Feeding pomegranate pulp to Ghezel lambs for enhanced productivity and meat quality

Agrifood by-products contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be used in the diets of livestock - thereby value-adding to an otherwise waste product of environmental and economic significance. This study investigated the effect of dietary pomegranate pulp in the total mixed ration of Ghezel lambs, evaluating its effect on growth performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, as well as meat quality and shelf life. 3-month-old Ghezel lambs (individually housed, n = 8) were randomly assigned to be either non-supplemented (control) or supplemented with 100 g/kg DM of sun-dried pomegranate pulp for 28 days, post-adjustment. Results showed that supplementation of lamb diets with pomegranate pulp significantly increased liveweight and average daily gains, while not significantly affecting dry matter intake. Lamb serum urea and alkaline phosphatase concentrations and hot carcass weight were increased with pomegranate pulp supplementation. Compared to control lambs, the meat from lambs fed the supplemented diet had higher concentrations of intramuscular fat, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid, total unsaturated fatty acid, and meat phenolic compounds. Pomegranate pulp supplemented lambs also had a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids; and produced liver tissue with less fat and ash contents. Meat oxidative status (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) and quality (water holding capacity, colour, and pH) were improved when lambs were supplemented with pomegranate pulp. These findings demonstrate that using pomegranate pulp as a feed for Ghezel lambs has advantageous effects on animal performance and meat quality, offering valorisation of an agrifood by-product.

Inclusion of the fungus Pleurotus florida in the diet affects performance and feed efficiency traits in calves: a case study on Ravi buffalo

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of inclusion of Pleurotus florida treated wheat straw in the total mixed rations (TMRs) on feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention in male buffalo calves. As a pilot study, four TMRs, i.e., TMR1 having 0% P. florida treated wheat straw (FTWS), TMR2 (20% FTWS), TMR3 (40% FTWS), and TMR4 (60% FTWS) with berseem hay as basal diet, were formulated. Sixteen Nili-Ravi male buffalo calves (aged 10-12 months, weighing 73 ± 2.50 kg) were divided into four equal groups and randomly assigned one of four TMRs. A significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in all nutrients intake, their digestibility, weight gain, and nitrogen retention with TMRs incorporated with FTWS. Highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.63 was noted with TMR1-0% and the lowest FCR (1.80) with TMR4-60%, on the other hand. In conclusion, the TMR4 (60% FTWS) has the potential to increase the weight gain, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and feed efficiency in buffalo calves. Therefore, inclusion of 60% Pleurotus florida treated wheat straw is recommended as TMRs with berseem hay based basal diet for feeding buffaloes calves.

Effects of different feeding systems on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, methane emissions, and microbiota of Hanwoo steers

This study evaluates how different feeding systems impact ruminal fermentation, methane production, and microbiota of Hanwoo steers native to Korea. In a replicated 2 × 2 crossover design over 29 days per period, eight Hanwoo steers (507.1 ± 67.4 kg) were fed twice daily using a separate feeding (SF) system comprising separate concentrate mix and forage or total mixed rations (TMR) in a 15:85 ratio. The TMR-feeding group exhibited a considerable neutral detergent fiber digestibility increase than the SF group. However, ruminal fermentation parameters and methane production did not differ between two feeding strategies. In addition, TMR-fed steers expressed elevated Prevotellaceae family, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and an unidentified Veillonellaceae family genus abundance in their rumen, whereas SF-fed steers were rich in the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-004, and Succinivibrio. Through linear regression modeling, positive correlations were observed between the Shannon Diversity Index and the SF group's dry matter intake and methane production. Although feeding systems do not affect methane production, they can alter ruminal microbes. These results may guide future feeding system investigations or ruminal microbiota manipulations as a methane-mitigation practice examining different feed ingredients.

Co-occurrence of mycotoxins and other fungal metabolites in total mixed rations of cows from dairy farms in Punjab, Pakistan

After India and the USA, Pakistan is the third country leading in global dairy production, a sector of very high socioeconomic relevance in Asia. Mycotoxins can affect animal health, reproduction and productivity. This study analysed a broad range of co-occurring mycotoxins and fungal secondary metabolites derived from Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and other fungal species. To complete this, a validated multi-metabolite liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method was employed, detecting 96 of > 500 tested secondary fungal metabolites. This first preliminary study demonstrated that total mixed rations (TMRs) (n = 30) from big commercial dairy cattle farms (> 200 lactating cows) in Punjab, Pakistan, presented ubiquitous contamination with mixtures of mycotoxins. The mean of mycotoxins per sample was 14, ranging from 11 to 20 mycotoxins among all TMR samples. Metabolites derived from other fungi and Fusarium spp. showed the highest levels, frequency and diversity among the detected fungal compounds. Among the most prevalent mycotoxins were Fusarium toxins like fumonisins B1 (FB1) (93%), B2 (FB2) (100%) and B3 (FB3) (77%) and others. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was evidenced in 40% of the samples, and 7% exceeded the EU maximum limit for feeding dairy cattle (5 µg/kg at 88% dry matter). No other mycotoxin exceeds the EU guidance values (GVs). Additionally, we found that dietary ingredients like corn grain, soybean meal and canola meal were related to increased contamination of some mycotoxins (like FB1, FB2 and FB3) in TMR from the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Among typical forage sources, the content of maize silage was ubiquitous. Individually, the detected mycotoxins represented relatively low levels. However, under a realistic scenario, long-term exposure to multiple mycotoxins and other fungal secondary metabolites can exert unpredictable effects on animal health, reproduction and productivity. Except for ergot alkaloids (73%), all the groups of metabolites (i.e. derived from Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and other fungi) occurred in 100% of the TMR samples. At individual levels, no other mycotoxins than AFB1 represented a considerable risk; however, the high levels of co-occurrence with several mycotoxins/metabolites suggest that long-term exposure should be considered because of their potential toxicological interactions (additive or synergistic effects).

Occurrence of zearalenone in dairy farms - A study on the determinants of exposure and risk assessment

The Azorean dairy industry is based on a semi-intensive model. Due to the few storage facilities and the large climatic fluctuations that characterize the Azores, the complete feed mixture (total mixed ration - TMR) is susceptible to the proliferation of a variety of fungi and mycotoxin contamination. Thus, chronic ingestion of these xenobiotics may lead to increased susceptibility to disease, loss of reproductive performance and, in the case of dairy cattle, decreased productivity and quality of milk produced. Since it is impossible to eliminate completely the presence of mycotoxins, it is essential to ensure the implementation of strategies to reduce their concentration in products intended for food and feed, as well as to monitor and control the levels present in food. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence zearalenone (ZEA) in feed (TMR) in four dairy cattle farms on the Azorean Island of São Miguel and relate it to the occurrence of this mycotoxin in the milk produced, by associating several production and health indicators translated by the monthly milk contrast. To this end, the monthly milk contrast data, the determination of ZEA in the ingested feed and the (individual) milk samples from the four farms included in the study were used. Eighty-three (98.8%) of the milk samples under study had detectable ZEA levels (1.56 ± 1.36 μg/L), higher than reported in previous similar studies. Although ZEA concentration was not significantly associated with any production indicator analyzed (days in milk, age at calving, milk yield, protein content, butyrate content, somatic cell concentration and urea), it was found that the production regime and type of feed management is a major factor in the exposure of animals to high mycotoxin contents. Further studies are recommended to ensure continued monitoring and reduction of the risk associated with exposure of animals and humans to ZEA.

Assessment of organic acid salts on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of total mixed ration silage

The work aimed to investigate the effects of four organic acid salts on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage prepared with citric acid residue, wet brewers' grains, and Napier grass. The TMR was ensiled with the following: (1) no additives (control), (2) 0.1% sodium benzoate (SB), (3) 0.1% potassium sorbate (PS), (4) 0.5% sodium diacetate (SDA), (5) 0.5% calcium propionate (CAP) on a fresh weight basis. All silos (10 L) were opened after 60 days of ensiling to determine fermentation profiles and in vitro rumen digestibility, and then were subjected to a 9-day aerobic stability test. Four organic acid salts significantly (p < 0.05) increased dry matter contents, lactic acid bacteria count, and decreased ethanol content and yeast count compared with the control. The SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) increased water-soluble carbohydrates, lactic acid, and crude protein contents, and decreased pH, ammonia nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose contents compared with other TMR silages after 60 days of ensiling. Organic acid salts significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the hours of aerobic stability and significantly (p < 0.05) increased cumulative gas production and potential gas production compared with the control. The treatments of SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) improved aerobic stability as indicated by higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrates contents, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, ammonia nitrogen, ethanol contents, and yeast count compared with the control. The treatments of SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) increased in vitro rumen parameters, as indicated by higher (p < 0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber after 60 days of ensiling. Overall, these results indicated that the addition of SDA and CAP could ensure the good fermentation quality and improve aerobic stability of TMR silages. By comprehensive consideration, CAP was recommended for improving fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of TMR silages prepared with wet brewers' grains, citric acid residue, and Napier grass.

What to feed or what not to feed-that is still the question

INTRODUCTION

This review addresses metabolic diversities after grain feeding of cattle using artificial total mixed ration (TMR), in place of pasture-based feeding.

OBJECTIVES

To determine how grain feeding impairs the deuterium-depleting functions of the anaplerotic mitochondrial matrix during milk and meat production.

METHODS

Based on published data we herein evaluate how grain-fed animals essentially follow a branched-chain amino acid and odd-chain fatty acid-based reductive carboxylation-dependent feedstock, which is also one of the mitochondrial deuterium-accumulating dysfunctions in human cancer.

RESULTS

It is now evident that food-based intracellular deuterium exchange reactions, especially that of glycogenic substrate oxidation, are significant sources of deuterium-enriched (²H; D) metabolic water with a significant impact on animal and human health. The burning of high deuterium nutritional dairy products into metabolic water upon oxidation in the human body may contribute to similar metabolic conditions and diseases as described in state-of-the-art articles for cows. Grain feeding also limits oxygen delivery to mitochondria for efficient deuterium-depleted metabolic water production by glyphosate herbicide exposure used in genetically modified crops of TMR constituents.

CONCLUSION

Developments in medical metabolomics, biochemistry and deutenomics, which is the science of biological deuterium fractionation and discrimination warrant urgent critical reviews in order to control the epidemiological scale of population diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer by a thorough understanding of how the compromised metabolic health of grain-fed dairy cows impacts human consumers.

Kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) by-products treated with calcium oxide and alkaline hydrogen peroxide as feed ingredient for Holstein steers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kimchi cabbage by-products either treated or untreated with calcium oxide (CaO) and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) as substitutional ingredient of total mixed ration (TMR) on in vitro fermentation, in situ disappearance and growth performance of Holstein steers. Cannulated Holstein (600 ± 47 kg) was used for both the in vitro and in situ experiments. The treatments used were TMR only (CON), TMR + 30% Kimchi cabbage by-products fresh matter (FM) basis (TC), TMR + 30% Kimchi cabbage by-products FM basis + 5% CaO FM basis (TCC), and TMR + 30% Kimchi cabbage by-products FM basis + 5% CaO FM basis + 3.22% AHP FM basis (TCCA). For in vivo experiment, thirty-four Holstein steers (273 ± 45 kg) were subjected to a 150-day feeding trial, divided into two groups: CON and TC. In the in vitro experiment, pH of TCCA was greatest (p < 0.05) among other treatments at all incubation times. Ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acid concentrations were not significantly different for each treatment. However, butyrate was greater (p < 0.05) in TCC and CON than in both TC and TCCA. During in situ experiment, the dry matter (DM) disappearance was greatest (p < 0.05) in TCCA among other treatments. Also, disappearance of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were observed greatest (p > 0.05) in TCCA treatment. In the in vivo experiment, average daily gain (ADG) did not differ between CON and TC. In blood profile analysis, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total protein concentration were not significantly different between treatments. But, creatinine concentration was greater (p < 0.05) in TC than in CON. Overall results suggest that Kimchi cabbage by-products either treated or untreated with CaO and AHP can be used as substitutional ingredient in TMR for Holstein steers.

Effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs

Ruminants can tolerate moderate concentrations of dietary tannin, making it feasible to replace corn with sorghum in ruminant diets; however, conditioning temperature of pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) greatly affects nutrient digestibility. The objective was to determine effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs. This was a 2 × 3 factorial study, with corn and sorghum and three conditioning temperatures (65, 75 and 85 °C) in a randomized complete design, with 36 lambs (120 ± 10.2 d and 24.9 ± 3.3 kg) grouped by weight and randomly allocated. The resulting six PTMRs were referred to as 65-S, 75-S and 85-S for sorghum-based diets, and 65-C, 75-C and 85-C for corn-based diets, for low, medium and high pelleting temperatures, respectively. There was no grain type × conditioning temperature (Grain × Temp) interaction on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility. Furthermore, grain type did not affect DM intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fattening lambs. Pelleting at 75 °C improved ADG (P < 0.03) and FCR (P < 0.02) of fattening lambs compared to other temperatures. There was a Grain × Temp interaction (P < 0.01) on ruminal pH (lowest in lambs fed 75-S). There tended (P = 0.07) to be a Grain × Temp interaction for total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and there were Grain × Temp interactions for molar proportions of acetate (P < 0.04), butyrate (P < 0.03) and branch-chained VFA (P < 0.01). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had greater molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.03) and lower acetate to propionate ratio (A:P, P < 0.04). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had higher plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen (N) (P < 0.03), glucose (P < 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), whereas other blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. There were Grain × Temp (P < 0.03) interactions for color coordinates of longissimus and mid-gluteal muscle. Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had lower (P < 0.01) dressing percentage and meat quality than those fed corn-based PTMR. We concluded that sorghum can replace corn in lamb diets without compromising growth performance and feed efficiency; furthermore, feeding sorghum vs corn improved rumen fermentation, with reduced A:P ratio and enhanced N and glucose utilization. Finally, pelleting at 75 °C increased feeding value of either sorghum- or corn-based PTMR for fattening lambs.

Vitamin A and E in the total mixed ration as influenced by ensiling and the type of herbage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ensiling on vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) contents in the total mixed ration (TMR) containing different types of herbage. Oat hay (O-TMR), alfalfa hay (A-TMR) and oat hay + alfalfa hay (OA-TMR) were separately mixed with soybean milk residue, corn meal, soybean meal, salt and a vitamin-mineral supplement to make the TMR. The TMR was sampled after 0, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of ensiling. The fermentation quality, chemical composition and contents of vitamins A and E were determined. The vitamin A content was affected by the ensiling and herbage type (p < 0.05). After 56 days of ensiling, the three TMR silages had good fermentation quality, but the vitamin A content of O-TMR, OA-TMR and A-TMR decreased by 59.4%, 58.1% and 53.7%, respectively. Moreover, the content of vitamin A was positively correlated with the pH and negatively correlated with the lactic acid content during the 56 days of ensiling of the TMR silages. However, there were no effects of ensiling and herbage type on the vitamin E content. Thus, the preservation strategy for vitamin A in the TMR during ensiling requires further study.

Substitution effects of rice for corn grain in total mixed ration on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial community in vitro

This study determined the substitution effects of rice for corn as the main grain source in a total mixed ration (TMR). In vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and microbes were assessed using two experimental diets. Diets included 33% dry matter (DM) of either corn (Corn TMR) or rice grains (Rice TMR). In a 48-h in vitro incubation, DM digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber degradability (IVNDFD), crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) were estimated. Gas production has been calculated at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Our results indicate that the gas production, VFAs, IVDMD, and IVNDFD of Rice TMR were higher than those of Corn TMR (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH and total fungi were significantly higher in Corn TMR (p < 0.05) than in Rice TMR; however, NH₃-N and IVCPD were not affected by treatment type. In conclusion, substituting rice for corn at 33% DM in TMR appears to have no negative effects on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Therefore, rice grains are an appropriate alternative energy source in early fattening stage diets of beef cattle.

Fusarium mycotoxins in total mixed rations for dairy cows

Mycotoxins produced by certain fungal species of the Fusarium genus are frequently found as contaminants in cereals and feedstuffs. Fumonisins (FBs), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are of special concern relative to animal health and productivity. The aim of this work was to analyse the levels of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in samples of total mixed rations (TMRs) for dairy cows. To accomplish this analysis, an HPLC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin method was developed and validated. The relation between the formulation of TMR samples and the presence of mycotoxins was also studied. From February 2016 to January 2018, a total of 193 TMR samples for dairy cows collected from farms located in different areas of Spain were analysed for the presence of FBs, ZEN, DON and their metabolites. In total, 112 samples (58%) were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and 38 samples (20%) presented more than one mycotoxin. FBs were the mycotoxins most frequently found (34% positive samples). DON was detected in 17% of samples, and ZEN was detected in 16% of samples. Among the metabolites analysed, only deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3-Glc) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) were detected. The levels of all the Fusarium mycotoxins studied were always below the values recommended by the European Commission for feedstuffs. The wide variety of ingredients used in the formulation of the analysed samples made it difficult to reach definite conclusions, although it seemed that some cereal silages and concentrates such as cereals or compound feed used as ingredients of the TMR may be related to the presence of mycotoxins.

Usefulness of the analytical control of aflatoxins in feedstuffs for dairy cows for the prevention of aflatoxin M1 in milk

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and can be excreted in milk of cows after consuming aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated feed. The aim of this research was to assess the levels of total AFs in samples of feedingstuff for dairy cows (n = 193) and the levels of AFM₁ in raw bulk tank milk samples (n = 375), in order to estimate the ratio of "AFB₁ feed input" versus "AFM₁ milk output" in four specific regions of Spain. Moreover, the correlation between the raw materials used as ingredients of the total mixed ration (TMR) and the presence of AFs was studied. About one-third (34.7%) of the feed samples were positive for total AFs in a range of 0.05-6.45 μg/kg, and 12.4% were positive for AFB₁. AFM₁ was detected in 18.9% of bulk milk samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.009 to 1.36 μg/kg. While none of the feed samples exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum content for AFB₁ in feedingstuff for dairy animals of 5 μg/kg, three bulk milk samples exceeded the EU maximum level for AFM₁ in milk of 50 ng/kg. The transfer ratio AFB₁/AFM₁, which was derived from AFB₁ levels in feed, AFM₁ levels in bulk tank milk, feed intake, and milk yield data, was 0.6-6%, which corresponded well with the range of published carry-over data for aflatoxins. Statistical analyses showed that the main sources of AFB₁ in TMR were maize silage, bagasse, soya bean husk, maize, alfalfa hay, cotton seed and compound feed, thus special attention should be paid in controlling these raw materials when used in TMR preparation. Although the analysis of AFs in feed did not correlate with the presence of AFM₁ in milk, monitoring feedstuffs is a useful tool in order to try and minimise AF-contamination of milk.

Lentil straw (Lens culinaris): An alternative and nutritious feed resource for kids

The scarcity of feed resources with the continuously increasing cost of usual animal feeds urgently demands searching some alternate feeds for ruminants. In this study, Barberi male kids were divided into 4 groups of 5 kids (body weight 17.5 ± 1.8 kg) in each group, and ad libitum fed lentil straw (Lens culinaris; LS), LS based total mixed ration (LSTMR), urea ammoniated LS (ALS) or ALS based total mixed ration (ALSTMR) for a period of 28 days. Results showed LS was a superior feed (CP, 9.2%) for kids, but having quite high crude fibre (CF; 39.6%) and Ca:P ratio (10:1). Urea ammoniation of LS was helpful for increasing the digestible crude protein (DCP) (P < 0.01), nitrogen-free extract (NFE) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) with reduction of CF content. Urea mmoniation also improved the digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre (P < 0.01), but its effect on CP digestibility was negative (P < 0.05). Dry matter (DM), DCP and TDN intakes (per kg W^0.75) were also improved (P < 0.01) in the kids fed ALS. Negative growth rate and nitrogen (N) balance (−33.8 and −1.4 g/day, respectively) in kids fed LS became positive (46.9 and 2.0 g/day, respectively) when ALS was used in the diets of kids. Feeding of ALS also increased (P < 0.01) the total N and ammonia N content of strained rumen liquor (SRL). Use of straw (LS or ALS) in TMR increased the digestibility of DM, organic matter and NFE (P < 0.01), intake of energy, as well as total volatile fatty acids concentration (P < 0.01) in the SRL. The present study suggested that optimum performance of kids may be achieved using either ALS alone or TMR with LS or ALS.

Characteristics of rumen in Naemi lamb: Morphological changes in response to altered feeding regimen

This study sought to chart the ontogenesis of rumen in Naemi lambs through histomorphometeric evaluation subjected to alfalfa hay in total mixed rations (TMR). A total of 40 growing healthy Naemi male lambs (28.85±1.09kg), at weaning (90±3days) was randomly distributed into four groups. One group was fed on TMR (control) only, while others were supplemented with restricted amount of alfalfa hay at the rate of 100g per day (T1), 200g once per two days (T2) and 300g once per three days (T3) in addition to ad libitum TMR. The results indicated that body weight and dry matter intake increased significantly in treated groups. Significantly higher (P<0.05) pH was recorded in all the treated groups after 8h of feeding. Similarly, the brightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness ((b*) of rumen was significantly higher (P<0.05) in treated groups. The papillary length, width and surface area of rumen were significantly (P<0.05) high in alfalfa supplemented groups. Iron (Fe) concentration in rumen tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05) in treated groups. We concluded that a dietary plan based on ad libitum TMR with the addition of alfalfa at the rate of aforementioned protocol not only enhanced feed intake and growth rate of the growing Naemi lambs but also improved the structural characteristics of the rumen.