ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on chemical composition and nutritive value of whole-plant corn [WPC] ensiled at different stages of maturity. Based on local routine practice, WPC was harvested at three stages of maturity as follows: [1] two weeks before routine harvesting time; [2], one week before routine harvesting time and [3], routine harvesting time. Bacterial inoculant [Ecosyl] was used as homofermentive lactic acid bacteria. The inoculant was applied at the recommended level of 1 x 10[5] CFu/g of fresh forage which was ensiled for 25 days in plastic polyethylene bags. Three untreated silages were prepared for each harvesting time and considered as controls [C]. At the end of the ensiling period, all silages were subjected to chemical analysis, DM degradability and in vitro gas production. All silages underwent good fermentation and pH values decreased to below 4. WPC ensiled one week before routine harvesting time and treated with bacterial inoculant, had the lowest pH, ADF [P<0.05] content and the highest CP content, total gas production, IVOMD, DOMD [P<0.05], ME [P<0.05], fraction "a" [P<0.05] and ED [P<0.05] compared with other treatments. The results indicated that application of bacterial inoculant [Lactobacillus plantarum] at the recommended level to WPC harvested at one week before routine harvesting time was more effective in enhancing chemical composition and nutritive value of silages, and provide a well-preserved and high nutritive value feedstuff for ruminants
Subject(s)
Rumen , Zea mays , Silage , Agricultural Inoculants , Nutritive ValueABSTRACT
The effects of feeding diets containing Salbutamol [0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 mg/kg diet] from 21 to 49 days of age on growth performance and carcass characteristics in 180 male and 180 female Japanese quails [Coturnix japonica] were studied using a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design. Gender had significant effect on weight gain [P<0.05]. Salbutamol in the diets increased weight gains but the differences were not statistically significant [P>0.05]
Salbutamol increased [P<0.05] weight gains in both sexes, but the magnitude of increasing was greater in females. Weight gain in males and females receiving the diet containing 7 mg Salbutamol/kg increased by 13 and 10 g, respectively compared to the control groups. Food intake was affected by Salbutamol and was higher [P<0.01] in female than male quails. Diets containing Salbutamol increased food intake in male and decreased in female quails [P<0.01] compared with the control groups. Food intake was lowest in females fed 7 mg Salbutamol/kg diet. The food conversion ratio [FCR] was lower [better] [P<0.05] in females than in males. FCR were improved [P>0.05] by Salbutamol administration. Gender affected leg weight [P<0.05], breast weight, relative weight of leg and liver weight [P<0.01]
The breast weight, leg weight and liver weight were significantly higher in females than males but relative weight of leg was significantly lower [P<0.01] in females. The breast weight, relative weight of breast and relative weight of leg were significantly affected by Salbutamol. Gender, Salbutamol and their interactions did not affect the chemical composition of breast muscle
The results of the experiment demonstrated that, Salbutamol had beneficial effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics and it seems that feeding 7 mg Salbutamol/kg diet was more effective in female than male Japanese quails?
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different levels of monensin on feed intake, milk production and composition, and milk fatty acid profile in lactating Holstein cows. Four multiparous cows averaging 517 +/- 47 [SD] kg in body weight and 101 +/- 19.8 [SD] days in milk were housed individually in tie-stalls. The study was conducted as a 4 x 4 Latin square design for four periods [14-d for adaptation and 7-d for sampling]. Cows were offered four dietary treatments [0, 10, 20, or 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM] as total mixed ration, twice daily. Dry matter [DM] intake was similar among treatments. Monensin supplementation significantly increased [P<0.05] milk yield and 4% fat corrected milk [FCM]. Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by monensin supplementation, but fat yield was increased. Monensin reducted the percentage of the short-chain and saturated fatty acids in milk fat, but had no effect on the percentages of medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Monensin supplementation increased [P<0.05] unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in milk fat. Based on the results of this study, feeding monensin was effective in inhibiting the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen, and consequently increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat, which improves the health characteristics of milk for human consumption
ABSTRACT
Fourteen primiparous Holstein cows [180.0 +/- 4.3 days in milk] with a mean [ +/- SD] daily milk yield of 35.0 +/- 1.3 kg and a body condition score of 3.2 +/- 0.2 were allotted into two groups [n=7], and were fed a ration consisting of [dry matter basis] 35% corn silage, 25% alfalfa hay and 40% concentrates. Salt was provided free choice. The experiment was performed during the period of heat stress, i.e., when the temperature-humidity index was greater than 72. One group was offered desalinated water containing 570 mg total dissolved solids [TDS] and another group was offered water containing 1400 mg TDS per L. Milk yield was measured weekly, and milk samples were taken on days 21 and 42 for determination of milk composition. Blood samples were taken on days 21 and 42 from the median caudal vein of the tail and the serum concentrations of Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], Mg[2+], tri-iodothyronine [T[3]] and thyroxine [T[4] were measured. Ruminal fluid was taken by rumenocentesis on day 42 for determination of volatile fatty acids [VFA] and VFA concentration and pH were not significantly affected by water TDS [P>0.05]; however, cows receiving desalinated water 2 kg more milk per cow per day. Serum K[+] concentration was significantly higher in cows consuming saline water [P,0.05]. The present data indicated that water with TDS of 1400 mg per L had no adverse effect on lactating cows; therefore, it is not necessary to desalinate water in the region under study. However, in light of the possible effects of saline water on thyroid hormones, further studies concerning the influence of saline water on the metabolism of high producing cows in hot climates are warranted
ABSTRACT
The effects of a microbial inoculant [containing propionic and lactic acid bacteria] and formic acid on chemical composition, ruminal degradability of dry matter [DM] and nutrient digestibility of corn silage were examined. Whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days in plastic polyethylene bags, and three treatments were compared, 1: control [no additive], 2: Propionibacterium acidipropionici plus Lactobacillus plantarum at 3 10[10] cfu/g of fresh forage, and 3: formic acid [98%] at 2.41/t fresh forage. The silages were subjected to chemical analysis, DM degradability and nutrients digestibility in sheep. At the end of ensiling period, treatment 3 had significantly higher [P<0.05] content of crude protein [CP], lactic acid, total acids, DM recovery and pH values than other treatments. Treatment 2 had the lowest pH value, the highest level of propionic acid, and the lowest level of butyric and total acids [P<0.05]. No traces of ethanol were detected for neither of silages. CP digestibility was higher [P<0.05] for treatment 1 compared with others, while ether extract [EE] digestibility was higher [P<0.05] for treatments 1 and 3 compared with treatment 2. Effective DM degradability was higher for treatment 3. All silages went under rapid fermentation and were well-preserved and treatment 2 was more stable after opening. The degree of improvement in fermentation using microbial inoculant was lower than formic acid but expected to improve the aerobic stability by inhibition of yeast activity, especially in warm climates
ABSTRACT
The chemical composition, in situ rumen degradability coefficients of dry matter [DM] and crude protein [CP], in vitro gas production and in vivo digestibility were evaluated for olive cake [OC] silage treated [DM basis] with different additives as follows: [1] untreated OC; [2] OC, 8% molasses and 0.4% formic acid and [3] OC, 8% molasses, 0.4% formic acid and 0.5% urea. After addition of the additives, materials were ensiled for 60 days in plastic bags. The addition of molasses, formic acid and urea resulted in higher DM, CP, pH and NH[3]-N content. There were some reductions in neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and acid detergent fiber contents of silages especially with treatment 3. The additives increased the nutritive value and preserved well the ensued OC. Ruminal maximum potential degradability [a+b], and effective degradability [ED] of DM and CP were higher for treatment 3. Total gas production was higher [P<0.05] for treatments 2 and 3 and was associated with increased [P<0.05] in vitro organic matter digestibility and a non-significant increase in metabolizable energy content. Only CP digestibility was affected by treatments and was highest for treatment 3. In vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibilities improved with treatments 2 and 3. The results indicated that, treating OC [DM basis] before ensiling with molasses [8%], formic acid [0.4%] and urea [0.5%] resulted in a satisfactory and economical source of a non-conventional feed for ruminants
Subject(s)
Male , Animals , Rumen , Gases , Digestion , Food AdditivesABSTRACT
The chemical composition, in situ ruminal degradability coefficients of dry matter [DM], and nutrient digestibility in sheep were evaluated for corn silage [CS] treated [fresh weight basis] with different levels of a commercial bacterial inoculant [I] as follows: [1] untreated CS [control]; [2] CS + I at half of the recommended level; [3] CS + I at the recommended level [3 x 10[10] colony forming units per g of fresh forage] and [4] CS + I at two-fold recommended level. The inoculants [Lallemand, France] consisted of Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici. Whole- plant corn was ensiled for 60 days in plastic polyethylene bags, Also, three laboratory silos [70 g capacity] for each treatment were sampled on days 2, 3, 4 and 60 to study the pH changes. The silages underwent rapid fermentation and were well-preserved. The pH value decreased to 4.0 on day 2 and was the lowest for treatment 2 on day 60 after ensiling compared with other treatments. Treatment 2 had higher [P<0.05] contents of crude protein [CP], residual water soluble carbohydrates [WSC], lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and total acids, but lower [P<0.05] butyric acid than treatment 3, and also higher acetic and lower butyric acid levels than other treatments. No traces of ethanol were detected in any of the silages. The acid detergent fiber [ADF] content of treatments 1 and 4 was lower [P<0.05] than others. Only ether extract [EE] digestibility was affected by these treatments which was higher for treatments 1 and 4 [P<0.05]. The DM recovery for treatment 1 was lower than others. Effective DM degradability was slightly higher for treatment 4 and fraction "a" was significantly [P<0.05] lower for treatments 1 and 3 compared with treatment 4. The results indicated that application of this inoculant at half of the recommended level was more effective to enhance the aerobic stability of silages due to higher acetic and propionic acid production which have antimycotyic properties. The decreased cost associated with this level of inoculant might be economical for farmers in warm climates as to encourage its use as an additive for silage making
Subject(s)
Animals , Propionibacterium , Zea mays , Silage , Fermentation , Food , Digestion , SheepABSTRACT
The chemical composition, degradability coefficients [in situ] and ruminal-intestinal disappearance [mobile bag procedure] of dry matter [DM] and crude protein [CP] were evaluated for olive cake [OC] silages treated [DM basis] with additives as follows: [1] untreated OC, [2] OC + 0.5% urea, [3] OC + 0.4% formic acid, [4] OC + 8% molasses, [5] OC + 0.5% urea + 8% molasses, [6] OC + 0.5% urea + 0.4% formic acid, [7] OC + 8% molasses + 0.4% formic acid and [8] OC + 8% molasses + 0.4% formic acid + 0.5% urea. The highest reduction in cellulose and ADF content was found for treatment 8 [120 and 117 g kg[-1] DM, respectively], as compared with the raw material [not ensiled]. Taking into consideration the chemical composition, pH values, and the general appearance of silages, ensiling of OC with additives preserved well and enhanced the nutritive value of olive cake. Ruminal maximum potential degradability of DM [a+b], effective and rapid degradability and rate of degradation of treatment 8 were higher than others. The same trend was found for CP except fraction [a] which was highest for treatment 6. Mean ruminal DM [P<0.05] and CP disappearances in treatment 8 after 12 hrs incubation were higher than the other treatments. Intestinal digestibility of undegraded DM for treatment 5 was higher [P<0.05] than treatment 6 with no differences among other treatments. Intestinal digestibility of undegraded CP for treatments 3, 5, 6 and 7 was higher [P<0.05] than the other treatments. Total tract DM disappearance of treatments 4, 5 and 8 was higher [P<0.05] than others. Total tract CP disappearance of treatment 8 was higher [P<0.05] than treatment 4. Results indicated that treating OC before ensiling with 8% molasses, 0.4% formic acid and 0.5% urea [DM basis] could provide a good and economical source of a non-conventional feed in areas where OC is available; thus, it helps to improve the diet formulation for ruminants
Subject(s)
Dietary Fats, Unsaturated , Food Additives , Silage , Urea , Formates , ProteinsABSTRACT
Three-hundred and twenty 7-day-oId Ross 308-strain broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0 or 125 ppb aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] from 7 to 28 days of age. Sodium bentonite [0.5%], yeast [Saccharomyces cervisiae] 0.2%, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate [HSCAS][0.5%], ammonia [0.5%], formycine [0.1%], and toxiban [0.1%] were added to the basal diet, as fed basis to determine the effects of these additives against aflatoxicosis. Diet free from aflatoxin, and diet containing aflatoxin [negative control group] were considered as comparison groups. Broiler chickens were divided into 32 groups of 10 with similar mean +/- SD weight of 90 +/- 0.64 g. Each experimental diet was replicated 4 times during 21 days. Body weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, daily and weekly feed intake, relative weight of organs [liver, intestines, heart, proventriculus and gizzard] and total serum protein were recorded. Relative weight of organs in chickens fed with diet containing AFB[ alone were significantly greater [P<0.01] than that of those fed with other diets. Their body weight gain, daily weight gain, total serum protein concentration, however, were significantly lesser [P<0.01] compared with those fed with other diets. Experimental diets decreased the relative weight of organs in chickens fed with diets containing aflatoxin along with any of the experimental diets as compared with the negative control group. The feed conversion ratios were higher in chickens fed with diets containing aflatoxin. On the other hand, chickens receiving various additives in their diets showed an increase in body weight gains, serum total protein concentration and an improvement in the feed conversion ratio when compared with the negative control group [P<0.01]. Generally, addition of the above compounds made an improvement against negative effects of AFB[1] in broiler chickens. Formycine was recognized to be the best additive in this respect