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Physical and chemical characteristics of fiber affecting dairy cow performance
... The formula used to predict total digestible nutrients (TDN) was 82.38 − (0.7515 × ADF) as described by Bath and Marble (1989). Relative feed value (RFV) was calculated from the estimates of dry matter digestibility (DMD) (Jerenyama & Garcia, 2004) and dry matter intake (DMI) (Mertens (2002)): DMD % = 88.9 − (0.779 × %ADF), DMI = 1.2 × body weight/NDF%, RFV = (%DDM x %DMI)/1.29. Dry matter digestibility values were then used to estimate digestible energy (DE, kcal/kg) using the regression equation reported by Fonnesbeck, Clark, Garret, and Speth (1984): DE (Mcal/kg) = 0.27 + 0.0428 (DMD%). ...
... Then, DE values were converted to ME using the formula reported by Khalil, Sawaya, and Hyder (1986): ME (Mcal/kg) = 0.821 × DE (Mcal/kg). Estimated predicted potential daily DMI was calculated according to Mertens (2002) using the formula ...
... For the five browse plants, the level of ADF ranged from 212.3 to 391.2 g/kg DM, which falls within the range where browse substrates are expected to be digestible (Belyea & Rickets, 1993) and would therefore not negatively impact on the bioavailability of CP. Research indicates that a cow will eat a daily quantity of NDF up to approximately 1.2% of its body weight (Mertens, 2002). Daily dry matter intake for the three browse species (M. ...
Many browse plants are undervalued due to insufficient knowledge about their potential feeding value. The study was conducted to evaluate chemical composition, in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability (DRD) and dry matter intake of Melia azedarach, Leucaena leucocephala, Searsia lancea, Moringa oleifera and Acacia hebeclada. Matured leaves were collected and dried at room temperature then analyzed in a completely randomized design (CRD). Chemical composition, ruminal dry matter degradability, dry matter intake were determined and estimated respectively. The crude protein content ranged from 108.0 to 258.3 g/kg DM, neutral detergent fibre from 306.1 to 492.7 g/kg DM. In vitro dry matter degradability at all incubation period for M oleifera was significantly higher than those of other browse plants. There was a negative correlation between metabolizable energy and fibre content and positive correlation to crude protein content. All browse species had CP values of above 10% which is above the minimum required in diet for adequate digestive activities. Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and Melia azedarach leaves had the highest metabolizable energy, dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value and dry matter degradability as compared to other browse plants. The results from the study suggest that Moringa oleifera, Melia azedarach and Leucaena leucocephala can be recommended to be used as supplement during dry season and in case of low-quality forage feeding.
... Fiber digestion occurs primarily in the rumen and is the result of a dynamic process that is affected by the chemical nature of the plant fiber and by the digestion and passage of fiber within the animal's digestive tract. Rate of fiber digestion (kd) and the proportion of NDF that is potentially digestible (pdNDF) vary considerably between and within forage types (Mertens, 2002). Rate of passage of fiber (kp) is primarily affected by level of intake of the animal, and, consequently, fiber digestibility increases with longer retention time of feed in the rumen (Huhtanen et al., 2007). ...
... Rate of passage of fiber (kp) is primarily affected by level of intake of the animal, and, consequently, fiber digestibility increases with longer retention time of feed in the rumen (Huhtanen et al., 2007). Therefore, ruminal fiber digestion can be described mathematically as proportion of fiber digested = pdNDF × [(kd)/(kd+kp)], as described by Mertens (2002). ...
An in vivo study was performed to validate an in vitro procedure that predicts rate of fiber digestion and total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility (TTNDFD). Two corn silages that differed in fiber digestibility were used in this trial. The corn silage with lower fiber digestibility (LFDCS) had the TTNDFD prediction of 36.0% of total NDF, whereas TTNDFD for the corn silage with higher fiber digestibility (HFDCS) was 44.9% of total neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Two diets (1 with LFDCS and 1 with HFDCS) were formulated and analyzed using the in vitro assay to predict the TTNDFD and rumen potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF) digestion rate. Similar diets were fed to 8 ruminally cannulated, multiparous, high-producing dairy cows in 2 replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares with 21-d periods. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with main effects of intake (restricted to approximately 90% of ad libitum intake vs. ad libitum) and corn silage of different fiber digestibility. Treatments were restricted and ad libitum LFDCS as well as restricted and ad libitum HFDCS. The input and output values predicted from the in vitro model were compared with in vivo measurements. The pdNDF intake predicted by the in vitro model was similar to pdNDF intake observed in vivo. Also, the pdNDF digestion rate predicted in vitro was similar to what was observed in vivo. The in vitro method predicted TTNDFD of 50.2% for HFDCS and 42.9% for LFDCS as a percentage of total NDF in the diets, whereas the in vivo measurements of TTNDFD averaged 50.3 and 48.6% of total NDF for the HFDCS and LFDCS diets, respectively. The in vitro TTNDFD assay predicted total-tract NDF digestibility of HFDCS diets similar to the digestibility observed in vivo, but for LFDCS diets the assay underestimated the digestibility compared with in vivo. When the in vitro and in vivo measurements were compared without intake effect (ad libitum and restricted) considering only diet effect of silage fiber digestibility (HFDCS and LFDCS), no differences were observed between methods. These values suggest that our in vitro TTNDFD model could be used to predicted rate of fiber digestion and NDF digestibility for dairy cattle.
Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
... Dry matter (DM) intake was determined according to the formula DMI=120/NDF and the amount of balanced feed intake was also calculated (Mertens, 2002). This provided an estimate of 14.95 kg of DM/cow/day; i.e., 2.67% of the live weight (LV) per animal, with an average weight of 560 kg. ...
Nariño (Colombia) has high dairy potential; however, their herds present difficulties in the nutritional component (energy imbalance) of the cows, affecting their productivity. This research evaluated the effect of a bypass fat supplement on lipid concentration in milk and the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The study was based on 21 Holstein x Simmental cows between first and third calving and the following was supplied: forage + concentrate (T1); forage + concentrate + 250 g/day of bypass fat (T2) and forage + concentrate + 250 g/day of bypass fat enriched with omega-three (T3). The experiment was conducted from day 15 pre-calving until day 105 of lactation. During this period, milk quantity, quality, composition, and reproductive behavior were recorded. For data analysis, a repeated measure mixed design with time-series data was used, where the fixed effects were the treatments, periods, and their interaction, the animals represented the random effect, and the covariable was the estimated milk yield during lactation. The results showed normal mobilization of adipose tissue; the compositional quality of the milk did not vary across treatments, although T2 presented a higher estimated production per lactation, and T3 presented a higher percentage of fatty acid C18:2. In the reproductive indicators, they were not influenced between the treatments; concluding that the base diet offered in the herd presents a nutritional balance appropriate to the requirements of the cows in production.
... The formula for dry matter digestibility was DMDigest% = 88:9 À ð0:779  %ADFÞ. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated using the NDF concentration and 2.5% of animal body weight as described by Mertens (2002). Relative feed value (RFV) was calculated using the following method: RFV = ð%DMDigest  %DMIÞ=1:29 (Jeranyama & Garcia, 2004). ...
Unlocking browse species in semi-arid regions can be a key to improving the livestock productivity. The research was conducted to assess the browse species variation in chemical composition and in vitro dry matter degradability as influenced by seasonal (summer and winter) changes. Leaves from ten randomly selected browsable trees from sixteen species (Vachellia karroo, Senegalia nigrescens, Vachellia nilotica, Balanites maughamii, Berchemia discolor, Berchemia zeyheri, Bridelia mollis, Combre-tum collinum, Combretum imberbe, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia monti-cola, Grewia occidentalis, Melia azedarach, Ormo-carpum kirkii and Ziziphus mucronata) were harvested before defoliation from the site in two seasons (summer and winter) and dried at room temperature and then ground for analysis. Two-way analysis was used to analyse chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability. Melia azedarach (343.7 g/kg DM) had the highest (p< 0.0001) CP content in summer. In winter, B. maughamii (210.3 g/kg DM) had the highest (p < 0.05) crude protein content. Combretum collinum (2.90 Mcal/kg) had a highest (p < 0.0001) metaboliz-able energy value in summer. Bridelia mollis, B. maughamii, B. discolor, C. collinum, C. imberbe, O. kirkii, S. nigrescens, V. nilotica, G. occidentalis and B. zeyheri had the same (p > 0.05) dry matter degrad-ability (DMD) 48 values across two seasons. In both seasons, most of these browse species have the potential to supplement low quality natural grasses because they go beyond the minimum requirement of protein and have coherent amounts of fibre concentration. There is a need to assess the bioactive compounds found in these browse species for the amelioration and also to maximize browsing of these species.
... e in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined using the Tilley and Terry [9] method. Potential daily dry matter intake (DMI) was also calculated as DMI: 1.2 × body weight/NDF% [10], where body weight is equivalent to an estimated livestock unit metabolic weight of 450 kg. ...
Feeding standards of ruminant livestock could be significantly enhanced through the cultivation of improved quality forages, which are suitable for different agroclimatic conditions in tropical Africa. In this frame, ten pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes were evaluated across three locations in western Ethiopia during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study was designed to determine the nutrient composition, in vitro digestibility, and dry matter intake of selected pigeon pea genotypes. The result revealed that the studied quality parameters were significantly influenced by the genotypic and environmental main effects but not their interaction, while forage yield was influenced by both main effects and their interaction. Mean forage yield was greater for Degagsa across all locations followed by Belabas. In vitro organic matter digestibility and ash parameters did not vary among genotypes. However, variations were observed across locations for daily dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein (CP) with the greatest value received from Degagsa and Belabas. The fiber components of Degagsa and Belabas were less than those of the remaining genotypes. Generally, Degagsa and Belabas had shown a greater forage yield, DMI, and CP content, but less in fiber components, and thus can be cultivated to enhance livestock productivity in western Ethiopia and similar agroecologies of tropical Africa.
... The dry matter yield was determined by cutting the plant material and weighing it. Estimated potential daily dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated according to Mertens (2002) using the formula: DMI = 1.2 X body weight NDF% Where, NDF% = (W3 -(W1 x C1)) x 100 W2 Where, W1 = Bag tare weight W2 = Sample weight W3 = Dried weight of bag with fiber after extraction process C1 = Blank bag correction Data was processed by ANOVA procedures using SAS (2008) and treatment means separated by using least square means. Relationship between chemical composition and dry matter yield was determined using correlation analysis ...
The purpose of the study was to determine chemical composition and dry matter yield of cowpea haulms (Sejwaleng, Lebudu and Morathathane) grown in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Randomized complete block design was used as an experimental design and plant material was harvested at 14 weeks after planting. All of the three cowpea varieties had higher protein content ranging from 111.2 to 121.7 g/kg DM. From the study all three varieties did not meet the packed volume requirement and water retention criterion. The three cowpea varieties have different levels of dry matter yield. Low levels of both extracted condensed tannins and condensed tannins in ADF were found in all of the three cowpea varieties. All the three cowpea varieties could be utilized as protein supplements for ruminants on low quality roughages. There is therefore a need to determine palatability and feed intake using these three cowpea varieties.
... Debido a que el alimento de los CSA es mayormente forraje de baja calidad, la concentración de la fibra detergente neutra (FDN) es el factor que regula predominantemente el consumo, ya que afecta el llenado del estómago, el tiempo de pasaje del alimento y la digestibilidad de la materia seca (Mertens, 2002). Sin embargo, esta relación entre concentración de FDN y consumo de alimento no ha sido suficientemente estudiada en estas especies. ...
El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el consumo de materia seca (CMS) y de fibra detergente neutra (CFDN) en la alpaca en funcion a los niveles de fibra detergente neutra (FDN) en la dieta, asi como estimar el consumo potencial de FDN. Se utilizaron cuatro alpacas machos Huacaya de tres anos de edad y 48.6 ± 1.3 kg de peso vivo (PV), en un diseno Cuadrado Latino 4x4. El alimento fue suministrado ad libitum, a las 08:00 y 16:00 h. Los tratamientos a base de heno de avena en diferentes proporciones de tallos y hojas, picado en trozos de 2 cm y separado por un tamiz de 0.4 cm fueron: hojas de heno de avena (T1), 50% de heno de avena entero y 50% de hojas de heno de avena (T2), heno de avena entero (T3) y tallos de heno de avena (T4), que corresponde a 58.24, 61.38, 66.31 y 70.22% de FDN, respectivamente. Los resultados muestran que el incremento del nivel de FDN en la dieta causa disminucion del CMS (p<0.05) sin afectar el CFDN. El CFDN maximo fue de a 0.97% PV y de 25.6 del peso metabolico(PM). El CFDN promedio fue de 0.92 ± 0.06% PV y 24.22 ± 1.62 PM. Se concluye que el contenido de FDN afecta el consumo de alimento en alpacas en los rangos de FDN evaluados.
... In addition to decreased levels of intake, the lower lactation performance from pasture-based diets may be related to changes in ruminal fermentation and digestion (Bargo et al., 2002c), although this concept may be challenged to some extent, due primarily to the apparent failure of pasture not always being reflected in rumen function (Clark et al., 1997). To aid in this matter, the content of effective NDF (eNDF; Mertens, 2002), the proportion of NDF that stimulates chewing activity leading to enhanced ruminal buffering effects of saliva, is likely to be less than 50% of the total NDF content of vegetative cool-season grasses (Clark et al., 1997). A high proportion of pasture NDF is readily fermentable, resulting in rapid production of VFA; and the blend of high VFA concentrations and low eNDF are most likely to cause the low rumen pH measured in pasture-fed cows (Doyle et al., 2005). ...
Two, 8-week experiments, each using 30 lactating Holstein cows, were conducted to examine performance of animals offered combinations of total mixed ration (TMR) and high-quality pasture. Experiment 1 was initiated in mid October 2004 and Experiment 2 was initiated in late March 2005. Cows were assigned to either a 100% TMR diet (100:00, no access to pasture) or one of the following three formulated partial mixed rations (PMR) targeted at (1) 85% TMR and 15% pasture, (2) 70% TMR and 30% pasture and (3) 55% TMR and 45% pasture. Based on actual TMR and pasture intake, the dietary TMR and pasture proportions of the three PMR in Experiment 1 were 79% TMR and 21% pasture (79:21), 68% TMR and 32% pasture (68:32), and 59% TMR and 41% pasture (59:41), respectively. Corresponding proportions in Experiment 2 were 89% TMR and 11% pasture (89:11), 79% TMR and 21% pasture (79:21) and 65% TMR and 35% pasture (65:35), respectively. Reducing the proportion of TMR in the diets increased pasture consumption of cows on all PMR, but reduced total dry matter intake compared with cows on 100:00. An increase in forage from pasture increased the concentration of conjugated linoleic acids and decreased the concentration of saturated fatty acids in milk. Although milk and milk protein yields from cows grazing spring pastures (Experiment 2) increased with increasing intakes of TMR, a partial mixed ration that was composed of 41% pasture grazed in the fall (Experiment 1) resulted in a similar overall lactation performance with increased feed efficiency compared to an all-TMR ration.
Forage legumes are commonly used as an absorbent additive in high-moisture silages. Thus this study was carried out to assess the nutritive value, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of Opuntia–legume browse mixed silages. Five browse legume species (Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia mellifera, Searsia lancea, Prosopis velutina, and Grewia flava) were mixed with Opuntia cladodes. The silage mixture was formulated at a ratio of 60 Opuntia cladodes: 40 leguminous browse species and ensiled in polythene bags and kept in a laboratory for 42 days to determine chemical composition and fermentation characteristics. Silage samples were also subjected to an aerobic stability test. One-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design was used to analyse the data. The pH values for silages made from Opuntia cladodes with L. leucocephala, A. mellifera and G. flava were lower than 4.8, which is considered an indicator of good-quality silage. The water-soluble carbohydrates content of silages made with Opuntia cladodes and S. lancea and G. flava was within the range of 8–12 g/kg dry matter, which is sufficient for good fermentation. The highest CO2 production, which signifies poor aerobic stability, was recorded for the control silage (Opuntia) compared to all Opuntia–legume mixed silage treatments. The addition of legume browse leaf-meal to Opuntia cladodes improved nutritive value, fermentation characteristics, and silage quality. Therefore, despite some limitations, Opuntia–legume browse silages, particularly Opuntia–G. flava and Opuntia–L. leucocephala, proved to be beneficial for livestock, as they meet the nutritional requirement of a ruminant.
Significance:
This study underlines the importance of co-ensiling Opuntia cladodes and high protein legume browse hay to offer an alternative feeding strategy for ruminant livestock and ensure sustainable provision of high-quality feed during dry periods.
Camelina meal is a new by-product that remains after oil extraction for biodiesel production and might be considered as an alternative protein source to soybean meal in animal nutrition. The objective of the present study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro degradation of camelina meal compared to soybean meal. Feed samples were collected from a commercial feed mill. To estimate ruminal digestion, in vitro nutrients disappearance of camelina meal and soybean meal was determined using ruminal fluid that was collected at a local slaughterhouse. In vitro disappearance at 4, 12 and 24 h of incubation showed significant differences between camelina meal and soybean meal. Soybean meal showed higher DM and NDF degradation compared to camelina meal. On the opposite, CP degradation of camelina meal exactly to increase. In conclusion, no differences were observed between nutrients and feed x time interaction of CP degradability of CM and soybean meal. Thereby, it’s concluded that, the CM might be used in ruminant feeds with soybean meal which is common used in rations. © 2016, Chartered Inst. of Building Services Engineersi. All rights reserved.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter intake (DMI) and neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI) in the alpaca according to various levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in the diet, and to estimate the intake based on NDF content in the diet. Four 3-year-old male Huacaya alpacas of 48.6 ± 1.3 kg body weight (BW) were used in a 4x4 Latin Square design. Feed was supplied ad libitum twice daily at 08:00 and 16:00 h. The treatments, based on oat hay with different proportions of stems and leaves, processed by a grinder at the size of 2 cm and separated by a sieve of 0.4 cm, were: leaves of oat hay (T1), 50% of oat hay and 50% of leaves of oat hay (T2), whole oat hay (T3) and stems of oat hay (T4), corresponding to 58.24, 61.38, 66.31 and 70.22% of NDF respectively. The results showed that increasing the level of NDF in the diet causes a decrease on DMI (p<0.05) and without affecting NDFI. The maximum NDFI was 0.97% BW and 25.6 g/kg0.75. The average NDFI was 0.92 ± 0.06% BW and 24.22 ± 1.62 g/kg0.75. In conclusion, NDF in the range used in the study affects feed intake in the alpaca.
The fiber fraction of plant cell walls is one of the major sources of nutrients and energy. Mammals do not produce enzymes that can hydrolyze β1-4 linked polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose) of plant cell walls, and as such fiber cannot be directly used to feed the growing global human population. By symbiosis with rumen microbes, ruminants are capable of converting this non-digestible food resource into high-quality animal products. For dairy cows, fiber is an important feed component, not only as an energy and nutrient source, but also as a regulatory factor for the maintenance of rumen health and feed intake. Compared to other nutrients, fiber, particularly forage- fiber, has much longer ruminal retention time because of slower degradation and greater buoyancy in the rumen. As such feeding fiber with large particle size can increases digesta mass in the rumen that in turn stimulate rumination, increases rumen buffering capacity and reduces the risk of ruminal acidosis and abomasal displacement. On the other hand rumen-fill can also limit feed intake, and the filling effect of fiber in more pronounced in high producing dairy cows. Any reduction in dry matter intake reduces milk and milk protein yield of dairy cows. Therefore, high producing dairy cows can be benifited from feeding fiber sources with rapid rumen-passage rate./Legumes and corn silage fiber digests and passes from the rumen quickly compared to perennial grasses and can be an excellent source of forage fiber for high producing cows. Fiber-turnover through the rumen is influenced by many factors, these includes intrinsic plant characteristics such as fiber content, particle size, fragility (rate of particle size reduction) and digestibility (rate of fermentation), and extrinsic factors within the/rumen environment, such as rumination, absorption of fermentation end products, rumen pH and growth of the microbial population. The fiber fraction generally becomes more lignified, as forage matures, and the degree of fiber lignifications is directly related to the filling effects of the fiber within a forage type. Fiber that is less lignified are more digestible and clears from the rumen faster, allowing more space for the next meal. Selecting forages with high fiber digestibility can increase their feeding value. Alternatively, lignin degrading enzymes can also improve fiber digestibility, however the effect is not consistent. Some fungi specifically degrade lignin in cell walls, and can improve fiber digestibility in low quality fibrous materials such as crop residues. Improving the intake and digestion of fiber in dairy cows will result in a more efficient conversion of this non-digestible food resource into high-quality animal products. The total digestion of fiber is the major determinant of its energy value, however, rate of digestion and physical properties play an important role in maintaining rumen health.
Lameness and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) both appear to be very prevalent throughout the US dairy industry. Reduced ruminal efficiency, liver and lung abscesses, and laminitis are all thought to be related to SARA. Both the nutritionist and dairy managers are responsible for the delivery and consumption of a ration that is likely to produce a ruminally healthy pH. Nutritionists should consider the expected amount of physically effective neutral detergent fiber provided by ration ingredients, along with their expected ruminal fermentabilities and resultant microbial acid production. Environmental conditions, such as heat stress, overcrowding, and uncomfortable stalls, which may alter feed intake patterns and animal behavior, should also be considered in ration formulation. Additional amounts of physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and/or a reduction in ruminal nonstructural carbohydrate availability, may be warranted during times of increased animal stress. Higher levels of intake may also predispose the rumen to SARA, since salivary buffer secretion may not adequately compensate for additional acid production. Forage dry matter should be determined twice weekly, or more frequently if results vary by more than 5 percent of the dry matter value. Ration variability can be further reduced by premixing individual forages, or at least attempting to make each loader bucket of feed a uniform mix obtained from the entire height or face of the bunker silo. Ingredient sequencing and mixing time should be standardized on a given dairy. Techniques to minimize sorting, including frequent feed pushups, the addition of water or a low dry matter by-product, and appropriate forage processing, should be adopted by managers.
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