Rumen and fecal microbiomes are related to diet and production traits in Bos indicus beef cattle.

Background: Ruminants harbor a complex microbial community within their gastrointestinal tract, which plays major roles in their health and physiology. Brazil is one of the largest producers of beef in the world and more than 90% of the beef cattle herds are composed of pure and crossbred Nelore (Bos indicus). Despite its importance to the Brazilian economy and human feeding, few studies have characterized the Nelore microbiome. Therefore, using shotgun metagenomics, we investigated the impact of diet on the composition and functionality of the Nelore microbiome, and explored the associations between specific microbial taxa and their functionality with feed efficiency and methane emission. Results: The ruminal microbiome exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity, distinctive taxonomic profile and variations in microbial functionality compared to the fecal microbiome, highlighting the distinct contributions of the microbiomes of these environments. Animals subjected to different dietary treatments exhibited significant differences in their microbiomes' archaeal diversity and in the abundance of 89 genera, as well as in the functions associated with the metabolism of components of each diet. Moreover, depending on the diet, feed-efficient animals and low methane emitters displayed higher microbial diversity in their fecal microbiome. Multiple genera were associated with an increase or decrease of the phenotypes. Upon analyzing the functions attributed to these taxa, we observed significant differences on the ruminal taxa associated with feed efficient and inefficient cattle. The ruminal taxa that characterized feed efficient cattle stood out for having significantly more functions related to carbohydrate metabolism, such as monosaccharides, di-/oligosaccharides and amino acids. The taxa associated with methane emission had functions associated with methanogenesis and the production of substrates that may influence methane production, such as hydrogen and formate. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant role of diet in shaping Nelore microbiomes and how its composition and functionality may affect production traits such as feed efficiency and methane emission. These insights provide valuable support for the implementation of novel feeding and biotechnological strategies.

Viability of the use of mycotoxin adsorbent in the finishing of Texel lambs in confinement.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability of a mycotoxin adsorbent based on beta-glucans from cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and bentonites in the diets of confined lambs of the Texel breed. Twenty-four lambs (12 males and 12 females) with an average weight of 18.6 kg ± 1.6 were divided into two groups: treated (with adsorbent) and control. The animal diets contained the mycotoxins aflatoxin B1, fumonisin B1 and B2, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol in concentrations within guidance levels. The animals were slaughtered with body weight of approximately 26.4 kg. The performance and carcass variables of the lambs were evaluated. The daily weight gain was higher in the treated group (216.24 g) than in the control group (185.90 g). The averages for loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and marbling were 13.93 cm2, 2.66 mm, and 3.20 in the treated group and 12.16 cm2, 2.6 mm, and 3.25 in the control group, respectively. The true, hot, and cold carcass yield, and the carcass cooling losses did not differ between groups. The carcasses were similar in conformation and fat finishing degree, with averages of 3.95 and 3.83, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of a mycotoxin additive in the diet of finishing lambs. The use of mycotoxin adsorbent in confined lambs was feasible, and its use resulted in greater daily weight gain in lambs and average net profit.

Pumpkin Waste as Livestock Feed: Impact on Nutrition and Animal Health and on Quality of Meat, Milk, and Egg.

Meat, milk, and egg contribute positively to the nutrition and health of humans; however, livestock requires a large number of resources, including land for fodder and grains. Worldwide millions of tons of vegetable waste are produced without any further processing, causing pollution and health risks. Properly managed vegetable waste could provide a source of feed for livestock, thus reducing feeding costs. In this regard, pumpkin waste (Cucurbita sp.) is an alternative. Research on pumpkin waste on animal nutrition is scarce, however, it has potential as animal feed not only for its nutritional value but also for its antioxidants, pigments, and polysaccharides content that could enhance quality of meat, milk, and egg, as well animal health. In this review, we describe the environmental impact of livestock as a result of greater demand for food of animal origin, including the importance of the consumption of animal foods in human nutrition and health. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of plant residues and, particularly, on the characteristics of pumpkins and how their use as feedstuff for livestock could improve productivity and modify the composition of meat, milk, and egg.

Rumen fermentation and digestibility of spent mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) substrate inoculated with Lactobacillus brevis for Hanwoo steers / Fermentación ruminal y digestibilidad de la cama de champiñón (Pleurotus ostreatus) desechada inoculada con Lactobacillus brevis en novillos Hanwoo / Fermentação ruminal e digestibilidade de resíduo de substrato de cogumelo (Pleurotus ostreatus) inoculado com Lactobacillus brevis en novilhos Hanwoo

Abstract Background: Ensiling spent mushroom substrate (SMS) generally increases its nutrient digestibility and quality. Objective: To determine the feed quality and digestibility of SMS from Pleurotus ostreatus (SMSP) inoculated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB: Lactobacillus brevis) in Hanwoo steers. Methods: Ruminal disappearance of SMSP and inoculated SMSP (ISMSP) were evaluated in three rumen-fistulated Hanwoo steers (408 ± 13.0 Kg body weight). Further, three healthy Hanwoo steers (336 ± 69.0 Kg body weight) were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments (control: 25% straw, 75% concentrates; treatments: 25% straw, 60% concentrates, and 15% of either SMSP or ISMSP) in a 3×3 Latin square design. Results: The chemical composition of the ISMSP diet did not differ from that of the control or the SMSP diets. In the ISMSP diet, the rate of decrease of pH of ruminal fluid and the increase in storage period was greater than with the SMSP diet. Ruminal disappearance of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were slightly higher in steers fed ISMSP than those fed SMSP. Furthermore, the degradation rate and effective degradability of crude protein was greater in the ISMSP diet than in the SMSP diet. Effective ruminal fermentation characteristics and total nutrients digestibility were not affected by SMSP nor ISMSP diet. Conclusion: The SMSP and ISMSP diets could replace formulated concentrate without adverse effects and be a cost-effective feed for Hanwoo steers. Furthermore, LAB inoculation improved the SMSP preservation.

Resumen Antecedentes: El ensilado de cama de champiñón desechada (SMS) generalmente aumenta la digestibilidad y la calidad de sus nutrientes. Objetivo: Determinar la calidad del alimento y digestibilidad del SMS a partir de Pleurotus ostreatus (SMSP) inoculado con bacterias ácido-lácticas (LAB: Lactobacillus brevis) en bueyes Hanwoo. Métodos: La desaparición ruminal del SMSP y ISMSP (SMSP inoculado) fue evaluada en tres bueyes Hanwoo fistulados en el rumen (408 ± 13,0 Kg peso corporal). Igualmente, tres bueyes Hanwoo sanos (336 ± 69,0 Kg peso corporal) fueron asignados al azar a uno de los tres tratamientos dietéticos (control: 25% de heno, 75% de concentrados; tratamientos: 25% de heno, 60% de concentrados y 15% de SMSPo ISMSP) en un diseño cuadrado latino 3×3. Resultados: La composición química de la dieta ISMSP no difirió de la del control o de la dieta SMSP. En la dieta ISMSP, la tasa de disminución del pH del fluido ruminal y el incremento del tiempo de almacenamiento fueron mayores que los de la dieta SMSP. La desaparición ruminal de la materia seca, proteína cruda, fibra detergente neutra y la fibra detergente ácida fue ligeramente superior en los bueyes alimentados con el ISMSPque en aquellos alimentados con SMSP. Además, la tasa de degradación y la degradabilidad efectiva de la proteína cruda fueron mayores en la dieta ISMSPque en la dieta SMSP. Las características de la fermentación ruminal efectiva y la digestibilidad total de nutrientes no fueron afectadas por la dieta SMSP ni por la de ISMSP. Conclusión: Las dietas SMSPe ISMSP podrían reemplazar el concentrado formulado sin efectos adversos y ser una alimentación económica para los bueyes Hanwoo. Además, la inoculación con LAB mejoró la conservación del SMSP.

Resumo Antecedentes: Ensilagem de resíduo de substrato de cogumelo (SMS) geralmente aumenta a digestibilidade e a qualidade dos nutrientes. Objetivo: Determinar a qualidade da alimentação e digestibilidade do RSC apartir do Pleurotus ostreatus (SMSP) inoculado com bactérias de ácido láctico (LAB: Lactobacillus brevis) nos novilhos Hanwoo. Métodos: Desaparecimento ruminal do SMSP e ISMSP (SMSP inoculado) foram avaliados em três novilhos Hanwoo fistulados no rúmen (408 ± 13.0 Kg peso corporal). Além disso, três novilhos Hanwoo (336 ± 69.0 Kg peso corporal) foram aleatoriamente distribuídos para um dos três tratamentos dietéticos (controle: 25% palha, 75% concentrado; tratamentos: 25% palha, 60% concentrado, e 15% ambos SMSP e ISMSP) em um quadrado Latino de 3×3. Resultados: A composição química da dieta ISMSP não diferiu do controle ou das dietas SMSP. Na dieta ISMSP, a taxa de diminuição do pH do fluido ruminal e o aumento no período de armazenamento foram melhores do que com a dieta SMSP. O desaparecimento ruminal de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, e fibra detergente ácido foi ligeiramente superior em novilhos alimentados com ISMSP, do que aqueles alimentados com SMSP. Além disso, a taxa de degradação e degradabilidade da proteína bruta foi maior na dieta ISMSP, do que na dieta SMSP. As características efetivas de fermentação ruminal e a digestibilidade total de nutrientes não foram afetadas pela dieta SMSP, nem pela dieta ISMSP. Conclusão: Dietas com SMSP e ISMSP podem ser utilizados em substituição ao concentrado formulado sem causar efeitos adversos e ser um alimento rentável em novilhos Hanwoo. Além disso, a inoculação com LAB melhorou a qualidade conservante da SMSP.

Casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa em dietas fareladas para coelhos em crescimento / Soybean hulls in the replacemennt of alfafa hay in diet non pelleted for growing rabbits

O presente trabalho foi realizado no período de 16 de novembro a 28 de dezembro de 2009, totalizando 42 dias. Foram utilizados 36 animais distribuídos em três tratamentos de 12 repetições cada, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram de TA =dieta sem inclusão de casca de soja (CS); TACS=dieta com inclusão de 50% de casca de soja e TCS=dieta com inclusão de 100% de casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa. As dietas foram isonutritivas, formuladas para atender às necessidades da categoria correspondente, de acordo com o AEC (1987). Foram avaliados os dados de desempenho animal, as características de carcaça e a viabilidade econômica. Os resultados foram submetidos à analise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância, com auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS (2003). Houve diferença para o consumo alimentar e conversão alimentar, já que os animais alimentados com TCS consumiram menos ração que os do TA e apresentaram melhor conversão. Para as características de carcaça, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos, com exceção do peso de pele, que foi superior para os animais alimentados com a dieta TA. O índice de eficiência econômica demonstrou que a casca de soja pode substituir em 100% o feno de alfafa.

The experiment was conducted from November 16 to December 28, 2009, add up 42 days. 36 animals of 35 days old were utilized and assigned to three treatments of 12 repetitions each in experimental design completely randomized. The treatments were: TA=Soybean hulls without; TACS=inclusion soybean hulls 50% and TCS=inclusion soybean hulls 100% substitution of Alfalfa at diet. The diets were isonutritives, formulated by requirement AEC (1987). The avaluated parameters were: performance animal, characteristics carcass and analyze economical. Data were analized by analysis of variance and the average compared by Tukey test (P<0.05). Values differences were detected for average feed intake and feed conversion ratio, where rabbits to feeding diets with TCS had consumption lower that to TA and showed better conversion. For the carcass characteristics effects of inclusion of soybean hulls were no significant, with exception of weight epidermis had higger for animals fed with diet TA. The economical analysis of the results showed that the formulation with soybean hulls will be to substitute the alfafa until 100%.

Casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa em dietas fareladas para coelhos em crescimento

The experiment was conducted from November 16 to December 28, 2009, add up 42 days. 36 animals of 35 days old were utilized and assigned to three treatments of 12 repetitions each in experimental design completely randomized. The treatments were: TA=Soybean hulls without; TACS=inclusion soybean hulls 50% and TCS=inclusion soybean hulls 100% substitution of Alfalfa at diet. The diets were isonutritives, formulated by requirement AEC (1987). The avaluated parameters were: performance animal, characteristics carcass and analyze economical. Data were analized by analysis of variance and the average compared by Tukey test (P 0.05). Values differences were detected for average feed intake and feed conversion ratio, where rabbits to feeding diets with TCS had consumption lower that to TA and showed better conversion. For the carcass characteristics effects of inclusion of soybean hulls were no significant, with exception of weight epidermis had higger for animals fed with diet TA. The economical analysis of the results showed that the formulation with soybean hulls will be to substitute the alfafa until 100%.

O presente trabalho foi realizado no período de 16 de novembro a 28 de dezembro de 2009, totalizando 42 dias. Foram utilizados 36 animais distribuídos em três tratamentos de 12 repetições cada, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram de TA =dieta sem inclusão de casca de soja (CS); TACS=dieta com inclusão de 50% de casca de soja e TCS=dieta com inclusão de 100% de casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa. As dietas foram isonutritivas, formuladas para atender às necessidades da categoria correspondente, de acordo com o AEC (1987). Foram avaliados os dados de desempenho animal, as características de carcaça e a viabilidade econômica. Os resultados foram submetidos à analise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância, com auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS (2003). Houve diferença para o consumo alimentar e conversão alimentar, já que os animais alimentados com TCS consumiram menos ração que os do TA e apresentaram melhor conversão. Para as características de carcaça, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos, com exceção do peso de pele, que foi superior para os animais alimentados com a dieta TA. O índice de eficiência econômica demonstrou que a casca de soja pode substituir em 100% o feno de alfafa.

Casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa em dietas fareladas para coelhos em crescimento

The experiment was conducted from November 16 to December 28, 2009, add up 42 days. 36 animals of 35 days old were utilized and assigned to three treatments of 12 repetitions each in experimental design completely randomized. The treatments were: TA=Soybean hulls without; TACS=inclusion soybean hulls 50% and TCS=inclusion soybean hulls 100% substitution of Alfalfa at diet. The diets were isonutritives, formulated by requirement AEC (1987). The avaluated parameters were: performance animal, characteristics carcass and analyze economical. Data were analized by analysis of variance and the average compared by Tukey test (P 0.05). Values differences were detected for average feed intake and feed conversion ratio, where rabbits to feeding diets with TCS had consumption lower that to TA and showed better conversion. For the carcass characteristics effects of inclusion of soybean hulls were no significant, with exception of weight epidermis had higger for animals fed with diet TA. The economical analysis of the results showed that the formulation with soybean hulls will be to substitute the alfafa until 100%.

O presente trabalho foi realizado no período de 16 de novembro a 28 de dezembro de 2009, totalizando 42 dias. Foram utilizados 36 animais distribuídos em três tratamentos de 12 repetições cada, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram de TA =dieta sem inclusão de casca de soja (CS); TACS=dieta com inclusão de 50% de casca de soja e TCS=dieta com inclusão de 100% de casca de soja em substituição ao feno de alfafa. As dietas foram isonutritivas, formuladas para atender às necessidades da categoria correspondente, de acordo com o AEC (1987). Foram avaliados os dados de desempenho animal, as características de carcaça e a viabilidade econômica. Os resultados foram submetidos à analise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância, com auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS (2003). Houve diferença para o consumo alimentar e conversão alimentar, já que os animais alimentados com TCS consumiram menos ração que os do TA e apresentaram melhor conversão. Para as características de carcaça, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos, com exceção do peso de pele, que foi superior para os animais alimentados com a dieta TA. O índice de eficiência econômica demonstrou que a casca de soja pode substituir em 100% o feno de alfafa.

Evaluation of several microcrystalline celluloses obtained from agricultural by-products.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCCI) has been widely used as an excipient for direct compression due to its good flowability, compressibility, and compactibility. In this study, MCCI was obtained from agricultural by-products, such as corn cob, sugar cane bagasse, rice husk, and cotton by pursuing acid hydrolysis, neutralization, clarification, and drying steps. Further, infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, degree of polymerization (DP), and powder and tableting properties were evaluated and compared to those of Avicel PH101, Avicel PH102, and Avicel PH200. Except for the commercial products, all materials showed a DP from 55 to 97. Particles of commercial products and corn cob had an irregular shape, whereas bagasse particles were elongated and thick. Rice and cotton particles exhibited a flake-like and fiber-like shape, respectively. MCCI as obtained from rice husk and cotton was the most densified material, while that produced from corn cob and bagasse was bulky, porous, and more compressible. All products had a moisture content of less than 10% and yields from 7.4% to 60.4%. MCCI as obtained from bagasse was the most porous and compressible material among all materials. This product also showed the best tableting properties along with Avicel products. Likewise, all MCCI products obtained from the above-mentioned sources showed a more rapid disintegration time than that of Avicel products. These materials can be used as a potential source of MCCI in the production of solid dosage forms.