Ahmed E. Kholif

Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Activities, Serum Parameters and Milk Production and Composition of Lactating Goats Fed Diets Containing Rice Straw Treated with Pleurotus ostreatus

The study evaluated replacement of Egyptian berseem clover (BC, Trifolium alexandrinum) with spent rice straw (SRS) of Pleurotus ostreatus basidiomycete in diets of lactating Baladi goats. Nine lactating homo-parity Baladi goats (average BW 23.8±0.4 kg) at 7 d postpartum were used in a triplicate 3×3 Latin square design with 30 d experimental periods. Goats were fed a basal diet containing 0 (Control), 0.25 (SRS25) and 0.45 (SRS45) (w/w, DM basis) of SRS. The Control diet was berseem clover and concentrate mixture (1:1 DM basis). The SRS45 had lowered total feed intake and forages intake compared to Control. The SRS25 and SRS45 rations had the highest digestibilities of DM (p = 0.0241) and hemicellulose (p = 0.0021) compared to Control which had higher (p<0.01) digestibilities of OM (p = 0.0002) and CP (p = 0.0005) than SRS25 and SRS45. Ruminal pH and microbial protein synthesis were higher (p<0.0001) for SRS25 and SRS45 than Control, which also had the highest (p<0.0001) concentration of TVFA, total proteins, non-protein N, and ammonia-N. All values of serum constituents were within normal ranges. The Control ration had higher serum globulin (p = 0.0148), creatinine (p = 0.0150), glucose (p = 0.0002) and cholesterol (p = 0.0016). Both Control and SRS25 groups had the highest (p<0.05) milk (p = 0.0330) and energy corrected milk (p = 0.0290) yields. Fat content was higher (p = 0.0373) with SRS45 and SRS25 groups compared with Control. Replacement of BC with SRS in goat rations increased milk levels of conjugated linoleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids compared with Control. It was concluded that replacing 50% of Egyptian berseem clover with SRS in goat rations improved their productive performance without marked effects on metabolic indicators health.

Effects of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae at Direct Addition or Pre-incubation on in Vitro Gas Production Kinetics and Degradability of Four Fibrous Feeds

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics and degradability of corn stover, oat straw, sugarcane bagasse and sorghum straw. Feedstuffs were incubated with different doses of yeast [0, 4, 8 and 12 mg/g dry matter (DM)] at direct addition or 72 h pre-incubation. Rumen GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 24, 30, 48, 54 and 72 h of incubation. After 72 h, rumen pH and methane were determined and contents were filtrated for DM, neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradability. Fibrous species×method of application×yeast interactions occurred (P< 0.001) for all measured ruminal GP parameters and degradability. The direct addition or 72 h pre-incubation of S. cerevisiae with corn stover improved (P< 0.05) GP and methane and decreased (P< 0.05) the lag time (L) and NDF degradability (NDFD). The direct addition of S. cerevisiae to oat straw increased (P< 0.05) rate of GP (c) and decreased (P< 0.05) asymptotic GP (b). However, 72 h pre-incubation increased (P< 0.05) c with linearly decreased b, DM degradability (DMD) and NDFD. Applying S. cerevisiae for 72 h pre-incubation decreased (P< 0.001) methane emission. The direct addition or 72 h pre-incubation of S. cerevisiae to sorghum straw increased (P< 0.05) b, c, L, DMD and NDFD. Overall, the effect of dose varied among different feedstuffs and different application methods. Results suggested that the direct addition of S. cerevisiae could support and improve ruminal fermentation of low-quality forages at 4 to 12 g/kg DM.

Direct-fed microbes: A tool for improving the utilization of low quality roughages in ruminants

Abstract For many years, ruminant nutritionists and microbiologists have been interested in manipulating the microbial ecosystem of the rumen to improve production efficiency of different ruminant species. Removal and restriction of antibiotics sub-therapeutic uses from ruminant diets has amplified interest in improving nutrient utilization and animal performance and search for more safe alternatives. Some bacterial and fungal microorganisms as a direct-fed microbial (DFM) can be the most suitable solutions. Microorganisms that are commonly used in DFM for ruminants may be classified mainly as lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB), lactic acid utilizing bacteria (LUB), or other microorganisms species like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Propionibacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii and Prevotellabryantii , in addition to some fungal species of yeast such as Saccharomyces and Aspergillus . A definitive mode of action for bacterial or fungal DFM has not been established; although a variety of mechanisms have been suggested. Bacterial DFM potentially moderate rumen conditions, and improve weight gain and feed efficiency. Fungal DFM may reduce harmful oxygen from the rumen, prevent excess lactate production, increase feed digestibility, and alter rumen fermentation patterns. DFM may also compete with and inhibit the growth of pathogens, immune system modulation, and modulate microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract. Improved dry matter intake, milk yield, fat corrected milk yield and milk fat content were obtained with DFM administration. However, the response to DFM is not constant; depending on dosages, feeding times and frequencies, and strains of DFM. Nonetheless, recent studies have supported the positive effects of DFM on ruminant performance.

Effects of Two Enzyme Feed Additives on Digestion and Milk Production in Lactating Egyptian Buffaloes

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two commercial enzyme products on milk production in Egyptian buffaloes. Twenty-one lactating buffaloes (570±15 kg BW) were divided into three groups (n=7) in a randomized block design for four months. Buffaloes were fed a total mixed ration containing 60% forage [rice straw and berseem hay (Trifolium alexandrinum)] and 40% concentrates with either no enzymes added (Control) or an addition of 40 g of Veta-Zyme Plus® (VET) or 40 g of Tomoko® (TOM ) enzyme product per day for each buffalo. Enzyme addition did not affect feed intake (P>0.05), but increased the digestibility of nutrients (P<0.05) and serum glucose concentration (P=0.011). Furthermore, the addition of VET increased milk (P=0.017) and fat corrected milk (P=0.021) yields, fat content (P=0.045), total unsaturated fatty acid (P=0.045) and total conjugated linoleic acid (P=0.031) contents in milk and decreased the content of total saturated fatty acids (P=0.046), while the addition of TOM increased milk total protein (P=0.023) and true protein (P=0.031) contents. The two enzyme products both resulted in higher concentrations of lysine (P=0.045) and total essential amino acids (P=0.036) in milk. It was concluded that addition of commercial fibrolytic enzyme products (i.e. Veta-Zyme Plus® and Tomoko®) to the diet of early lactating buffaloes enhanced nutrient digestibility and milk production and quality.

Influence of Oral Administration of Salix Babylonica Extract on Milk Production and Composition in Dairy Cows

A 3×3 Latin Square design was used to evaluate effects of 0, 150 and 300 mL of Salix babylonica (SB) extract mixed into the diet on daily milk production and composition in cows. Three Brown Swiss dairy cows (420±30.3 kg body weight), at late lactation (220±25.1 d in milk), were fed a diet with a restricted amount of concentrate and oat hay ad libitum twice daily in equal amounts. The SB extract was mixed daily with a small amount of concentrate and fed to the cows. In vitro gas production of the diet fed to the cows was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL SB/g DM. Intake of oat hay was increased (P<0.05) by 11.5% with the SB addition at 150 mL/d. Milk production was also increased with extract addition at 150 or 300 mL/d by about 13.3 and 8.9% respectively, compared with control. Milk fat was lower (P<0.05) with SB addition, while milk protein and lactose were not affected by the extract addition. Milk efficiency was improved (P<0.05) with extract addition versus control. In vitro gas production of the diet increased (P<0.05) dramatically with increasing levels of extract addition with a short lag time and high rate of gas production per hour vs control. Addition of SB extract at 150 mL/d improved milk production by 13.3%, while it decreased its fat content and improved milk efficiency.

Effect of exogenous xylanase on rumen in vitro gas production and degradability of wheat straw.

The objective of this study was to determine effects of xylanase on in vitro gas production (GP) and in sacco degradability of wheat straw. Rumen fluid was obtained from three Mongolian native goats fitted with permanent rumen cannulas. The trial consisted of five doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0u2009μL/g of substrate) of a commercial xylanase (Dyadic® xylanase PLUS, Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, FL, USA). For the in sacco degradability, different levels of xylanase enzyme were added directly onto 2u2009g of wheat straw in nylon bags and incubated in the rumen for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48u2009h to estimate degradability of wheat straw. Total GP increased (Pu2009<u20090.001) at all times of incubation at intermediate levels of xylanase. Methane production had a similar pattern at 3 and 12u2009h of incubation; increased linearly at 24u2009h of incubation, and was unaffected at 6 and 48u2009h of incubation. Rumen NH3 -N concentration increased linearly at 3u2009h and the highest values were observed with intermediate enzyme levels. All ruminal volatile fatty acids increased linearly with intermediate levels of the fibrolytic enzyme. The in sacco rate of dry matter degradation decreased linearly (Pu2009=u20090.020) with increasing enzymes. Intermediate levels of xylanase improved rumen kinetic fermentation and degradability. The outcome of this research indicated that the application of xylanase enzyme could improve in vitrou2005GP fermentation of wheat straw.

Influence of S. babylonica extract on feed intake, growth performance and diet in vitro gas production profile in young lambs

An experiment was completed to determine the effect of Salix babylonica (SB) extract supplementation to the diet of growing lambs. Eighteen Katahdin × Pelibuey male lambs (14u2009±u20092xa0kg live body weight) were divided randomly in individual cages into three groups and fed three diets varying in SB: a control group was fed on total mixed ration (TMR) without SB (SB0), an SB25 group was fed on TMR plus SB extract at 25xa0mL/lamb/day, and an SB50 group was fed on TMR plus SB extract at 50xa0mL/lamb/day on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and in vitro gas production (GP) in lambs fed on TMR. In vitro GP of the TMR fed to lambs was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72xa0h of incubation with 0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8xa0mL extract per gram of DM. Addition of SB extract at low and high doses improved the DMI of lambs by 59.9 and 33.2xa0%, respectively. Relative to the control, low and high extract doses achieved greater lamb ADG during the experimental period. The asymptotic GP increased (Pu2009<u20090.05) with increasing dose of SB extract without affecting the rate of GP or the initial delay before GP begins. Linear increases for in vitro GP with advancing time with different SB extract doses were observed. It is suggested that the use of S. babylonica extract with the rate of 25xa0mL/lamb/day is beneficial to young lamb’s performance growth and thus can be safely used as a feed additive in diets without any negative effects on animal health.

Effects of different doses of Salix babylonica extract on growth performance and diet in vitro gas production in Pelibuey growing lambs

Twenty Pelibuey 3-4 month old and 23.7±3.3 kg body weight male lambs were used in a randomised design to study the effects of daily oral administration of Salix babylonica (SB) extract on dry matter (DM), water intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency for 72 days. Animals were divided into four groups fed the same total mixed ration with different doses of SB: 0 (Control), 20 (SB20), 40 (SB40) and 60 (SB60) mL/lamb/d. In vitro gas production (GP) of the same diet fed to lambs as a substrate was measured with different doses of SB (0, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 mL/g DM). Daily administration of SB to lambs had no effects (P=0.05) on growth performance and DMI (linear effect, P=0.2805; quadratic effect, P=0.3747). Both low and moderate doses of SB (SB40>SB20) tended to increase (linear effect, P=0.4010; quadratic effect, P=0.9166) ADG. The asymptotic GP quadratically increased (P<0.001) with decreased GP rate and with increasing SB extract doses. In vitro GP increased (P<0.05) with advancing of incubation time in all SB doses. During the first 24 h of incubation, 0.3 mL SB/g DM had the highest GP, whereas 1.0 mL SB/g DM quadratically increased (P<0.001) GP. The low dose of SB extract increased ME (linear effect, P=0.024) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (linear effect, P=0.023). However, the highest dose quadratically decreased (P=0.02) DM degradability. In conclusion, administration of SB extract at 40 mL/lamb/d tended to increase DM intake, improve daily weight gain in growing lambs with increasing asymptotic in vitro ruminal GP and SB dose.

Influence of live cells or cells extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on in vitro gas production of a total mixed ration

The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as live cells (LC) or cells extract (CE) on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics and ruminal fermentation parameters of a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of commercial concentrate and alfalfa hay [1:1 dry matter (DM)] as a substrate was studied. The TMR was incubated with CE at 1, 2 and 4 mg/g or LC at 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mg/g DM for 96 h. Rumen GP was recorded after 6, 12, 19, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. Interaction effects were observed (P<0.01) between treatment type and yeast dose for the asymptotic GP and methane (CH4) production. Incubation of yeast CE improved (P<0.01) the asymptotic GP compared to control and LC with greater effects (P<0.01) for the low and the intermediate doses. Yeast CE treatment was more effective (P<0.01) in GP than both of LC and control treatments with greater effect (P<0.01) for the low and the intermediate doses. Treatment type and yeast dose affected (P<0.01) CH4 production, metabolisable energy (ME), and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) without affecting in vitro DM degradability (IVDMD). Higher values (P<0.01) of CH4, ME, SCFA and IVDMD were observed for the yeast CE treatment. It could be concluded that adding yeast S. cerevisiae (CE and LC extract) improved GP and ruminal fermentation parameters, where CE at 0.3 and 0.6 mg/g DM was more effective than the yeast LC.

Effect of increasing levels of seven tree species extracts added to a high concentrate diet on in vitro rumen gas output

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima crassifolia, Celtis pallida, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Fraxinus excelsior, Ficus trigonata, Phoradendrom brevifolium and Prunus domestica on in vitro gas production (GP) and ruminal fermentation of a high concentrate diet. Plant extracts were prepared at 1u2009g dry matter (DM)/8u2009mL of solvent mixture (methanolu2009:u2009ethanolu2009:u2009water, 1:1:8) and added at levels of 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8u2009mL/g DM of a high concentrate diet. In vitrou2005GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72u2009h of incubation. Increasing addition of extracts linearly increased (Pu2009<u20090.001), the GP24 , GP48 and GP72 (mL/g DM), and linearly decreased (Pu2009<u20090.001), the discrete GP lag time. Moreover, increasing extract doses linearly increased (Pu2009<u20090.001) the asymptotic GP and decreased (Pu2009<u20090.001) the rate of GP. GP6 was not impacted by treatments and GP12 increased linearly (Pu2009=u20090.01) with increasing addition of extracts. Rumen pH declined linearly (Pu2009<u20090.05) with increasing doses of extracts added. As no interactions (Pu2009>u20090.05) occurred between the extracts and doses, it could be conclude that all extracts positively modified rumen fermentation at doses of 1.2 to 1.8u2009mL extract/g diet DM.