• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.879-886
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• 2016

As is in all economic activities, the highest yield per unit area is the main goal in animal production, while addressing the temperamental needs of animals often is ignored. Animal welfare is not only an ethical fact; it also has an economic value. Spatial environmental enrichment contributes positively to animal welfare by addressing their behavioral and mental requirements. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of weaning and spatial environmental arrangements on behaviors of goat-kids. Experimental groups were arranged in structured and unstructured spatial environments. Roughage feeder, semi-automatic concentrate feeder, bunk, bridge, and wood block were placed in the structured environment. No equipment was placed in the unstructured environment and paddock sides were enclosed with an iron sheet to prevent bipedal stance and to provide environmental isolation. In the study 10 male and 10 female Turkish Saanen goat kids were used in each group. Spatial environmental arrangements did not have significant impacts on the growth performance of kids (p>0.05). All objects in the structured group were accepted by the kids. Average use ratios of roughage feeder, semi-automatic concentrate feeder, bunk, bridge and wood block were observed as 19.3%, 14.0%, 12.6%, 3.8%, and 0.7%, respectively. There were significant differences between before- and after-weaning in use of all objects except for underneath bridge ($p{\leq}0.05$). Concentrate feed consumption, locomotion, and resting behaviors in kids showed significant differences by structural group and growth period. Roughage consumption was similar between groups, while it differed by growth period ($p{\leq}0.05$). Interaction frequency was significantly higher in structured group (p = 0.0023). Playing behavior significantly differentiated based on the growth period rather than on groups ($p{\leq}0.05$). Playing behavior significantly decreased after weaning. Abnormal oral activity was significantly higher in the structured group before weaning ($p{\leq}0.05$). Despite there being no installations facilitating climbing and bipedal stance, the kids of the unstructured group were able to exhibit 1/3 as much bipedal stance behavior as the kids of the structured group through leaning over slippery paddock wall or over their groupmates. Bipedal stance behavior of unstructured group was similar before and after weaning, while bipedal stance behavior before weaning was about 2 times that of after weaning in structured group. It was concluded that unstructured environmental arrangement limited the behavior repertoire of the goat kids.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.623-635
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• 2011

Inefficient rumen microbial fermentation is a major factor limiting intake of low quality roughage in ruminants. In this study, the effect of energy supplementation on rumen microbial fermentation, absorption of balanced digestion products and voluntary feed intake in sheep was investigated. A basal diet of a urea-treated mixture of wheaten chaff and barley straw (3:1 DM) containing 22.2 g N/kg DM was used. Four Merino-cross wethers weighing $45{\pm}4.38\;kg$ and fitted with permanent rumen and abomasal cannulae were allocated to four treatments in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. The dietary treatments were basal diet ($E_0$), or basal diet supplemented with sucrose (112.5 g/d) administered to the animals intra-ruminally ($E_R$), abomasally ($E_A$), or through both routes (50:50) ($E_{RA}$). Feed intake (basal and dietary) was increased (p<0.05) by sucrose supplementation through the rumen ($E_R$) or abomasum ($E_A$). However, there was no difference (p>0.05) in intake between animals on the control diet and those supplemented with sucrose through both intraruminal and abomasal routes ($E_{RA}$). The digestibility of DM and OM was highest in $E_R$ and $E_A$ supplemented animals. Although the rumen pH was reduced (p<0.001) in animals supplemented with sucrose entirely intra-ruminally ($E_R$), the in sacco degradation of barley straw in the rumen was not adversely affected (p>0.05). Intra-ruminal sucrose supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of total VFA, acetate and butyrate, while the pattern of fermentation showed a higher propionate: acetate ratio. Intra-ruminal supplementation also increased (p<0.05) the glucogenic potential (G/E) of the absorbed VFA. However, there was no difference (p>0.05) in microbial protein production between the four dietary treatments. Protozoa numbers were increased (p<0.05) by intra-ruminal supplementation of sucrose.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.379-385
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• 2018

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate sugarcane bagasse as roughage in lactating cow on feed intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, milk production and composition, and microbial protein synthesis. Methods: Ten Girolando cows at initial body weight of $450{\pm}25.6kg$ and at $143.7{\pm}30.7days$ in milk were assigned in two $5{\times}5$ Latin square designs. Five 21-day experimental periods were adopted ($1^{\circ}$ to 14-day: diets adaptation period; $15^{\circ}$ to 21-day: data collection and sampling period). The diets consisted of four different levels of sugarcane bagasse (45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%) and a control diet, commonly adopted in the region, based on spineless cactus (25% sugarcane bagasse), formulated to meet 12 kg/d milk yield. Results: The dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients intakes and DM and OM digestibilities observed for 45% and 50% bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet, while that 55% and 60% bagasse inclusion were lower. Cows fed control diet, and bagasse diets of 45%, and 50% levels had the nutritional requirements attended, that guaranteed 12 kg/d of milk yield. The crude protein intake and digestibility of cows fed 45%, 50%, and 55% of bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and digestibility differ for all bagasse diets related to control diet, while the non-fiber carbohydrates intake and digestibility for cows fed 45% of bagasse were similar for control diet. The intakes and digestibilities of nutrients decreased linearly in function of bagasse inclusion; NDF and indigestible NDF intakes did not vary. The ruminating time, feeding and rumination efficiency, microbial protein synthesis and milk yield decreased linearly with sugarcane bagasse inclusion. Conclusion: Sugarcane bagasse decreases milk production; however, its inclusion level in between 45% to 50% associated to concentrate could replace diets based on spineless cactus for crossbred dairy cow's producing 12 kg/d of milk.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.283-287
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• 2014

This experiment was conducted to determine methane production and emission factors for a range of roughage diets fed to Hanwoo cows at a level of maintenance energy requirement. Seven cows were fed mixed hay only, 12 cows were fed mixed hay containing 30~50% rice straw and 6 cows were fed a mixed hay diet supplemented with 1.0 kg of wheat bran. Each cow was placed in a metabolic crate for 10 consecutive days, including last 7 days for sampling of feces and urine. At the end of the sampling period, the cows were transferred to an open-circuit respiration chamber for 24 consecutive hours. Methane conversion rate (5.5~6.2%, mean value = 5.8%) and emission factor (33.6~38.6 kg/head/year, mean value = 35.2) were not significantly affected by the diets although the mixed hay only diet resulted in 11 and 15% higher respective rates than the other two. However, in light of the many assumptions that forage with good quality might reduce methane production, additional experiments should be required for participation in the greenhouse gas emission trading system.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.432-439
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• 2020

This study examined the metabolites in different roughage to concentrate ratios using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). Six lactating cows were divided into two groups that were fed different roughage to concentrate ratios (HR group = 8:2, HC group = 2:8). Feces samples were collected individually at one time, and the metabolites were analyzed using an SPE-800 MHz NMR-MS system. The metabolites were identified and quantified using a Chenomx NMR suite 8.4. Metabolic pathway analysis and principal component analysis were conducted using a Metaboanalyst 4.0. Statistical analysis was performed using a Dunnett's test on the SAS program. As a result, several metabolites were identified, and among them, 77 metabolites were used in statistical analysis. The levels of twelve metabolites were significantly higher in the HC group: succinate, dimethylamine, histamine, homovanillate, thymol, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate, imidazole, N-nitrosodimethylamine, and O-acetylcholine. In the HC group, the concentrations of all metabolites were higher than in the HR group, and the metabolic pathway was also different. This study is expected to be useful for a variety of livestock studies by 1H-NMR because it examined the change in metabolites in the body metabolism and microorganisms.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.968-973
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• 2002

To evaluate the chewing activity of ruminant feeds, four Holstein steers (average body weight $742{\pm}15kg$) were employed. Experimental feeds were four roughages ($NH_3$-treated rice straw, alfalfa hay, corn silage, orchard grass hay) and four concentrate ingredients (cotton seed hull, beet pulp pellet, barley grain, oat grain). Regarding palatability for each experimental feeds which was overviewed during the adjustment period, animals were fed roughages alone, but with 50% $NH_3$-treated rice straw ($NH_3$-RS) for concentrate ingredients. Therefore, all the data for concentrate ingredients was derived by extracting the result per unit obtained from steers fed $NH_3$-RS alone. The experiment was conducted using a 4${\times}$4 Latin square designs for roughages and concentrate ingredients. Experimental feeds were fed during a 10 d adaptation and 2 d chewing data collection during each experimental period. Animals were gradually adjusted to the experimental diet. Dry matter intake (DMI) was restricted at a 1.4% of mean body weight (10.4 kg DM/d). Time spent eating and eating chews per kilogram of DMI were greatest for beet pulp pellet, and lowest for barley grain (p<0.05). Time spent rumination per kilogram of DMI was greatest for $NH_3$-RS, cotton seed hull and orchard grass, but rumination chews were greatest for cotton seed hull and orchard grass except $NH_3$-RS (p<0.05). Roughage index value (chewing time, minute/kg DMI) was 58.0 for cotton seed hull, 56.1 for beet pulp pellet, 55.5 for $NH_3$-RS, 53.1 for orchard grass hay, 45.9 for corn silage, 43.0 for alfalfa hay, 30.0 for oat grain, and 10.9 for barley grain. The ratio of rumination time to total chewing time (eating plus ruminating) was about 72% for the roughages except corn silage (66.9%), and followed by cotton seed hull (69.5%), and ranged from 49.5% to 52.9% for other feeds. Higher percentages of rumination in total chewing time may be evidently indicate the characteristics of roughage. Therefore, this indicate that the chewing activity of concentrate ingredients can be more fully reflects by the ruminating time than total chewing time (RVI), although it is reasonable to define the RVI for roughages.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.195-203
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• 1990

Thirty-six yearling (18 bulls, 18 heifers) swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with average liveweight $177{\pm}26kg$, were randomly allotted to receive 6 dietary treatments according to a $2{\times}3$ factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). Factor A assigned for two types of straw; untreated rice straw (RS) and urea-treated (5%, w/w) rice straw (UTS). Factor B assigned for three ratio of roughage to concentrate (R:C) at 80:20, 50:50 and 20:80. Feeding trial lasted for 9 months during which respective feeds were offered at 3% body weight and adjusted at bi-weekly intervals using corresponding liveweights. Parameters measured under this experiment were feed intake, ruminal fluid for pH, $NH_3-N$, volatile fatty acids (VFA), liveweight change at bi-weekly intervals, carcass characteristics and cost-net profit analysis. It was found that intakes and digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CP except NDF and ADF were improved appreciably when ratio of concentrate increased. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were highest in group fed urea-treated rice straw at R:C levels of 20:80 (551.2 g/d, 10.7 kg/kg) and 50:50 (542.3 g/d, 10.6 kg/kg). It was obvious that FCR was best in the group fed on urea-treated rice straw (13.8 kg/kg) as compared to untreated rice straw fed-group (24 kg/kg). Carcass compositions of buffaloes measured resulted in 48.2 dressing percentage in all treatments offered at R:C levels of 50:50 and 20:80, however, loin eye area were 46.0, 53.6, 50.0 and $54.0cm^2$ for RS and UTS at respective levels of R:C. It was notable that carcass fat content was low which resulted in higher content of lean meat particularly in group fed UTS at 50:50 ratio R:C. Simple cost-net profit analysis was performed, it was found that net profits were obtained as follows 27, 30, -47, 44, 58, 22 $US/hd for respective treatment groups of RS and UTS at respective R:C levels. As shown, the best net profit resulted in group fed UTS at 50:50 R:C level.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-174
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• 2012

This study was conducted to develop Miscanthus as a new roughage resource for ruminant animals. Miscanthus sacchariflorus var. No 1, a newly developed germtype in Korea, was harvested at late maturity stage and its effect on rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and digestibility were evaluated using in vitro rumen fermentation. The effects of Miscanthus were compared with rice straw. Miscanthus showed significantly higher pH compared to rice straw (p<0.01). As for ammonia nitrogen, there was no significant difference after 12 h of incubation (p>0.05). Gas production in Miscanthus was significantly lower than that of rice straw in overall incubation time (p<0.05) after 6 h of incubation. In VFA production, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate and total VFA production in Miscanthus were lower than those in rice straw. However, production of iso-butyrate and iso-valerate were not different in between two forage materials. Dry matter digestibility of Miscanthus was significantly lower than rice straw (p<0.05) during 12~24 h of incubation. As a result, the availability of Miscanthus as roughage source showed approximately 80% that of rice straw.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.201-208
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• 2004

This study, in which sheep were used as models for beef cattle, was conducted to determine the effect of replacing 100% of rice straw with deepstacked broiler Iitter(BL) as a roughage source on total tract apparent digestibility, digestible nutrient intake, ruminal and blood parameters, and N balance of sheep. Under the conventional formulated mix-rice straw(60: 40) feeding system(control), replacement of rice straw with BL resulted in similar(P> 0.05) total tract apparent digestibilities of fiber and organic matter, similar(P> 0.05) intake of digestible NDF, ADF and organic matter, and higher(P <0.05) intake of digestible crude protein. Feeding BL instead of rice straw resulted in 10wer(P <0.05) ruminal pH, higher(P <0.05) $NH^3-N$ concentration and similar(P> 0.05) rominal volatile fatty acid percentage and blood urea concentration. In a N balance study, increased(P<0.05) N intake for the BIAed group induced higher(P <0.05) quantities(g/d) of fecal and urinary N excretion, bodily N absorption, and N retention. It was concluded that deepstacked BL fiber was comparable to rice straw fiber as a roughage source and BL protein was also favorably utilized within the body of ruminant.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 2014

The comparisons between cellulolytic bacteria adhesion on rice straw and fiber digestion in time course during rumen fermentation were studied in situ. The adhesions of cellulolytic bacteria, F. succinogenes. R. albus and R. flavefaciens, were measured by RT-PCR. When the rice straws were incubated at 0. 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours of the in situ rumen, straw was degraded with increasing speed during the incubation and showed the highest disappearance increasing rate (DM g/h) from 8 to 12 hour. The adhesions of F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus were achieved above 80% in 1 hour of in situ rumen fermentation and then keep adhesive population up after the time of fermentation. When the in situ samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min to detect the early stages of adhesion on the rice straws ingested into rumen, the numberous adhesive colony of F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus were detected in 5 min. In case of rice straw treated with 0, 2, 4 and 8% NaOH, all of three cellulolytic bacteria showed the increasing trends of adhesion with increasing DM disappearance of rice straw by higher concentration of NaOH at 12 hour of in situ. However, there were showed respectively difference at 24 hour. The present results gave certain evidence that adhesion of cellulolytic bacteria is definitely achieved in early stage of roughage ingestion into rumen, their colony develop the stable communities on roughage in process of rumen fermentation and then fiber degradation is accelerated.