Alternative Forages as Roughage for Ruminant: Nutritional Characteristics and Digestibility of Six Exotic Plants in Azores Archipelago

Nunes, Helder; Teixeira, S.M.P.; Dias, Cristiana S. A. M. Maduro; Borba, Alfredo Emílio Silveira de

doi:10.3390/ani12243587

Cited by 7 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 35 publications

(37 reference statements)

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“…In addition, Hedychium gardnerianum obtained a low value of dry matter (11.89%), similar to that found by [5], and is also considered a good source of water, especially during the dry season.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

“…A routine system of chemical characterization of forages should include the determination of fiber, crude protein, and crude ash, among others. For this to be possible, the accurate determination of dry matter, which represents the percentage of plant tissue that remains after drying, is fundamental [5].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During periods of greater food scarcity, forage is preserved as silage, prepared from pasture surplus produced in the spring [4]. It is, thus, a system highly dependent on climate and very susceptible to climate change [5]. Consequently, the need to research non-conventional Fermentation 2023, 9, 416 2 of 15 animal feed sources has been increasing, not only in the Azores but also in the rest of the world [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Determination and Nutritional Evaluation of Several Non-Conventional Plants with Potential for Ruminant Feeding

et al. 2023

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Using invasive plants as non-conventional forage in livestock production can contribute to meeting climate change targets and provide a competitive advantage in a global market. This study evaluated the nutritional potential of several non-conventional plants: Pennisetum setaceum, Ricinus communis, Arundo donax, Acacia melanoxylon, Opuntia ficus-indica, Agave americana, Pittosporum undulatum, and Hedychium gardnerianum. Chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, gas production, and energy estimates were determined. Opuntia showed the lowest DM value (6.65%), while the highest was found for Acacia (39.43%). Ricinus recorded the highest levels of CP (23.56% DM), RFV (273.86), and in vitro gas production at 24 h (43.49 mL/200 mg DM). The highest NDF (80.39% DM), HEM (39.03% DM), and CEL (36.81% DM) values were observed for Pennisetum. Agave produced the highest amount of gas from the start to the end of incubation (22.68 to 48.99 mL/200 mg DM), while Acacia produced the least (3.83 to 14.78 mL/200 mg DM). The highest ME (8.72 MJ/kg DM) and NEL (5.06 MJ/kg DM) estimates were obtained for Agave. Correlations between the chemical compositions and feed quality indices of the plants were observed, showing strong negative correlations between ADF and DMD, OMD, and DMI (r > 0.86, p < 0.01). We can conclude that all these non-conventional plants have potential as an alternative feed for ruminants when there are fodder shortages.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Determination and Nutritional Evaluation of Several Non-Conventional Plants with Potential for Ruminant Feeding

et al. 2023

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“…To determine the effect of Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata on methane production, an in vitro anaerobic fermentation system was used to simulate rumen fermentation. The base substrate used in the fermenters consists exclusively of local pasture samples, with a floristic composition of 80 percent perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) and 20 percent clover pasture ( Trifolium repens ), which were dried at 65 °C in a forced ventilation oven for 72 h, ground on a 1 mm sieve in a Retsch mill (GmbH, 5657 Hann, Germany), and stored in hermetically sealed bags until use [ 18 ]. The pasture sample was used as a control (T0).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Two Species of Macroalgae from Azores Sea as Potential Reducers of Ruminal Methane Production: In Vitro Ruminal Assay

Nunes,

Maduro Dias,

Álvaro

et al. 2024

Animals

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The utilisation of seaweeds as feed supplements has been investigated for their potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants. Enteric methane emissions are the primary source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and significantly contribute to anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutritional role and the in vitro effect on cumulative gas and methane production of Asparagopsis taxiformis (native species) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive species), two species of red algae from the Azorean Sea, as well as the ability to reduce biogas production when incubated with single pasture (Lolium perenne and Trifollium repens) as substrate. Four levels of concentrations marine algae were used (1.25%, 2.25%, 5%, and 10% DM) and added to the substrate to evaluate ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The total amount of gas and methane produced by the treatment incubation was recorded during 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that both algae species under investigation contain relatively high levels of protein (22.69% and 24.23%, respectively, for Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata) and significant amounts of minerals, namely magnesium (1.15% DM), sodium (8.6% DM), and iron (2851 ppm). Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, it was observed that A. taxiformis can reduce enteric methane production by approximately 86%, during the first 24 h when 5% is added. In the same period and at the same concentration, A. armata reduced methane production by 34%. Thus, it can be concluded that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have high potential as a protein and mineral supplement, in addition to enabling a reduction in methane production from rumen fermentation.

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“…Factors such as a dearth of superior roughages, underdeveloped infrastructure, and restricted access to high-quality feed resources have impeded the sector's advancement, especially when compared to well-established livestock industries globally [4,5]. Roughages predominantly fibrous, are pivotal for ruminant digestion and nutrition [6],…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deciphering the Impact of Nutrient Composition and Tissue Structure on Rumen Microbiome Dynamics in Roughage Degradation

Ye,

Li,

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Ruminant animals, such as goats, depend on rumen microbial communities to degrade fibrous nutrients from roughages, facilitating their growth and development. This research delved into the dynamic shifts in surface-attached rumen microbes found in representative roughages (rice straw, bamboo shoot sheet, and alfalfa) and examined their degradation characteristics. Four 14-month-old Min Dong goats with rumen fistulas were used for the experiment, and the roughages were assessed at seven intervals (4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Using the 16S rRNA and metagenomics sequencing techniques to reveal the microbiome composition and their functions. Results Prevotella and Treponema were pinpointed as pivotal genera in roughage degradation. The nutritional composition and tissue structure of roughages affected microbial attachment, causing variations in nutrient degradation rates and the overall degradation process. Microbes related to dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation were abundant in the early fermentation stages (4-12h) while decreased as time progressed. In contrast, microbes of fiber degradation increased gradually after 24-hour. Dominant in the goat rumen, Prevotella and Treponema are integral to roughage degradation, attributed to their multifaceted functional traits. Furthermore, the surface-attached microbes in the three roughages produced BG (β-Glucosidase), C1 (Endo-β-1,4-glucanase), Cx (Exo-β-1,4-glucanase), and NEX (Neutral xylanase) enzymes. The activity of these enzymes and their correlation with GHs (Glycoside Hydrolases) functional genes increased with the fiber content of the roughages. Conclusions These insights advance our understanding of microbial roles in ruminant nutrition and digestion. The interaction between microbial communities and rumen fermentation is pivotal to understanding the collaborative gene encoding by goat rumen microbiota being critical for fiber degradation.

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Alternative Forages as Roughage for Ruminant: Nutritional Characteristics and Digestibility of Six Exotic Plants in Azores Archipelago

Cited by 7 publications

References 35 publications

In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Determination and Nutritional Evaluation of Several Non-Conventional Plants with Potential for Ruminant Feeding

In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Determination and Nutritional Evaluation of Several Non-Conventional Plants with Potential for Ruminant Feeding

Evaluation of Two Species of Macroalgae from Azores Sea as Potential Reducers of Ruminal Methane Production: In Vitro Ruminal Assay

Deciphering the Impact of Nutrient Composition and Tissue Structure on Rumen Microbiome Dynamics in Roughage Degradation

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