementation levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate). The results of this study revealed that supplementation with MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder significantly improved gas production kinetics (P < 0.01) and rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate production (P < 0.01). While rumen methane production was subsequently reduced by both factors. Additionally, the in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and organic matter degradability (IVOMD) were greatly improved (P < 0.05) by the respective treatments. MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder combination showed effective methane mitigation by enhancing rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate concentration and both the IVDMD and IVOMD, while mitigated methane production. The combined level of both sources at 2% MARABAC pellet and 2% lemongrass powder of total substrates offered the best results. Therefore, MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder supplementation could be used as an alternative source of phytonutrient in dietary ruminant.

Influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet supplementation on in vitro fermentation and methane mitigation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) containing phytonutrients on rumen fermentation under various level of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experimental treatments were randomly assigned following a completely randomized design using a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement. The first factor was ratios of R:C at 100:0, 70:30, and 30:70 and the second factor was BP supplementation levels at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of dry matter substrate, respectively.

RESULTS

The ratio of R:C significantly enhanced rumen gas production especially when increased level of concentrate. Moreover, dry matter degradability of fermentation were improved (P < 0.01) by R:C and level of BP supplementation, and there was an interactive effect. The ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration, protozoal population and methane (CH4 ) production were remarkably influenced (P < 0.01). There were highly significant interactive effects between ratio of R:C and level of BP supplementation. Furthermore, fermentation parameters especially those of propionate (C3 ) concentration was profoundly increased by higher ratio of R:C and by the BP supplementation, interactive effect (P < 0.01). Notably, both level of R:C and BP supplementation significantly reduced NH3 -N concentration and CH4 production. Interactive effects of both factors were obtained (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The ratio of R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 4% could enhance fermentation characteristics and reduce CH4 production, while the interactive effects were additionally observed. The BP could be a good phytonutrient source to modulate rumen fermentation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytonutrients in Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, L.) and Feed Ratios Enhanced Rumen Fermentation Dynamics, Suppress Protozoal Population, and Methane Production

The search for alternative modifiers of rumen fermentation to improve the production efficiency of livestock production is highly essential. This in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement of two ratios of roughage to concentrate and seven levels of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) leaf powder (RALP) as a percentage of total substrate in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were two factors: factor A was two ratios of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) at 60:40 and 40:60 and factor B was levels of RALP supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% dry matter (DM) of total dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased rumen fermentation and reduced methane production (p &lt; 0.05). The RALP incorporation as a feed additive was highly promising in enhancing propionate (C3) concentration, reducing acetate (C2) to (C3) ratio, and the protozoal population, while mitigating methane (CH4) production. Furthermore, DM degradation percentages were remarkably enhanced by increasing the RALP levels and R:C ratio at 40:60. In conclusion, plants rich in phytonutrients and minerals such as RALP and the lower R:C ratio showed a promising role in modulating rumen fermentation, mitigating methane production, as well as increasing substrate DM degradability.

Supplementation of fruit peel pellet containing phytonutrients to manipulate rumen pH, fermentation efficiency, nutrient digestibility and microbial protein synthesis

BACKGROUND

Phytonutrient pellet, a new rumen enhancer, was formulated from various tropical fruit peels containing phytonutrients (condensed tannins and saponins) and named MARABAC. To substantiate the MARABAC supplementation effect, it was supplemented with low and high levels of concentrate supplementation in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using beef cattle. Based on this investigation, interesting findings were highlighted and are reported herein.

RESULTS

The high level of concentrate supplementation (HCS) reduced rumen pH remarkably, but was buffered and enhanced by MARABAC supplementation. Rumen pH was reduced to 5.74 at 8 h, post feeding upon receiving HCS, and was buffered back to 6.19 with MARABAC supplementation. The supplementation exhibited an additional pronounced (P < 0.01) effect on improving nutrient digestibility and efficiency of microbial nitrogen supply, mitigating rumen methane production and reducing protozoal population. Rumen and fermentation end-products, especially propionate production, were enhanced (P < 0.05), while rumen methane production was subsequently mitigated (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MARABAC is a new promising dietary rumen enhancer for future replacement of chemicals and antibiotics used to enhance the rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, more in vivo feeding trials should be further conducted to elucidate the insight impacts. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea, L.) silage can enrich rumen fermentation process, microbial protein synthesis, and nitrogen utilization efficiency in beef cattle crossbreds

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of leguminous fodder silage on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and utilization in beef cattle crossbreds. Four cattle, with an average live weight of 280 ± 10 kg, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with supplementation of various levels of sunnhemp silage (SHS). Sunnhemp silage was fed to cattle at 0, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg DM SHS/head/day. The DM, OM, and CP digestibilities were increased (P < 0.05), and the highest value was found by feeding 2 kg DM SHS/head/day. Total volatile fatty acids and individual volatile fatty acid (VFA) especially C₃ were increased (P < 0.01), while C₂ and C₂:C₃ ratios were decreased (P < 0.01) when SHS was supplemented. Nitrogen utilization efficiency and urinary purine derivatives were increased (P < 0.01) by the SHS supplementation. In conclusion, these data suggest that feeding SHS at 1.5 to 2 kg DM/ head/day can significantly increase rumen fermentation end-products, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and microbial protein synthesis. Sunnhemp silage can be practically processed and provided as a good roughage source for ruminants. Therefore, sunnhemp silage is recommended as a feeding intervention in the sub-tropical and tropical regions to support the sustainable livestock production.

Milk production and composition efficiency as influenced by feeding Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham with Tiliacora triandra, Diels pellet supplementation

Ruminal fermentation efficiency has been shown to be closely related with milk production in dairy cows. This investigation aimed at the utilization of sweet grass and bamboo grass pellet supplementation on ruminal fermentation, feed utilization efficiency, milk quantity, and quality in lactating dairy cows. Four lactating Holstein Friesian crossbreds were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of roughage sources and bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) supplementation on voluntary feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, fermentation characteristics of the rumen, and milk quantity and quality. Sweet grass (SG) (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham) and rice straw (RS) were fed as roughage sources as the first factor, while the second factor was supplementation levels of BP (0 and 150 g/cow/day). The results revealed that SG (P < 0.01) and BP supplementation (P < 0.05) improved feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, especially roughage intake and digestibility of DM and NDF. Ruminal pH (P < 0.05), bacterial (P < 0.01), and fungal population (P < 0.01) were increased with SG feeding, enhancing the concentration of total VFAs (P < 0.01) and propionic acid (P < 0.01), while both SG and BP decreased methane production (P < 0.01). While milk yield (P < 0.01) and milk composition (P < 0.01), especially unsaturated fatty acids including those of conjugated linoleic acid (P < 0.001), were enhanced. Supplementation of BP containing bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CT) enhanced rumen bacterial population with increased total VFAs (P < 0.05) and propionic acid (P < 0.05) concentrations, while decreased methane production (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that SG would be beneficial to improved rumen fermentation, feed utilization, and milk production of dairy cows, while bamboo grass pellet supplementation tended to additionally improve rumen fermentation and feed intake without negative effects on milk production.

Strategic supplementation of Flemingia silage to enhance rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis and methane mitigation in beef cattle

Background

Good quality protein as an on-farm feed resource has been in great demand to support the productivity of ruminants. A digestion trial using beef cattle crossbreds was conducted to assess the four dietary treatments of Flemingia macrophylla silage (FMS) supplementation at 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 kg dry matter (DM)/day in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Feed DM intakes were measured during the 14 days and sample of feeds, feces, urine, as well as rumen fluid and blood were collected during the 7 days while the animals were on metabolism crates.

Results

Based on this experiment strategic supplementation of FMS increased (P < 0.05) nutrients digestibility (organic matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber) enhanced rumen total volatile fatty acid production especially propionic acid (C₃), C₂:C₃ ratio while, remarkably promoted the microbial protein synthesis (MPS) by increasing N-balance and retention of purine derivatives.

Conclusions

Under this experiment, the results revealed the potential use of FMS as a good-quality feed to improve nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and to mitigate methane production. FMS supplementation at 0.6 kg DM/day exhibited the best result.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) peel pellet as a rumen enhancer in Holstein crossbred bulls

Objective

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) as a rumen enhancer of dry matter consumption, nutrient digestibilities, ruminal ecology, microbial protein synthesis and rumimal methane production in Holstein crossbred bulls.

Methods

Four animals, with an average live-weight of 200±20 kg were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the influence of DFPP supplementation. There were four different dietary treatments: without DFPP, and with 200, 300, and 400 g/h/d, respectively.

Results

Results revealed that dry matter consumption of total intake, rice straw and concentrate were not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). It was also found that ruminal pH was not different among treatments (p>0.05), whilst protozoal group was reduced when DFPP increased (p<0.01). Blood urea nitrogen and NH₃-N concentrations were increased at 400 g of DFPP supplementation (p<0.01). Additionally, volatile fatty acid production of propionate was significantly enhanced by the DFPP supplementation (p<0.05), while production of methane was consequently decreased (p<0.05). Furthermore, microbial protein synthesis and urinary purine derivatives were remarkably increased especially at 400 g of DFPP supplementation (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Plant secondary compounds or phytonutrients (PTN) containing saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been reported to influence rumen fermentation. DFPP contains both CT and SP as a PTN. The addition of 400 g of DFPP resulted in improved rumen fermentation end-products especially propionate (C3) and microbial protein synthesis. Therefore, DFPP is a promising rumen enhancer and indicated a significant potential of DFPP as feedstuff for ruminant feed to mitigate rumen methane production.

Potential use of Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) as a protein source fodder to improve nutrients digestibility, ruminal fermentation efficiency in beef cattle

Objective

This study aimed at studying the potential use of Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) as a protein source fodder to improve nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation efficiency in beef cattle.

Methods

Four, Thai native beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design. Four levels of Flemingia hay meal (FHM) were used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in the concentrate mixtures in four dietary treatments replacing levels at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% of SBM.

Results

The experimental findings revealed that replacements did not effect on intake of rice straw, concentrate and total dry matter (DM) intake (p>0.05). However, the apparent digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were linearly increased up to 100% replacement levels. Moreover, the production of total volatile fatty acids, and propionate concentration were enhanced (p<0.05) whereas the concentration of acetate was reduced in all replacement groups. Consequently, the CH₄ production was significantly lower when increasing levels of FHM for SBM (p<0.05). Furthermore, rumen bacterial population was additionally increased (p<0.05) while protozoal population was clearly decreased (p<0.05) in all replacement groups up to 100%. In addition, microbial nitrogen supply and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis were enhanced (p<0.05), as affected by FHM replacements.

Conclusion

The findings under this experiment suggest that 100% FHM replacement in concentrate mixture enhanced rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrients digestibilities, bacterial population, microbial protein synthesis, and subsequently reduced CH₄ production in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Replacing soybean meal with yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, rumen microorganism, fermentation, and N-balance in Thai native beef cattle

The principle of the study was to assess the influence of yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) as a protein supplement on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, rumen microbial protein synthesis, fermentation end-products, and N-balance in Thai native beef cattle. The experiment was conducted following the 4 × 4 Latin square design using 4 levels of YFCP supplementation (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day) in 3-year-old Thai native beef cattle crossbreds. The response of YFCP supplementation level using rice straw as a roughage source revealed promising results. The rumen ecology parameters including cellulolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic bacterial population were significantly increased while the protozoal population were reduced, as affected by increasing level of YFCP supplementation (P < 0.05). In parallel with these results, totals VFA, propionate (C3) production in the rumen, and the ratio of C2:C3 were remarkably increased (P < 0.01), while rumen methane production by prediction from VFA was decreased (P < 0.01), as YFCP supplementation increased. Regarding, the nutrient digestibilities, those of OM and CP were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.01), hence increased DM intake. Furthermore, the use of YFCP at high level resulted in the highest N-balance and N retention absorption (P < 0.01). The results indicated that YFCP can be nutritionally enhanced by yeast fermentation, thus is promising to be used as a protein source in ruminant feeding.

Effect of Flemingia macrophylla silage on in vitro fermentation characteristics and reduced methane production

Fodder shrub, Flemingia macrophylla silage (FMS), was nutritionally evaluated for rumen fermentation characteristics using an in vitro gas production technique. Dietary treatments were imposed in a 2 × 7 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. The first factor was two ratios of roughage:concentrate (R:C at 60:40 and 40:60), and the second factor was seven levels of FMS supplementation at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 g/kg of dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased the kinetics of gas production (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, supplementation of FMS increased in vitro degradability and the concentration of propionic acid (P &lt; 0.001), whereas acetic acid concentration, protozoal population and methane production were reduced (P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, supplementation of FMS at 120 g/kg of dietary substrate improved rumen fermentation and subsequently reduced methane production. However, in vivo feeding trials using FMS should be conducted to gain more information for further implementations.

Manipulating rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and mitigating methane production using bamboo grass pellet in swamp buffaloes

Bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra Diels) pellet (BP) was assessed as a rumen modifier on feed intake, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibilities, microbial population, and methane production in swamp buffaloes. Four male swamp buffaloes with 350 ± 10 kg of body weight (BW) were allotted according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) at 70:30 (T1), R:C at 70:30 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T2), R:C at 30:70 (T3), and R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T4). All animals were restricted to 2.5% of BW. The findings revealed that ruminal pH was reduced by the R:C at 30:70 fed groups (T3, T4); however, the rumen pH was enhanced (P < 0.05) in BP supplemented (T4) and there was an interaction between R:C and BP groups (P < 0.05). The propionate (C3) concentration was increased by the R:C ratio at 30:70 and BP fed groups (P < 0.01), and it was the highest at R:C ratio of 30:70 with BP supplemented group. Total VFA and buterate (C4) concentation were not changed (P > 0.05), while acetate (C2) concentration was reduced (P < 0.05) in the BP fed groups and there was an interaction (P < 0.05). Estimation of CH₄ production in the rumen was remarkably reduced by the R:C ratio with BP supplementation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were significantly increased in the R:C ratio 30:70 (P < 0.01). Nitrogen absorption and nitrogen retention were also significantly altered by R:C at 30:70 (P < 0.01) and nitrogen absorption was an interaction (P < 0.01). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of BP resulted in improvement of ruminal pH, enhanced C3, and reduced CH₄ production. Thus, BP could be a dietary rumen enhancer.

Replacement of rice straw with cassava-top silage on rumen ecology, fermentation and nutrient digestibilities in dairy steers

Conserving good source of roughage for dry-season feeding of ruminants is of the utmost importance. Therefore, cassava-top silage (CTS) was prepared and was studied for its feeding level and nutritive value in dairy steers. Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers (75% Holstein Friesian × 25% Thai Native), ~3 years old with 209 ± 50 kg liveweight, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the effect of CTS on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation efficiency. The treatments were four different feeding ratios of CTS to rice straw, as follows: 0:100, 30:70, 60:40 and 100:0 respectively. Increasing the ratio of CTS to rice straw in the feed remarkably reduced the rumen protozoal population (P &lt; 0.01), thus subsequently decreasing rumen methane production (P &lt; 0.01), whereas other rumen microorganisms remained similar among treatments. Correspondingly, rumen propionate production was enhanced (P &lt; 0.01) by increasing the CTS to rice ratio in the feed, and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, rumen ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen increased (P &lt; 0.01) with an increasing proportion of CTS in the feed, whereas nitrogen retention was highest when the proportion of CTS in the feed was 100%. Although the feed DM intakes were similar, apparent digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein as well as neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were significantly improved by the increase in the percentage of CTS in the feed. It could be concluded that including CTS in the feed at a level of 60–100% improved the rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibilities, and is highly recommended for use in the ruminant production in the tropics, as it is a practically simple-to-prepare on-farm feeding intervention.

Effects of replacing rice bran with tamarind seed meal in concentrate mixture diets on the changes in ruminal ecology and feed utilization of dairy steers

Feed ingredients costs have been impacting the production cost. Attempts have been made to use local feed resources in order to reduce feed costs. The objective of this study was to identify effect of using crushed tamarind seed meal (TSM) in concentrate mixture on rumen fermentation, dry matter intake, and digestibility of dairy steers. Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square Design. Four levels of TSM were used to replace rice bran (RB) in the concentrate mixtures in four treatments (T1 = 0% replacement of RB, T2 = 30% replacement of RB, T3 = 60% replacement of RB, T4 = 100% replacement of RB). The findings revealed that replacement of TSM for RB resulted in similar digestibility of nutrients and intakes (P > 0.05). However, rumen fermentation parameters were remarkably improved, namely total VFA and the concentration of C3 especially at the highest level of replacements (100%, T4), (P < 0.05). Rumen protozoal population was found lowered in all replacements, especially those in higher levels of TSM replacement. Consequently, the rumen methane productions were significantly reduced. TSM can be a promising energy source to replace rice bran, hence lowering the cost of concentrate mixture.

Strategic supplementation of cassava top silage to enhance rumen fermentation and milk production in lactating dairy cows in the tropics

High-quality protein roughage is an important feed for productive ruminants. This study examined the effects of strategic feeding of lactating cows with cassava (Manihot esculenta) top silage (CTS) on rumen fermentation, feed intake, milk yield, and quality. Four early lactating crossbred dairy cows (75% Holstein-Friesian and 25% Thai) with body weight (BW) 410 ± 30 kg and milk yield 12 ± 2 kg/day were randomly allotted in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to four different supplementation levels of CTS namely, 0, 0.75, 1.50, and 2.25 kg/day of dry matter (DM). Strategic supplementation of CTS significantly affected ruminal fermentation end-products, especially increased propionate production, decreased protozoal population and suppressed methane production (P < 0.05). Increasing the CTS supplementation level substantially enhanced milk yield and the 3.5% FCM from 12.7 to 14.0 kg/day and from 14.6 to 17.2 kg/day (P < 0.05) for non-supplemented group and for the 2.25 kg/day supplemented group, respectively. We conclude that high-quality protein roughage significantly enhances rumen fermentation end-products, milk yield, and quality in dairy cows.

Supplementation of banana flower powder pellet and plant oil sources on in vitro ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and methane production

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of banana flower power pellet (BAFLOP-pellet) and plant oil source on in vitro gas production, fermentation efficiency, and methane (CH₄) production. Rumen fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated dairy steers fed on rice straw-based diet with concentrate supplement to maintain normal rumen ecology. All supplemented feed were added to respective treatments in the 30:70 roughage to concentrate-based substrate. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. First factor was different levels of BAFLOP-pellet supplementation (0, 30, and 60 g/kg of dietary substrate) and second factor was plant oil source supplementation [non-supplemented, 20 g/kg krabok seed oil (KSO), and 20 g/kg coconut oil (CO) of dietary substrate, respectively]. Under this investigation, BAFLOP-pellet supplementation increased gas production kinetics and in vitro digestibility (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH was dropped post incubation time in the non-supplemented group but was enhanced in BAFLOP-pellet-supplemented treatments. On the other hand, supplementation of KSO and CO depressed gas production and digestibility, but did not influence ruminal pH. In addition, protozoal population and CH₄ production were decreased by BAFLOP-pellet and plant oil addition (P < 0.05). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of BAFLOP-pellet and plant oil source could enhance the in vitro fermentation efficiency while reduced protozoal population and CH₄ production. It is suggested that BAFLOP-pellet (60 g/kg of dietary substrate) and KSO/CO (20 g/kg of dietary substrate) could be used to manipulate rumen fermentation characteristics fed on high-concentrate diet.