• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.249-255
• /
• 2001

Methylmalonic acidemia is a rare congenital autosomal recessive metabolic disease. It is caused by blocking in the pathways of isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, cholesterol and odd-chain fatty acids to succinyl CoA, resulting in the increase of L-methylmalonyl CoA and methylmalonic acid. In most cases, there are symptoms such as recurrent vomitings, lethargy and laboratory abnormalities including metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia from the neonatal period. We had a 6-month-old infant with methylmalonyl acidemia who presented with recurrent vomiting episodes since 3 months of age, failure to thrive and developmental delay. The laboratory findings showed hyperammoninemia and ketotic metabolic acidosis. Plasma amino acid analysis showed nonspecific finding. Urine organic acid ananysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detected large amount of methylmalonic acid excreted in the urine. We restrained the supply of protein in the amount of 1~1.5 g/kg of body weight a day using leucine, isoleucine and valine-r-estrained milk and administered vitamine $B_{12}$, in the amount of 1mg per day. During the follow-up in the outpatient clinic, He could control his head and showed increased muscle strength.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.28 no.10
• /
• pp.1419-1426
• /
• 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ratio of non-fibrous carbohydrates to neutral detergent fibre (NFC/NDF) and undegraded dietary protein (UDP) on rumen fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in lambs. Four $Dorper{\times}thin-tailed$ Han crossbred lambs, averaging $62.3{\pm}1.9kg$ of body weight and 10 mo of age, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments of combinations of two levels of NFC/NDF (1.0 and 1.7) and two levels of UDP (35% and 50% of crude protein [CP]). Duodenal nutrient flows were measured with dual markers of Yb and Co, and microbial N (MN) synthesis was estimated using $^{15}N$. High UDP decreased organic matter (OM) intake (p = 0.002) and CP intake (p = 0.005). Ruminal pH (p<0.001), ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3-N$; p = 0.008), and total volatile fatty acids (p<0.001) were affected by dietary NFC/NDF. The ruminal concentration of $NH_3-N$ was also affected by UDP (p<0.001). The duodenal flow of total MN (p = 0.007) was greater for lambs fed the high NFC/NDF diet. The amount of metabolisable N increased with increasing dietary NFC:NDF (p = 0.02) or UDP (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the diets with high NFC/NDF (1.7) and UDP (50% of CP) improved metabolisable N supply to lambs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.75-81
• /
• 2007

The object of this study was to determine the influence of supplementation of concentrate containing high levels of cassava chip on rumen ecology, microbial protein and digestibility of nutrients. Four, rumen fistulated crossbred beef steers with initial body weight of 400${\pm}$10 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4${\times}$4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were concentrate cassava chip based offering at 0, 1, 2 and 3% BW with urea-treated rice straw fed ad libitum. It was found that ruminal pH was significantly decreased with increase of concentrate. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration in the rumen was significantly different among treatments. In addition, a molar proportion of propionate was higher in supplemented groups at 2 and 3% BW (p<0.05), leading to significantly decreased acetate:propionate ratio. Furthermore, microbial N supply was significantly improved and was highest at 2% BW supplementation. The efficiency of rumen microbial-N synthesis based on organic matter (OM) truly digested in the rumen was highest in level of concentrate supplementation at 2% BW (80% of cassava chip in diets). Moreover, bacterial populations such as amylolytic bacteria was linearly increased, while cellulolytic bacteria was linearly decreased (p<0.01) when cattle received concentrate supplementation in all levels. The total protozoal counts were significantly increased, while fungal zoospores were dramatically decreased in cattle receiving increased levels of concentrate. In conclusion, cassava chip can be use as energy source at 80% in concentrate and supplementation of concentrate at 2% BW with urea-treated rice straw as roughage could improve rumen fermentation efficiency in beef cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.667-673
• /
• 2014

Eight multiparous Holstein cows ($632{\pm}12$ kg BW; $135{\pm}16$ DIM) were used in a replicated $4{\times}4$ Latin square design to evaluate the effects of forage sources on rumen fermentation characteristics, performance, and microbial protein (MCP) synthesis. The forage portion of the diets contained alfalfa hay (AH), oat hay (OH), Leymus chinensis (LC), or rice straw (RS) as the primary source of fiber. Diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and cows were fed four corn silages based total mixed rations with equivalent nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) and forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Dry matter intake was not affected by the source of dietary forages, ranging from 18.83 to 19.20 kg/d, consequently, milk yield was similar among diets. Because of the numerical differences in milk fat and milk protein concentrations, 4% FCM and ECM yields were unchanged (p>0.05). Mean rumen pH, NH3-N content, and concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid were not affected by the treatments (p>0.05). Dietary treatments did not affect the total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (p>0.05); however, digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber in RS diet was higher compared with AH, OH, and LC diets (p<0.05). Total purine derivative excretion was higher in cows fed AH, OH, and LC diets compared with those fed RS diet (p<0.05), consequently, estimated MCP synthesis was 124.35 g/d higher in cows fed AH diet compared with those fed RS diet (p<0.05). The results indicated that cows fed AH, OH, LC, and RS diets with an equivalent forage NDF and NFC have no unfavourable effect on the ruminal fermentation and productive parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.763-769
• /
• 2020

Objective: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation dynamics and microbial population in Thai breed cattle. Methods: Four, 2-year old (250±15 kg) beef bull crossbreds (75% Brahman×25% local breed) were allotted to experimental treatments using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four dietary supplementation treatments were imposed; non-supplementation (control, T1); supplementation of RP fed at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (low, T2); supplementation of RP fed at 4% of DMI (medium, T3) and supplementation of RP fed at 6% of DMI (high, T4). All cattle were given a concentrate supplement at 1% of body weight while Napier grass was provided as a free choice. Results: The findings revealed that RP supplementation did not negatively affect (p>0.05) DMI of Napier grass, while RP intake and total DMI were the greatest in the RP supplementation at 4% and 6% DMI. Nevertheless, the nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) digestibilities were not changed in the RP supplementation groups. Rumen fermentation parameters especially those of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate were not significantly changed. However, the propionate concentration was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the RP supplementation. Notably, the ratio of acetate to propionate, the number of protozoa, as well as the methane estimation were significantly reduced in the RP supplemented groups (4% and 6% of DMI), while the counts of bacteria was not altered. Conclusion: Supplementation of RP (4% of DMI) improved rumen propionate production, reduced protozoal population and methane estimation (p<0.05) without a negative effect on feed consumption and nutrients total tract digestibilities in beef cattle. Using dietary rambutan fruit peel powder has potential promise as a rumen regulator.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.165-170
• /
• 2013

Pilot scale study was carried out to produce Volatile Fatty Acids with primary sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plant. An acid fermenter was operated at pH 9, $35^{\circ}C$, SRT of 3.5-4.25d, using a final effluent as elutriating water(Mode-I) and pH 9, SRT 5d, temperature of $35^{\circ}C$(Mode-II), $55^{\circ}C$(Mode-III), using a primarily treated water as elutriating water. Although solubilization rate was enhanced with the increase of temperature, the VFAs production rate was decreased. The VS reduction was shown approximately 56%, and the sludge volume reduction was 93%. The optimal conditions for solubilization was obtained at pH 9, $35^{\circ}C$ and SRT of 5d.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.110-118
• /
• 2018

Purpose: In this study, the potential for biogas production, degradation rates, and lag-phase of diauxic growth of carbohydrate-based material, which is one of the proximate compositions, were investigated. Methods: This study was conducted using starch as a carbohydrate-based material. In experimental condition 1, the biogas potential of carbohydrate-based material was measured. In experimental condition 2, the effect of feed to microorganism ratio (F/M ratio) on lag-phase of diauxic growth from carbohydrate-based material was tested. Biochemical methane potential tests were performed at five different feed to microorganism ratios (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) under mesophilic conditions. The biogas production patterns, lag-phase, total volatile fatty acids to total alkalinity ratio (TVFA/TA ratio), and time required for 90 percent biogas production were used to evaluate biogas production based on the biochemical methane potential tests. Results: In experimental condition 1, unlike previous studies, biogas was produced in the TVFA/TA ratio ranging from 1.131 to 2.029 (approximately 13-19 days). The methane content in the biogas produced from the digesters was 7% on day 9 and increased rapidly until approximately day 27 (approximately 72%). In experimental condition 2, biogas yield was improved when the feed to microorganism ratio exceeded 0.6, with an initial lag-phase. Conclusions: Even if the TVFA/TA ratio was greater than 1.0, the biogas production was processed continuously, and the $CO_2$ content of the biogas production was as high as 60%. The biogas yield was improved when the F/M ratio was increased more than 0.6, but the lag-phase of carbohydrate-based material digestion became longer starting with high organic loading rate. To clarify the problem of the initial lag-phase, our future study will examine the microbial mechanisms during anaerobic digestion.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.823-829
• /
• 2003

Four different types of silage from new cultivars of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), cv. NG 1 and NG 2, were fed to eight wethers in order to evaluate their preference and intake by sheep. The silages were prepared from direct-cut NG 1 herbage; pre-wilted NG 1 herbage; NG 1 herbage with maize meal (5% inclusion) and NG 2 herbage with maize meal (5% inclusion). All silages were palatable to sheep. Maize-treated silage had high quality fermentation, characterized by high Fleig scores and low pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammoniacal nitrogen contents. The pH, Fleig score, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOMD) and ammoniacal-N contents for maize-treated cv. NG 1 silage were 3.7, 78, $540g\;kg^{-1}$ dry matter (DM ) and $0.18g\;kg^{-1}$ DM whereas, in maize-treated cv. NG 2 they were 3.6, 59, $^458g\;kg{-1}$ DM and $0.18g\;kg^-1$ DM, respectively. The superior quality of maize-treated silages made them more preferable to sheep. Among the maize-fortified silages, palatability and intake were significantly (p<0.001) greater with cv. NG 1. Although direct-cut silage had better fermentation quality compared to wilted silage, wilted silage was significantly (p<0.001) more preferable to sheep. However, there were no significant differences (p<0.05) in the levels of preference and intake of wilted silage compared to maize-treated cv. NG 2 silage, even though the latter tended to be more palatable. There were indications that high pH (4.6 vs 3.5) and IVDOMD content (476 vs $457g\;kg^{-1}%$ DM) of wilted silage contributed to higher intake, compared to direct-cut silage. It was generally concluded that pre-wilting and treatment of Napier grass with maize meal at ensiling enhances intake and palatability.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.900-907
• /
• 2007

Three male Gayal (Bos frontalis) and three male Yunnan Yellow cattle (Bos taurus) were fed pelleted lucerne and measurements made of digestibility, nitrogen utilisation, rumen fermentation and microbial population and key plasma metabolites. Total actual dry matter intake was similar but when expressed in terms of live weight or metabolic live weight feed intakes were significantly higher (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, fibre and dietary nitrogen were similar for both Gayal and cattle. Rumen ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle and total numbers of viable rumen bacteria, cellulolytic and amylolytic bacteria, but not proteolytic bacteria nor protozoa, were significantly greater (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle. Although Gayal have a different rumen ecology to cattle, similar digestive parameters were exhibited. Further research is required to establish relationship between rumen ecology and digestive parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.11 no.6
• /
• pp.661-672
• /
• 1998

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of a range of concentrations of ruminal fluid ammonia ($NH_3$-N) on forage digestibility, microbial growth efficiency and the mix of microbial species. Urea was either continuously infused directly into the rumen of sheep fed 33.3 glh of oaten chaff (Exp. I) or sprayed onto the oaten chaff (750 g/d) given once daily (Exp. 2). Concentrations of $NH_3$-N increased with incremental addition of urea (p < 0.01). Volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations and 24 h in sacco organic matter digestibility in the rumen were higher when supplemental urea was given (p < 0.01). The (C2 + C4) : C3 VFA ratio was lower (p < 0.05) when $NH_3$-N was above 200 mgN/I. The fungal sporangia appearing on oat leaf blades were significantly higher when urea was supplemented, indicating that $NH_3$-N was a growthlimiting nutrient for fungi at levels of $NH_3$-N below 30 mgN/l. The density of protozoa was highest when $NH_3$-N concentrations were adjusted to 30 mgN/I for continuously fed ($4.4{\times}10^5/ml$) and to 168 mgN/1 for once daily feeding ($2.9{\times}10^5/ml$). Thereafter increasing concentrations of $NH_3$-N, were associated with a concomitant decline in protozoal densities. At the concentration of $NH_3$-N above 200 mgN/l, the density of protozoa was similar to the density of protozoa in ruminal fluid of the control sheep ($1.8{\times}10^5/ml$). The efficiency of net microbial protein synthesis in the rumen calculated from purine excretion was 17-47% higher when the level of $NH_3$-N was above 200 mgN/1. The possibilities are that 1) there is less bacterial cell lysis in the rumen because of the concomitant decrease in the protozoal pool and/or 2) microbial growth per se in the rumen is more efficient with increasing $NH_3$-N concentrations.