			Home About us Contact

Kg DM (kg + dm)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Life Sciences	62%
Earth and Environmental Science	22%
Chemistry	11%

Selected Abstracts

Effects of level of feed intake and Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on rumen fermentation as well as on blood and milk parameters in cows

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2006
K. Seeling
Summary The aims of this study were to examine the effects of and possible interactions between dry matter (DM) intake and feeding Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on ruminal fermentation, serum chemical parameters and milk yield of dairy cows. Fourteen dairy cows equipped with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were analysed. All animals were fed the same ration, the daily feed amounts being adjusted to current performance. On DM basis, the ration consisted of 60% concentrate including 55% wheat [Fusarium -contaminated wheat (mycotoxin period) or control wheat (control period)] and was completed with 40% maize and grass silage. Each cow was fed the contaminated wheat [deoxynivalenol (DON), 8.21 mg/kg DM and zearalenone (ZON), 0.09 mg/kg DM] and the control wheat (0.25 mg DON/kg DM and 51 ,g ZON/kg DM). As expected, a higher organic matter (OM) intake decreased the amounts of fermented crude nutrients related to the respective intakes. An increased amount of crude protein degraded (p < 0.05) and a lower molar percentage of propionate in the rumen fluid were observed when feeding the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat at increased OM intakes in comparison with the control wheat. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT; p < 0.001), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH; p < 0.01) and gamma glutamyl transferase (, -GT; p < 0.01) increased with increasing OM intake and were not related to the mycotoxin contamination of the wheat. [source]

Untersuchungen an wachsenden Schweinen zum Futterwert einer neuen Ackerbohnensorte (Vicia faba L.) bei Ergänzung mit DL -Methionin oder DL -Methionin-Hydroxyanalog

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2002
HJ. ABEL
Investigations in growing pigs on the feeding value of a new cultivar of field beans (Vicia faba L.) supplemented with DL -methionine or DL -methionine-hydroxyanalogue A basal control mixture of barley, soy bean meal and soy bean oil was replaced by 25% of the new field bean-cultivar `Divine' and the resulting two mixtures were supplemented with minerals, trace elements, vitamins and amino acids according to the ideal protein concept. The control diet was adjusted with DL -methionine (DL -Met), the field bean mixture either with DL -Met or DL -methionine-hydroxyanalogue (DL -MHA) assuming biological equivalence on a molar basis for both supplements. The three experimental diets were fed to growing pigs (35,40 kg bwt.). Spontaneous urine samples were analysed separately for determining parameters that characterize the acid-base status of the pigs. There were no significant differences between experimental groups in nutrient digestibilities. The level of bacterially fermentable substances was increased in the diets containing field beans. The field beans contained 14 mg ME/kg DM. There were no significant (p < 0,05) differences in N- and mineral-retentions (Ca, P, Na, K) between the treatments. The stronger alkalinity found in urine after feeding the field bean mixtures resulted from a higher electrolyte balance of the diet. Eine Kontrollration aus Gerste, Sojaschrot und Sojaöl wurde zu 25% durch Ackerbohnen der neugezüchteten Sorte `Divine' ersetzt und beide Mischungen mit Mineral- und Wirkstoffen sowie Aminosäuren ergänzt. Die Ergänzung mit Methionin erfolgte in der Kontrollmischung mit DL -Methionin, in der Ackerbohnenmischung mit DL -Methionin (DL -Met) oder DL -Methionin-Hydroxyanalog (DL -MHA) unter Zugrundelegung der molaren Wirkungsäquivalenz der beiden Supplemente. Die resultierenden drei Futtermischungen wurden in Stoffwechselversuchen an Schweine (35,40 kg LM) gefüttert. Separate Spontanharnproben wurden auf Parameter des Säure-Basen-Haushalts der Tiere untersucht. Zwischen den Versuchsgruppen traten keine signifikanten Unterschiede in den Nährstoffverdaulichkeiten auf. Die Gehalte an bakteriell fermentierbarer Substanz wurden durch Ackerbohnen erhöht. Der Gehalt der Ackerbohnen an umsetzbarer Energie lag bei 14 MJ ME/kg T. Die N- und Mineralstoffretentionen (Ca, P, Na, K) der Schweine unterschieden sich zwischen den Fütterungsgruppen nicht signifikant (p < 0,05). Die bei Ackerbohnenfütterung gesteigerte Harn-Alkalität ließ sich auf erhöhte kaliumbedingte Elektrolytbilanzen des Futters zurückführen. [source]

In situ rumen degradation and in vitro gas production of some selected grains from Turkey

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2002
H. D. Umucalilar
Summary An investigation of the dry matter degradability (DMD) and effective dry matter degradability (EDDM) was performed for barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oat samples, using the Nylon-bag technique. Gas production (GP), metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were also studied by using Hohenheim gas test. The DM from barley, wheat, rye and triticale was digested rapidly in the rumen, and, at the 48 h of incubation, degradability was found to be approximately about 80%. The higher degradability observed for these grains than for oats and corn was attributable to the structure of these grains. In contrast, DM of corn and oats was degraded very slowly and reached 66.7 and 66.5 at 48 h, respectively. Effective degradability values of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were determined to be 61.4, 69.0, 64.0, 41.7, 66.7 and 58.6% in 5% rumen outflow rate, respectively. At the end of the 48 h incubation, total gas productions in barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 83.6, 87.2, 87.5, 83.5, 85.8 and 63.9 ml/200 mg DM, respectively. The mean ME values of these grains calculated from cumulative gas amount at 24 h incubation were 11.8, 12.1, 12.3, 10.9, 12.4 and 10.2 MJ/kg DM, respectively. In vitro digestible organic matter of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 85.0, 87.3, 88.2, 79.5, 89.0 and 72.6%. Percentage overall EDDM (k=5%) of barley, wheat, rye, triticale and oats was positively correlated with in vitro GP at 6 h, cumulative GP at 24 h and total GP at 48 h (p<0.05). As a result, in situ dry matter degradation of grains showed great differences depending on the chemical compositions. In situ EDDM of grains may be predicted from in vitro gas production parameters. [source]

Effect of fat supplementation during transition period on plasma leptin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in Holstein cows

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010
Ahmad AFZALZADEH
ABSTRACT The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of fat supplementation during the transition period on pre and postpartum body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose and leptin concentrations in Holstein cows. Holstein cows (n = 15) received a low fat diet (LF; 1.61 Mcal net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg of dry matter [DM]), moderate fat diet (MF; 1.68 Mcal NEL/kg DM) or a high fat diet (HF; 1.74 Mcal NEL/kg DM) for 4 weeks prior to calving. All cows were fed similar lactation diets ad libitum (1.74 Mcal NEL/kg DM) for 30 days after calving. Increasing diet energy density during transition period had no effect on prepartum DMI, BCS, BW, glucose and NEFA concentrations (P > 0.05); but leptin concentrations and energy balance (EB) were affected by treatments (P < 0.05). Animals fed HF had less plasma leptin prepartum. After parturition, BW, milk production, milk fat, protein, urea nitrogen and plasma glucose concentrations were affected by prepartum diets (P < 0.05). Fat supplementation prepartum did not affect postpartum NEFA. In conclusion, prepartum fat supplementation decreased leptin concentration prepartum. [source]

Brewer's yeast efficiently degrades phytate phosphorus in a corn-soybean meal diet during soaking treatment

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
Gyo-Moon CHU
ABSTRACT Microbes such as yeast and Aspergillus are known to produce phytase, and Aspergillus phytase has been used as a feed additive for improving phytate-phosphorus bioavailability in monogastric animals. We measured phytase activity in some by-products from fermented food and beverage productions by yeast and Aspergillus. The phytase activity was as high as 3577 and 2225 PU/kg DM in raw and dried brewer's yeasts, respectively. On the other hand, the phytase activity was approximately 400 PU/kg DM in white-wine yeast and red-wine yeast. The phytase activity was further low in natto (fermented soybean) residue, soy sauce cake, rice brewer's grain and the activity was not detected in dried corn-barley distiller's grain with soluble and sweet-potato distiller's residue. The stability of phytase against pepsin was much lower in the brewer's yeast than in an Aspergillus phytase preparation. On the other hand, the addition of raw brewer's yeast effectively degraded phytate phosphorus in a corn-soybean meal diet during soaking. These results suggest that phytase in the examined by-products is not suitable for the phytase source of conventional diets, but that the soaking treatment with a raw brewer's yeast is an alternative method for improving phytate-phosphorus bioavailability in corn-soybean meal diets for pigs. [source]

Determination of the selenium requirement in kittens,

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2003
K. J. Wedekind
Summary The purpose of this study was to determine the selenium (Se) requirement in kittens. Thirty-six specific-pathogen-free kittens (9.8 weeks old) were utilized in a randomized complete block design to determine the Se requirement in cats with gender and weight used as blocking criteria. Kittens were fed a low Se (0.02 mg/kg Se) torula yeast-based diet for 5 weeks (pre-test) after which an amino acid-based diet (0.027 mg Se/kg diet) was fed for 8 weeks (experimental period). Six levels of Se (0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.30 mg Se/kg diet) as Na2SeO3 were added to the diet and were used to construct a response curve. Response variables included Se concentrations and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activities (GSHpx) in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) as well as plasma total T3 (TT3) and total T4 (TT4). No significant changes in food intake, weight gain or clinical signs of Se deficiency were noted. Estimates of the kitten's Se requirement (i.e. breakpoints) were determined for RBC and plasma GSHpx (0.12 and 0.15 mg Se/kg diet, respectively), but no definitive breakpoint was determined for plasma Se. Plasma TT3 increased linearly, whereas plasma TT4 and the ratio of TT4 : TT3 decreased in a quadratic fashion to dietary Se concentration. The requirement estimate determined in this study (0.15 mg Se/kg) for kittens is in close agreement with other species. As pet foods for cats contain a high proportion of animal protein with a Se bioavailability of 30%, it is recommended that commercial diets for cats contain 0.5 mg Se/kg DM. [source]

Selenium supplementation and selenium status of dairy cows fed diets based on grass, grass silage or maize silage

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2002
M. GIERUS
In three separate trial series (TS) the effect of diet composition on selenium (Se) status of dairy cows were investigated. Diets were formulated based mainly on grass (TS1), grass silage (TS2) or maize silage (TS3) with different levels of Se supplementation. Each TS comprised a total of 30 dairy cows and contained one treatment group without Se supplementation (control) and two groups with increasing levels of Se supplementation (levels 1 and 2). Selenium was administered as Na-selenite. The control groups of the different TS showed a very low Se supply of 38,54 ,g Se/kg DM. At level 1 the Se supply was increased to 102,165 ,g Se/kg DM and at level 2 was 294,373 ,g Se/kg DM. After completion of the 6-week trials the average plasma Se concentration of the control cows (without Se supplementation) across all TS was 21.5 ,g/l; this increased significantly following Se supplementation, to 37.7 ,g/l at level 1 and 61.5 ,g/l at level 2. The plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of the control cows averaged 67 U/l, rising considerably after supplementation at level 1 to a value of 101 U/l, but showed little further increase at level 2 with a mean value of 120 U/l. By contrast, the average Se content of the milk was unchanged in the control and level 1 groups at 10.5 ,g/kg and 10.9 ,g/kg, respectively, and only increased markedly after supplementation at level 2 to a mean value of 15.1 ,g/kg. The diet based on maize silage, while having a similar Se content as the grass and grass silage-based diets, resulted in a slightly improved Se status, which is due to a higher Se intake from soybean meal. [source]

Effects of level of feed intake and Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on rumen fermentation as well as on blood and milk parameters in cows

Is the intrinsic potassium content of forages an important factor in intake regulation of dairy cows?

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 4 2009
F. Leiber
Summary Hay from intensively managed grassland with high nutrient density and digestibility containing 29 g potassium/kg dry matter (DM) and hay from an alpine pasture, clearly lower in energy, digestibility and potassium (12 g/kg DM) were offered as sole feeds to 18 lactating dairy cows following a change-over arrangement within three periods of 21 days each (schedule either alpine-lowland-alpine or lowland-alpine-lowland hay). Faeces and urine were quantitatively collected over 7 days. Dry matter intake was similar and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake was higher with alpine than with lowland hay (1.57 kg/100 kg vs. 1.43 kg/100 kg body weight). Potassium intake was approximately three times lower with alpine than with lowland hay. Urinary water output was closely correlated with potassium intake. It was also correlated with DM intake but only in animals receiving lowland hay, while it remained independent from intake when alpine hay was fed. Plasma osmolality was lower when alpine hay was fed. As energy requirements were not covered with either diet, the lower NDF intake with lowland hay was assumed to have been caused by higher ruminal osmolality because of the higher intrinsic potassium concentrations of this hay type. Further studies are necessary to determine potassium levels critical for feed intake. [source]

Potential for protein deposition and threonine requirement of modern genotype barrows fed graded levels of protein with threonine as the limiting amino acid

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 5-6 2004
H. T. Thong
Summary The study was conducted to estimate the actual genetic potential for daily protein deposition of growing barrows [genotype: Piétrain × (Duroc × Landrace)]. Twenty-four pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 43.7 ± 0.7 kg were used in a N-balance study. Semi-purified diets with graded levels of crude protein (45.8, 94.2, 148.0, 198.9, 255.5 and 300.2 g/kg DM) were used, based on a constant mixture of wheat, soya bean protein concentrate and potato protein concentrate as protein sources. The amino acid pattern of the diets was according to the ideal amino acid ratio for growing pigs (Wang and Fuller, 1989), with the exception of threonine (adjusted as limiting amino acid). N-balance data were used to estimate daily N-maintenance requirement (NMR = 446 mg N/BW/day) by regression method and the theoretical maximum of daily N-retention (PDmaxT = 3115 mg N/BW/day) based on N-utilization model of Gebhardt (1966) using program Mathematica 3.0. The results indicate that PDmaxT of pigs under study is much higher than results from earlier studies with older genotypes. In summary, pigs of modern genotype have a very high genetic potential for daily protein deposition and these actual data are important basic informations for estimation of amino acid requirement within the model used. Threonine requirement data depending on threonine efficieny and protein deposition (8.96, 10.45 and 12.22 g/day for 130, 145 and 160 g daily protein deposition; 50 kg body weight) are discussed. [source]

Using a complex non-TDN based model (the DVE/OEB system) to predict microbial protein synthesis, endogenous protein, degradation balance, and total truly absorbed protein supply of different varieties of cereal oats for ruminants

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009
Peiqiang YU
ABSTRACT Recently a new super-genotype of oat has been developed in the Crop Development Center called CDC SO-I (,SuperOat': low lignin and high fat). In a previous study, we evaluated total metabolizable protein using a TDN-based model-NRC-2001 which is popular in North America. However, the TDN-based NRC model is not accepted universally. The objectives of this study were to use a complex non-TDN based model, the DVE/OEB system, to evaluate potential nutrient supply to ruminants from the SuperOat in comparison with two normal varieties of oats (CDC Dancer and Derby) in western Canada. The quantitative predictions were made in terms of: (i) truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial proteins in the small intestine; (ii) truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein in the small intestine; (iii) endogenous protein in the digestive tract; (iv) total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; and (v) protein degraded balance. Results showed that using the DVE/OEB system to predict the potential nutrient supply, it was found that the SuperOat had similar truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein levels (61, 63, 59 g/kg DM, P > 0.05, for SuperOat, CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively), higher truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein than CDC Dancer (22 vs. 17 g/kg DM P < 0.05, for SuperOat, CDC Dancer, respectively), but similar to Derby (22 vs. 21 g/kg DM; P > 0.05), and similar endogenous protein (16, 16, 18 g/kg DM; P > 0.05). Total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine is only numerically higher in the SuperOat (67 vs. 65, 62 g/kg DM, P > 0.05, for CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively). However, the protein degraded balance was significantly different (P < 0.05) with a positive value for the SuperOat (7.0 g/kg DM) and negative values for two normal varieties (,1.5, ,6.8 g/kg DM for CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively). In conclusion, the model predicted significantly different protein degradation balance. The SuperOat had positive degradation balance but other two normal varieties had negative protein degraded balance However, the SuperOat had similar total absorbed protein value to the two normal varieties of oats. [source]

Separation and quantification of inulin in selected artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) cultivars and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale WEB. ex WIGG.) roots by high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection

BIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 12 2006
Katrin Schütz
Abstract The profile of fructooligosaccharides and fructopolysaccharides in artichoke heads and dandelion roots was investigated. For this purpose, a suitable method for high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometic detection was developed. The separation of monomers, oligomers and polymers up to a chain length of 79 sugar residues was achieved in one single run. Glucose, fructose, sucrose and individual fructooligosaccharides (kestose, nystose, fructofuranosylnystose) were quantified in six different artichoke cultivars and in dandelion roots. The contents ranged from 12.9 g/kg DM to 71.7 g/kg DM for glucose, from 15.8 g/kg DM to 67.2 g/kg DM for fructose, and from 16.8 g/kg DM to 55.2 g/kg DM for sucrose in the artichoke heads. Kestose was the predominant fructooligosaccharide, followed by nystose and fructofuranosylnystose. In four cultivars fructofuranosylnystose was only detectable in traces and reached its maximum value of 3.6 g/kg DM in the cultivar Le Castel. Furthermore, an average degree of polymerization of 5.3 to 16.7 was calculated for the individual artichoke cultivars, which is noticeably lower than hitherto reported. In contrast, the contents of kestose, nystose and fructofuranosylnystose in dandelion root exceeded that of artichoke, reflecting the short chain characteristic of the inulin, which was confirmed by chromatographic analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Herbage growth rates on heterogeneous swards as influenced by sward-height classes

GRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009
ahin Demirba
Abstract The contribution of four classes of sward height to daily herbage growth rates of a heterogeneous sward in eight periods throughout a grazing season was investigated in two continuous cattle-grazing systems differing in intensity (moderate stocking rate: MC; lenient stocking rate: LC). At the beginning and end of periods of 12 to 28 d, the compressed sward height (CSH) was measured in exclusion cages at eighteen fixed points per cage to derive daily growth rates for the four classes of sward height. Stratified calibrations were made to relate sward height to herbage mass for each treatment in each period. Quadratic regressions described the relationship between herbage growth rate and initial CSH for each treatment in each period. For scaling up to the scale of the plot, CSH was measured monthly at 100 points per plot. Daily herbage growth rates declined from more than 100 kg dry matter (DM) ha,1 d,1 on both treatments at the beginning of the grazing season to 20 kg DM ha,1 d,1 or less, especially on treatment LC. This was due to the larger area covered by tall herbage on treatment LC than on treatment MC. On treatment MC, daily herbage growth rate was predominantly derived from short sward areas of up to 12 cm in height while sward areas taller than 12 cm contributed most to daily growth rates on treatment LC in early summer. The method used is considered suitable for estimating daily herbage growth rates of different classes of sward height in extensively managed pastures and can easily be adapted to deal with more heterogeneous swards than used in this study. [source]

Liveweight gains of lambs from Caucasian clover/ryegrass and white clover/ryegrass swards on soils of high and low fertility

GRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007
A. D. Black
Summary The high nutritive value and persistence under a wide range of climatic and soil fertility conditions make Caucasian clover a potentially useful forage legume but there is little information about the performance of livestock grazing Caucasian clover/grass swards. This study compared liveweight gains of lambs grazing Caucasian clover/perennial ryegrass and white clover/perennial ryegrass swards on high fertility (Olsen P 20 mg L,1, SO4 -S 12 mg kg,1) and low fertility (Olsen P 11 mg L,1, SO4 -S 7 mg kg,1) soils from 1998 to 2001 in the South Island of New Zealand. Mean annual liveweight gains were 1178 kg ha,1 for Caucasian clover/perennial ryegrass and 1069 kg ha,1 for white clover/perennial ryegrass swards at high fertility compared with 1094 kg ha,1 and 1015 kg ha,1, respectively, at low fertility. There was a higher mean proportion of clover in Caucasian clover/perennial ryegrass (0·19) than white clover/perennial ryegrass (0·11) swards, but there were no differences in total herbage production between the two clover/perennial ryegrass swards. The mean concentration of crude protein in the herbage of Caucasian clover (302 g kg DM,1) was higher than that in white clover (287 g kg DM,1) and grass herbage (227 g kg DM,1). Estimated mean metabolizable energy concentrations in the herbage were 12·5 MJ kg DM,1 for the two clovers and 11·6 MJ kg DM,1 for grass herbage. The difference in liveweight gain between swards on soils of high and low fertility was associated with an increase in total herbage production of similar composition and nutritive value, giving a greater number of grazing days for the swards on soils of high than low fertility. [source]

The effect of accumulation period and harvest date in spring on dry-matter yield and forage quality in mixed swards containing Lolium spp. and Trifolium subterraneum in Western Australia

GRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 1 2001
M. N. Callow
The object of this study was to determine the effect of closing date and date of harvest for conservation (accumulation period), on dry-matter (DM) yield and forage quality of annual pasture in Western Australia. The field study comprised 48 plots, 2 m × 2 m, sown with either annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) or Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum Lam.), and mixed with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Defoliation of swards until the end of winter was at the three leaves tiller,1 stage. In spring, once stem nodal development had commenced, swards were defoliated every 3,4 weeks. Swards were defoliated either twice with three leaves tiller,1 (accumulation period 1 commenced on 15 August); twice with three leaves tiller,1 and then once after 4 weeks (accumulation period 2 commenced on 11 September); twice with three leaves tiller,1 and then twice after 4-week intervals (accumulation period 3 commenced on 9 October) or; twice with 3 leaves tiller,1 and then twice after 4-week intervals and then once after 3 weeks (accumulation period 4 commenced on 30 October). From the commencement of the accumulation period, tiller density, DM yield and forage quality were determined weekly for up to 10 weeks. There was a positive quadratic association between DM yield and days after the commencement of the accumulation period. Yields were maximized from accumulation period 1 with 5·3, 6·6 and 9·5 t DM ha,1, and growth rates were 140, 128 and 145 kg DM ha,1 d,1, for Wimmera annual ryegrass and Richmond and Concord cultivars of Italian ryegrass respectively. In contrast, in vitro dry-matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein (CP) content were negatively associated with days after the commencement of the accumulation period, and initial values were greater than 0·80 and 180 g kg DM,1 for IVDMD and CP content respectively. The rate of decline in IVDMD d,1 for Wimmera annual ryegrass was 0·005, 0·019 and 0·012 d,1 for accumulation periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively, while for Italian ryegrass cultivars Richmond was 0·015, 0·011, 0·02 and 0·012 d,1 and Concord was 0·014, 0·009, 0·013 and 0·01 d,1, for the 4 accumulation periods respectively. It is recommended that annual and Italian ryegrass pastures be harvested between 10% and 20% inflorescence emergence when IVDMD will exceed 0·70 regardless of cultivar and/or defoliation practice prior to the commencement of the accumulation period. [source]

Productivity of Bahiagrass Pastures in South-western Japan: Synthesis of Data from Grazing Trials

JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006
M. Hirata
Abstract This study examined the rate of herbage production and herbage quality of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) using data from five grazing trials in the low-altitude region of Kyushu, south-western Japan, in an effort to (a) evaluate productivity of bahiagrass pastures, (b) analyse its relationship to meteorological, vegetational and managerial variables, and (c) obtain implications for better management of bahiagrass pastures. The rate of herbage production, ranging from ,56 to 213 kg DM ha,1 day,1, tended to increase from spring (April,May) to mid-summer (July) and decrease thereafter. The rate was expressed by a multiple regression equation where nitrogen fertilizer rate, air temperature, rainfall and herbage mass had positive effects. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) and crude protein (CP) concentration of herbage were in the range of 471,727 and 84,161 g kg,1 DM respectively. DMD was expressed by a regression equation where the day number from 1 April and herbage mass had negative effects, and the sampling height and nitrogen rate had positive effects. CP concentration was expressed by an equation showing a positive effect of nitrogen rate and a negative effect of herbage mass. The results indicate that management of bahiagrass pastures should aim at maintaining herbage mass closely above the critical level below which intake by grazing animals is restricted, in order to increase quality and ensure quantity. This is particularly important when nitrogen fertilizer is applied. [source]

Cobalt requirement of beef cattle , feed intake and growth at different levels of cobalt supply

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3 2000
F. J. Schwarz
Summary In a study using a total of 36 German Simmental beef bulls weighing between 236 kg and about 620 kg the question of what constitutes an adequate Co supply was investigated with reference to the performance criteria growth, feed intake, energy intake, nutrient intake and carcass criteria. The bulls received a diet of corn silage ad libitum and 2.5 kg concentrate for a period of 280 days. Ten rations (R) with graduated Co supplements were fed with mean concentrations of 0.07 (R1), 0.09 (R2), 0.11 (R3), 0.15 (R4), 0.18 (R5), 0.26 (R6), 0.33 (R7), 0.42 (R8), 0.59 (R9) and 0.69 (R10) mg Co per kg dry matter (DM) intake. The Co supplement was added as CoSO47H2O. The diets with no or low Co supplementation produced either distinctly lower daily gains of 1045g (R1) and 1130g (R2) or lower daily gains of about 1260 g (R3, R4) than rations R5,R10, where daily gains averaged 1340 g. The mean daily feed intake per animal was also significantly or marginally affected with values of 6.0 kg DM (R1) rising to 7.7 kg DM (R2,R4) versus 7.9 kg DM on average (R5,R10). Calculations using the broken line model and the quadratic model show that the optimal Co supply for maximum growth is 0.12 mg/kg dietary DM and for maximum feed intake, 0.16,0.18 mg Co/kg dietary DM. After taking further biochemical criteria into account (Stangl et al. 2000), a level of 0.20 mg/kg dietary DM is recommended as an adequate Co supply for growing cattle. [source]

Sulfur and nitrogen supply influence growth, product appearance, and glucosinolate concentration of broccoli

JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007
Ilona Schonhof
Abstract The effects of insufficient and optimal sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) supply on plant growth and glucosinolate formation were studied under controlled experimental conditions in broccoli "Monaco". Here, we report on the interaction between S and N supply, plant growth, and quality parameters and discuss the relevance of this interaction in relation to crop-management strategies. Broccoli plants supplied with insufficient amounts of S or N showed typical deficiency symptoms and yield decreases. In contrast, total glucosinolate concentrations were high at insufficient N supply, independent of the S level, and low at insufficient S supply in combination with an optimal N supply. This was mainly due to the presence of the alkyl glucosinolates glucoraphanin and glucoiberin. Furthermore, with S concentrations above 6 g (kg DM),1 and an N : S ratio lower than 10:1, the glucosinolate concentrations were on average around 0.33 g (kg fresh matter),1 and differed significantly from those plants characterized by an S concentration below 6 g (kg DM),1 and an N : S ratio above 10:1. In addition, N : S ratios between 7:1 and 10:1 promoted plant yield and enhanced overall appearance. Therefore, to produce broccoli (and potentially other Brassicaceae) with higher crop yields and enhanced product quality in the field, it is vital to establish the optimal S and N nutritional status of the plant and to integrate this information into crop-management strategy programs. [source]

Chemical composition and nutritive value of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) in rats

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2005
Pascal Leterme
Abstract The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is the starchy fruit of a palm tree widely cultivated in Central and South America. The present study aimed at determining its chemical composition and its nutritive value in rats. The average chemical composition of 17 samples was as follows: 410 g kg,1 water and, in g kg,1 of dry matter (DM), 54 g crude protein, 114 g oil, 39 g neutral detergent fibre, 716 g starch, 21 g sugars and 18 g ash. The main variability was observed for the oil (60,180 g kg,1 DM) and starch (590,780 g DM) contents. The proteins contained, on average, in g kg,1 of proteins, 49 g lysine, 13 g methionine, 19 g cysteine, 39 g threonine and 7 g tryptophan. The mineral fraction contained, per kg DM: 1.0 g Ca, 0.8 g P, 0.6 g Mg, 0.3 g Na, 44 mg Fe, 4 mg Cu and 10 mg Zn. The digestibility of four peach palm genotypes was determined in rats fed a diet composed of 350 g kg,1 of peach palm and 650 g of a control diet based on maize and soybean meal. The digestibility of DM, energy, starch and protein of peach palm alone reached, on average 91, 87, 96 and 95%, respectively. No difference was observed between varieties, except for starch (p < 0.05). On average, peach palm contained 51 g of truly digestible protein kg,1 DM and 3.691 kcal digestible energy kg,1 DM. A growth trial was also carried out for 1 month on rats (initial weight: 78 g) fed a diet containing 0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 g peach palm kg,1, at the expense of a diet composed of maize starch and casein. The growth rate of the rats decreased (p < 0.05) as the peach palm concentration increased. The growth decrease was due to a decrease (p < 0.05) in DM intake and to the lower quality of the peach palm protein. It is concluded that peach palm is mainly an energy source for humans and animals. It is poor in protein and minerals but can be consumed in large amounts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Comparative dry matter intake and nutrient utilisation efficiency in lactating cattle and buffaloes

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2003
Shyam S Paul
Abstract An attempt was made to assess the comparative dry matter intake and nutrient utilisation efficiency of lactating buffaloes and cows based on results obtained from experimental feeding trials conducted in India. Data on dry matter (DM) intake, total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake, digestible crude protein (DCP) intake, body weight or metabolic body size (MBS), body weight change, milk yield or 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield, milk fat percentage and roughage/concentrate ratio in the diet of lactating buffaloes and cows were collected from published reports. The data were processed and analysed to assess the comparative dry matter intake and nutrient utilisation efficiency using suitable statistical analysis models. DM intake was significantly (P,<,0.01) lower in buffaloes (2.57,kg DM per 100,kg body weight or 119.2,g,kg,1 MBS) than in cattle (3.09,kg DM per 100,kg body weight or 132.0,g,kg,1 MBS). Mean gross energetic efficiency (30.53 versus 27.83%; P,<,0.01), gross protein efficiency (45.48 versus 37.06%; P,<,0.01), net energetic efficiency (69.16 versus 64.10%; P,<,0.05) and net protein efficiency (80.15 versus 59.59%; P,<,0.001) were significantly higher in buffaloes than in cattle. Lactating buffaloes consumed significantly less (P,<,0.001) protein (75.69,g DCP) and less (P,<,0.01) energy (695.9,g TDN) than cows (93.89,g DCP, 774.8,g TDN) for production of 1,kg of 4% fat-corrected milk. Buffaloes had higher energy and protein utilisation efficiencies as compared with cattle at similar fat-corrected milk production level, plane of energy and protein nutrition, body size and body weight change. Buffaloes (1.189,kg DM,kg,1 4% FCM) consumed a similar (P,>,0.05) amount of feed dry matter to that of cows (1.267,kg DM,kg,1 4% FCM). However, when DM intake,kg,1 FCM (4%) was compared at constant levels of metabolic body size, fat-corrected milk, body weight change, dietary energy concentration and green forage percentage in the diet, lactating buffaloes consumed significantly less DM,kg,1 FCM yield as compared with cattle. It was concluded that DM intake was lower in lactating buffaloes. Moreover, lactating buffaloes utilised dietary dry matter, energy and protein for milk production more efficiently than cattle. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Phosphocreatine degradation in type I and type II muscle fibres during submaximal exercise in man: effect of carbohydrate ingestion

THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2001
Kostas Tsintzas
1The aim of this study was to examine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion on changes in ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrations in different muscle fibre types during prolonged running and relate those changes to the degree of glycogen depletion. 2Five male subjects performed two runs at 70 % maximum oxygen uptake (V,O2,max), 1 week apart. Each subject ingested 8 ml (kg body mass (BM)),1 of either a placebo (Con trial) or a 5.5 % CHO solution (CHO trial) immediately before each run and 2 ml (kg BM),1 every 20 min thereafter. In the Con trial, the subjects ran to exhaustion (97.0 ± 6.7 min). In the CHO trial, the run was terminated at the time coinciding with exhaustion in the Con trial. Muscle samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis before and after each trial. 3Carbohydrate ingestion did not affect ATP concentrations. However, it attenuated the decline in PCr concentration by 46 % in type I fibres (CHO: 20 ± 8 mmol (kg dry matter (DM)),1; Con: 34 ± 6 mmol (kg DM),1; P < 0.05) and by 36 % in type II fibres (CHO: 30 ± 5 mmol (kg DM),1; Con: 48 ± 6 mmol (kg DM),1; P < 0.05). 4A 56 % reduction in glycogen utilisation in type I fibres was observed in CHO compared with Con (117 ± 39 vs. 240 ± 32 mmol glucosyl units (kg DM),1, respectively; P < 0.01), but no difference was observed in type II fibres. 5It is proposed that CHO ingestion during exhaustive running attenuates the decline in oxidative ATP resynthesis in type I fibres, as indicated by sparing of both PCr and glycogen breakdown. The CHO-induced sparing of PCr, but not glycogen, in type II fibres may reflect differential recruitment and/or role of PCr between fibre types. [source]

Allometric growth relationships of East Africa highland bananas (Musa AAA-EAHB) cv. Kisansa and Mbwazirume

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
K. Nyombi
Abstract Highland bananas are an important staple food in East Africa, but there is little information on their physiology and growth patterns. This makes it difficult to identify opportunities for yield improvement. We studied allometric relationships by evaluating different phenological stages of highland banana growth for use in growth assessment, understanding banana crop physiology and yield prediction. Pared corms of uniform size (cv. Kisansa) were planted in a pest-free field in Kawanda (central Uganda), supplied with fertilizers and irrigated during dry periods. In addition, tissue-cultured plants (cv. Kisansa) were planted in an adjacent field and in Ntungamo (southwest Uganda), with various nutrient addition treatments (of N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn, B and Mo). Plant height, girth at base, number of functional leaves and phenological stages were monitored monthly. Destructive sampling allowed derivation of allometric relationships to describe leaf area and biomass distribution in plants throughout the growth cycle. Individual leaf area was estimated as LA (m2) = length (m) × maximum lamina width (m) × 0.68. Total plant leaf area (TLA) was estimated as the product of the measured middle leaf area (MLA) and the number of functional leaves. MLA was estimated as MLA (m2) = ,0.404 + 0.381 height (m) + 0.411 girth (m). A light extinction coefficient (k = 0.7) was estimated from photosynthetically active radiation measurements in a 1.0 m grid over the entire day. The dominant dry matter (DM) sinks changed from leaves at 1118 °C days (47% of DM) and 1518 °C days (46% of DM), to the stem at 2125 °C days (43% of DM) and 3383 °C days (58% of DM), and finally to the bunch at harvest (4326 °C days) with 53% of DM. The allometric relationship between above-ground biomass (AGB in kg DM) and girth (cm) during the vegetative phase followed a power function, AGB = 0.0001 (girth)2.35 (R2 = 0.99), but followed exponential functions at flowering, AGB = 0.325 e0.036(girth) (R2 = 0.79) and at harvest, AGB = 0.069 e0.068(girth) (R2 = 0.96). Girth at flowering was a good parameter for predicting yields with R2 = 0.7 (cv. Mbwazirume) and R2 = 0.57 (cv. Kisansa) obtained between actual and predicted bunch weights. This article shows that allometric relationship can be derived and used to assess biomass production and for developing banana growth models, which can help breeders and agronomists to further exploit the crop's potential. [source]

Influence of liver copper status of mare and newborn foal on the development of osteochondrotic lesions

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003
P. R. van WEEREN
Summary Reason for performing study: To elucidate the highly contentious role of copper in the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis. Hypothesis: There would be no relationship between liver copper concentration of mares and foals and incidence of radiographically detectable osteochondrotic lesions in foals and yearlings was tested. Methods: Liver copper concentration was assessed in biopsies taken within 4 days after birth from both mares and foals and from the same foals at age 5 months. Biopsies were taken in the standing, sedated animal under ultrasonographic guidance. Radiographs were taken of both hocks (lateromedial, dorsoplantar and dorsomedial-plantarolateral oblique views) and stifles (lateromedial and caudolateral-craniomedial oblique views) at ages 5 and 11 months and scored for the presence and severity of osteochondrotic lesions. Results: Copper concentrations in newborn foals were high with a large variation (351 ± 201 mg/kg DM). They declined until reaching values comparable to those in mature animals at 5 months (20 ± 8 mg/kg DM; mares: 19 ± 20 mg/kg DM). Radiographic osteochondrotic lesions decreased in number and severity from 5 to 11 months. This pattern was more predominant in the stifle than in the hock, as has been described previously. Conclusions: There was no relationship between foal or mare liver copper concentration and osteochondrosis status at either 5 or 11 months. However, osteochondrotic lesions in foals with low-level copper status at birth decreased significantly less in number and severity than those in foals with high-level copper status at birth. Potential relevance: It is concluded that copper is not likely to be an important factor in the aetiopathogenesis of osteochondrosis, but this study indicates that there may be a significant effect of high copper status on the natural process of repair of early lesions. [source]

Effects of level of feed intake and Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on rumen fermentation as well as on blood and milk parameters in cows

Effect of dietary copper and vitamin E supplementation, and extensive feeding with acorn and grass on longissimus muscle composition and susceptibility to oxidation in Iberian pigs

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2001
A. I. Rey
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dietary copper and/or vitamin E supplementation on composition and oxidation of M. longissimus in Iberian pigs and to compare it with meat samples from pigs produced extensively and fed with acorn and grass. Grass had the highest ,-tocopherol content (> 150 mg/kg DM), while acorns had the highest copper concentration (78.1 mg/kg DM). Dietary treatment did not affect copper composition in muscle and no interactions were detected between copper and ,-tocopherol. The ,-tocopherol content in muscle from pigs fed diets supplemented with ,-tocopheryl acetate (100 mg/kg feed) was 1.5 times greater (p < 0.0001) than those from pigs receiving a basel diet. M. longisssimus dorsi from pigs fed extensively had a higher concentration of ,-tocopherol than those fed in confinement with the basel level of ,-tocopheryl acetate, but lower values than pigs fed supplemented levels. Total n -3 fatty acids (p < 0.02) and hematin (p < 0.0001) concentrations were significantly higher in muscle from pigs fed extensively than when fed in confinement. Muscle homogenates from Iberian pigs fed in extensive conditions showed significantly (p < 0.02) higher susceptibility to oxidation than those from pigs fed mixed diets. Dietary ,-tocopheryl acetate supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced lipid oxidation of muscle, while dietary copper concentration did not modify susceptibility to lipid oxidation. Das Ziel dieses Studiums war die Wirkung von Kupfer und Vitamin E Ergänzung im Futter auf die Zusammenstellung und Oxydation von M. longissimus in Iberischen Schweinen zu erforschen und es mit Fleisch-Beispielen von freilaufenden Schweinen zu vergleichen, die mit Eicheln und Gras gefüttert wurden. Gras hatte den höchsten ,-Tocopherolgehalt (> 150 mg/kg), während Eicheln die höchste Kupferkonzentration hatten (78.1 mg/kg). Diätgemäße Behandlung von Kupfer beeinflußte keine kupferne Zusammenstellung im Muskel. Es wurden auch keine Wechselwirkungen zwischen Kupfer und ,-Tocopherol entdeckt. Der ,-Tocopherolgehalt im Muskel von Schweinen, gefüttert mit ,-Tocopherolacetat-Ergänzung (100 mg/kg füttern), war bedeutend größer (p < 0.0001) als jener von Schweinen, die eine fundamentale Nahrung bekamen. Der M. longisssimus dorsi von in Freilauf ernährten Schweinen hatte eine höhere ,-Tocopherol-Konzentration, als der von Schweinen, die mit einem fundamentalen Gehalt an ,-Tocopherolacetat gefüttert wurden (p < 0.0001), aber geringer als der von mit ,-Tocopherol-Ergänzung gefütterten Schweine. Der Gehalt von n -3 Fettsäuren (p < 0.02) und Hematin (p < 0.0001) war beträchtlich höher im Muskel von im Freilauf gefütterten Schweinen, als der von mit konzentrierter Nahrung gefütterten Schweinen. Muskel-Homogenate von freilaufenden Iberischen Schweinen zeigten bedeutend (p < 0.02) höhere Anfälligkeit zu Oxydation, als jene von Schweinen, die mit gemischter Nahrungen gefüttert wurden. Diätgemäße ,-Tocopherolazetat-Ergänzung (100 mg/kg füttern) zeigte bedeutend (p < 0.05) reduzierte lipoide Oxydation des Muskels, während diätgemäße kupferne Konzentration die Anfälligkeit zu lipoider Oxydation nicht modifizierte. [source]

In vitro fermentative characteristics of ruminant diets supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes and ranges of optimal endo-,-1,4-glucanase activity

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 2 2010
E. González-García
Summary Effectiveness of fibrolytic enzymes supplementing a range of forage to concentrate (F:C) diets was assessed with goat (G) or cow (C) inoculum using the gas production (GP) technique. Four F:C diets were evaluated: forage (1:0), high forage (0.7:0.3), medium forage (0.5:0.5) and low forage (0.3:0.7) diets, supplemented or not with PromoteTM (PRO) at 1 or 2 ml/kg dry matter (DM). The GP kinetic was different between F:C (1:0 < 0.7:0.3 < 0.5:0.5 < 0.3:0.7) and inoculum. Responses to enzyme were positively related to forage level and differed with inoculum. The neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre degradation were depressed by the concentrate in the substrates fermented with C and were not altered or even enhanced in G sets. Results confirm that increasing starch proportion modified the pattern of microbial fermentation, while no influences were detected in the improvement of cell wall degradation with fibrolytic enzymes. Another in vitro experiment was conducted to investigate factors by which endo-,-1,4-glucanase activity (EA) of PRO is compromised in a factorial design (3 × 4 × 3) for three pH (4.0, 5.5 and 6.5), four temperatures (30, 40, 50 and 70 °C) and three doses (1, 2 and 3 ml/kg DM of substrate). Maximum EA were obtained for pH 4.0, 50 °C and 3 ml/kg DM. Optimal conditions for PRO proved to be outside the normal ranges in ruminal environment. [source]