Nutrition has a very significant impact on animal performance. Given the limited agricultural area of the Azores, the optimization of forage quality, quantity, and availability is key for the local livestock industry’s ability to respond to the challenges of an increasingly globalized market. This work’s goal was to evaluate the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to determine several chemical and biological parameters of pastures under the agroclimatic conditions of the Azores, and to compare its predicative ability when applied to dry homogeneous samples and to fresh inhomogeneous samples, so that we can assess the feasibility of using it to predict new samples on-site in the future. Infrared spectra of 400 fresh and dried grass samples were collected and associated with the corresponding reference values, determined through conventional methods. Mathematical models were created that established relationships between these readings and the values of the properties of interest. Predictive capacity proved especially good for crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, and dry matter, but insufficient for the biological parameters included in the study related to gas production. Near-infrared spectroscopy proved to be useable on-site as a quick, non-destructive, and cost-effective technique to monitor forage quality on a regular basis, enabling forage management and diet design optimizations.
Feeding ruminants with Pittosporum undulatum can adversely affect the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how feeding with P. undulatum alters progesterone levels during the oestrus cycle, and fertilization and development of oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Heifers were fed a diet containing (n = 4) or not containing (n = 4) this plant. Peripheral blood samples were collected every 3 d and progesterone levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The heifers' ovaries were recovered after slaughter, and the oocytes were removed, maturated, in vitro fertilized, and cultured for 7 d, during which time their development was evaluated every 2 d. Results indicated that plasma concentrations of progesterone during the oestrus cycle were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the luteal and follicular phases of the animals fed without Pittosporum when compared with those fed with Pittosporum. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) in maturation, cleavage rate, and embryonic development were observed between oocytes belonging to the experimental and control group. Rates of maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in the experimental group were, respectively, 78.3 ± 5.8, 29.92 ± 4.31, and 7.30 ± 3.1 compared with 90.5 ± 3.0, 41.86 ± 5.58, and 21.88 ± 6.85 in the control group. These differences can be explained because compounds from this plant can directly or indirectly inactivate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which may diminish follicular development through the inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis and oocyte maturation and, consequently, reduce the ability of oocytes to be fertilized and developed.
Livestock production is the main economic engine of the Azores. Given the role nutrition plays in animal performance and the context of limited Averages sharing the same letter are noagricultural area of the archipelago, optimising the quality and availability of the fodder used in feeds takes on an important role in increasing the competitiveness and viability of the industry. This work evaluated the potential of NIR spectroscopy to quantify several chemical and biological parameters used to assess silage quality in the specific agroclimatic context of the Azores. Reference values were determined for 400 grass silage and 400 corn silage samples. The corresponding NIR spectra were extracted, and mathematical models capable of correlating these readings with the various parameters were built. The best results were obtained for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and crude ash for both fresh and dry samples. For the biological parameters concerning gas production, no satisfactory results were reached. It was concluded that it was feasible to build models capable of accurately predicting these important quality parameters, which demonstrates that NIRS is a viable technique that can be used in the Azores to perform a close and timely monitoring of forage quality and to facilitate the management and optimisation of diets.
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