Nutritional value and diet preference of arboreal lichens and hypogeous fungi for small mammals in the Rocky Mountains

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (8) ◽  
pp. 851-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Dubay ◽  
G. D. Hayward ◽  
C. Martínez del Rio
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Rocky Mountains ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Hypogeous Fungi ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Positive Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Northern Flying Squirrels

Many small mammals consume lichen and fungi, but southern red-backed voles ( Clethrionomys gapperi (Vigors, 1830)) and northern flying squirrels ( Glaucomys sabrinus (Shaw, 1801)) exhibit strong mycophagy compared with other North American taxa. We analyzed nutrient content of lichen and fungi and observed feeding preferences of voles and flying squirrels to understand the foraging behavior of these mammals and their strategy for surviving on relatively low-quality diets dominated by lichen and fungi. We analyzed nutrient characteristics of 10 hypogeous (fruiting belowground) fungi and four arboreal lichens eaten by red-backed voles and northern flying squirrels in the Rocky Mountains. Hypogeous fungi contained higher nitrogen, lipid, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, potassium, and phosphorous concentrations than arboreal lichens, but lichens were higher in calcium. To assess diet preferences, 10 pairwise feeding trials using four hypogeous fungi and two arboreal lichens were conducted with voles and seven trials using three hypogeous fungi and two lichens were conducted with squirrels. In general, squirrels and voles preferred hypogeous fungi over arboreal lichens. We then calculated dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities for flying squirrels and red-backed voles fed diets of arboreal lichen and hypogeous fungi. Overall mean dry matter digestibilities were ≥70% for all diets. For hypogeous fungi, nitrogen digestibility was 12.3% and 24.9% for squirrels and voles, respectively, suggesting that most nitrogen was indigestible. Animals maintained positive nitrogen balance when fed fungi but were unable to maintain positive nitrogen balance when fed lichens. Maintenance nitrogen requirements for flying squirrels were lower than predicted. Low requirements may allow for increased consumption of lichen in winter, but lichen diets must be supplemented with a source of nitrogen because animals were unable to maintain nitrogen balance when fed lichen alone. Consumption of numerous fungi and lichen taxa is necessary to sustain these animals year-round.

A novel approach for tracing mycophagous small mammals and documenting their fungal diets

Botany ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (9) ◽  
pp. 475-785
Author(s):  
Véronique B. Cloutier ◽  
Yves Piché ◽  
J. André Fortin ◽  
Jean. A. Bérubé ◽  
Hélène Glémet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Its Region ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Glaucomys Sabrinus ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Hypogeous Fungi ◽  
Sequestrate Fungi ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Canadian Boreal Forest

We developed a method combining passive baiting (animals that are not trapped) with DNA meta-barcoding of the feces acquired, to study fungi in the diet of small mammals. Mammal and fungal species were identified using genomic DNA of 596 fecal samples collected in five regions of the eastern Canadian boreal forest. For identification of the small mammal species, the cytochrome b region was used. A total of eight species of small mammals displayed hypogeous fungi consumption, with northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) as the top consumers. For identification of their fungal diets, the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used. We recovered 722 taxa of Ascomycota, 429 Basidiomycota, 81 Zygomycota, 4 Chytridiomycota, 1 Glomeromycota, and 44 unidentified fungal taxa. Of these, 28 were hypogeous sequestrate fungi (underground fructification), which presumably are dug out by small mammals for consumption. Otherwise, for the remaining fungi [epigeous (above ground fructification) or microscopic fungal species], it is unclear which ones are selected by the animal as a dietary source or result from incidental contamination. Our paper presents a promising approach for tracing mycophagy in small mammals, and our results suggest that fungal diversity is important for the diet of some small mammals.

scholarly journals Tropical kudzu as a protein source in sheep diets

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Camila Carvalho da Paz ◽  
Aníbal Coutinho do Rêgo ◽  
Cristian Faturi ◽  
Luiz Fernando De Souza Rodrigues ◽  
José Adérito Rodrigues Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Protein Source ◽  
Formulated Diets ◽  
Inclusion Level

Protein nutrition plays a key role in ruminant performance and represents the largest proportion of costs in animal feed. The present study evaluated whether the roughage portion of Santa Inês sheep diets could be supplemented with different ratios of tropical kudzu as a protein source and assessed the best inclusion level of tropical kudzu based on digestibility, intake, nitrogen balance and feeding behavior. Twenty rams were evaluated during the 20-day experimental period, and they were fed formulated diets with a roughage portion (60%) consisting of Elephant grass and tropical kudzu, the latter supplemented at different concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 75% on a dry matter basis). Forty percent of the concentrate portion consisted primarily of ground corn and soybean meal adjusted to obtain an isoproteic diet. Chemical and bromatological analyses, as well as, analyses to assess intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and feeding behavior, were conducted. No statistically significant differences were found (P>0.05) for the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose (HEMI), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) or for the feeding behavior (feeding, rumination and idle times in h/day) and nitrogen balance between the diets studied. Thus, tropical kudzu can be considered a feed alternative to supplementation with prime protein foods (in this case, soybean meal) in sheep diets.

scholarly journals Effects of grazing intensity on forage nutritive value of dominant grass species in Borana rangelands of Southern Ethiopia

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12204
Author(s):  
Yeneayehu Fenetahun ◽  
Yuan You ◽  
Tihunie Fentahun ◽  
Xu Xinwen ◽  
Wang Yong-dong
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
Dominant Grass

Background Forage nutritive value analysis is an essential indicator of rangeland status regarding degradation and livestock nutrient demand. Thus, it is used to maintain healthy and sustainable rangelands that can provide the livestock with sufficient quantity and quality of forage. This study is conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of grazing intensity combined with seasonal variation on the nutritive values of dominant grass species in the Teltele rangeland. Methods The studied area is classified into no-grazed, moderately grazed, and overgrazed plots based on the estimated potential carrying capacity. Sampling data is collected during both rainy and dry seasons. The collected forage samples are analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), acid detergent organic fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ash, dry matter digestibility (DMD), potential dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed/forage value (RFV). Results The results show significant (P < 0.05) effects of both grazing intensity and season to grazing intensity interactions on all forage nutrient content concentrations across all grass species both within and between treatments. The recorded CP concentrations of all grass species are high in the overgrazed site and low at the no-grazed site, while the fiber concentration is high in NG and low in OG. RFV data also varies greatly, with high value recorded in OG in the rainy season and low value found in NG mainly during the dry season. As a result, it is recommended that moderate grazing should be practiced on the study site to maintain the quality and quantity of forage and to manage it in a sustainable manner.

scholarly journals Nutrient content, fiber fraction and ethanol production of three cultivars (Pennisetum purpureum Scumach.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 200 ◽  
pp. 03008
Author(s):  
Nafiatul Umami ◽  
Dwi Ananta ◽  
Zaenal Bachruddin ◽  
Bambang Suhartanto ◽  
Chusnul Hanim
Keyword(s):  
Ethanol Production ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Fiber Fraction ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Nitrogen Free Extract ◽  
Range Test

This study aimed to determine nutrient content, fiber fraction, and ethanol production of three cultivars Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. Cultivars: tifton, king Thailand and local. The design of this study completed a randomized design of three Pennisetum purpureum Schumach cultivars, with three replications for each dose.Grasses were planted with space 1x1 m and then divided into three plots. Variables observed in the study included nutrient content (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract), fiber fraction (crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) and ethanol production. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance as completed randomized design and continued with Duncan’s new multiple range test for any difference detected. The results showed that cultivar’s variety of napiergrass was significant (P<0.05) on dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ethanol production. King Thailand produced the highest dry matter (20.82%), crude protein (11.85%), neutral detergent fiber (69.55%), and ethanol production (55, 90 l/ton). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that napiergrass cultivars give different results on dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ethanol production. The best cultivar is King Thailand because it has the highest value on dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ethanol production.

scholarly journals Grass and Legume Hays for Sheep: Intake, in vivo Digestibility, and in situ Degradability

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Iana Mara Medeiros Otoni ◽  
Janaina Lima Da Silva ◽  
Karina Guimaraes Ribeiro ◽  
Odilon Gomes Pereira ◽  
Thiago Carvalho Da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Bermuda Grass ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Male Sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake, in vivo digestibility, and in situ degradability of different cultivars of hay (i.e., [Jiggs] and [Tifton-85] bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.) and [alfalfa] (Medicago sativa) and [stylo] Campo Grande (Stylosanthes sp.)) and nitrogen balance in sheep. We used eight rumen-cannulated F1 Santa Ines × Dorper castrated male sheep with body weights of 35.0 kg in a double 4 × 4 Latin Square experimental design. The intake and total apparent digestibility of nutrients were higher (P<0.05) for alfalfa than for stylo hay. The in vivo dry matter (DM) digestibility of Jiggs (47.6%), Tifton-85 (53.4%), stylo (29.3%), and alfalfa (53.2%) hays and in situ DM degradability were equivalent in the range of 7.6 to 63.2 h of degradation. The in vivo neutral detergent fiber (NDFap) digestibility of Jiggs (53.7%), Tifton-85 (64.4%), stylo (42.2%), alfalfa (56.2%), and in situ NDFap degradability were equivalent from 37.3 h. Nitrogen balance was negative only in animals fed stylo hay. Alfalfa hay provides a higher nutrient intake than other hays. The alfalfa and bermuda grass hays used in sheep diets presented better digestibility than stylo hay. The results are suitable to predict in vivo digestibility from in situ degradability parameters.

scholarly journals Yellow grease in sheep diets: intake and digestibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 684-692
Author(s):  
A.C. Rêgo ◽  
C.S.B. Oliveira ◽  
L.E.F. Afonso ◽  
J.C. Azevedo ◽  
O.R. Machado Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Yellow Grease ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effects of yellow grease supplementation on the intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep. Twenty Santa Inês lambs with a mean age of 95 ± 10 d and body weight of 19.29 ± 3.17kg were evaluated in a completely randomized design. The diets were supplemented with oil at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 gkg-1 of dry matter (DM) of the concentrate. The diets were based on roughage and concentrate (50:50). The experimental period lasted 19 d and included 14 adaptation days and five collection days for the total supplied diet, orts, feces, and urine. Supplementation with yellow grease had no significant effect on the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), or non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). However, the ether extract (EE) intake increased linearly with supplementation of yellow grease. Moreover, no effect was observed for DM, CP, NDF, and NFC digestibility and nitrogen balance. EE digestibility increased linearly with the yellow grease dietary supplementation. Thus, sheep dietary supplementation with yellow grease may be used at a level of up to 80 gkg-1 of DM of concentrate without impairing nutrient intake and digestibility.

scholarly journals Intake, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance of elephant grass silages with mango by-product addition

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margareth Maria Teles Rêgo ◽  
José Neuman Miranda Neiva ◽  
Aníbal Coutinho do Rêgo ◽  
Magno José Duarte Cândido ◽  
Arnaud Azevêdo Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Elephant Grass ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Total Carbohydrates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of elephant grass silages with increasing levels of dried mango by-product (DMB). Five addition levels were studied (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16%) using 20 rams, in a randomized complete design with five treatments (addition levels) and four replications. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) intake and digestibility were evaluated, as well as the total digestible nutrients (TDN) and the silage nitrogen balance (NB). Mango by-product addition did not influence the DM, CP and TC intakes, the TDN level or the OM, CT and NFC digestibilities. On the other hand, DMB addition reduced the NDF and the ADF intakes, as well as the DM, CP, NDF and ADF digestibilities, and the NB of the silages. There was also a increasing linear effect of DMB addition on the EE and NFC intakes, and on EE digestibility. The elephant grass silage with DMB by-product may not be used as a single feed to ruminants because it reduces the NDF and the ADF intakes and the DM, CP, NDF and ADF digestibilities, as well as the nitrogen balance.

Food habits of the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) in Oregon

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1084-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zane Maser ◽  
Chris Maser ◽  
James M. Trappe
Keyword(s):  
Food Habits ◽  
Food Source ◽  
Coniferous Forests ◽  
Glaucomys Sabrinus ◽  
Hypogeous Fungi ◽  
Flying Squirrel ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Northern Flying Squirrel ◽  
Northern Flying Squirrels

Digestive tracts of 91 northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) were analyzed for food items; 28 were from northwestern Oregon and 63 from northeastern Oregon. Ninety percent or more of the ingested materials were fungi and lichens, including 20 genera of hypogeous fungi. The northern flying squirrel, in using hypogeous fungi as a major food source, is an important nocturnal disperser of the spores. In Oregon coniferous forests, these fungi are obligatory ectomycorrhizal symbionts with the trees in which the squirrels live.

Seasonal Changes in Digestive Performance of Common Ringtail Possums (Pseudocheirus Peregrinus) Fed Eucalyptus Foliage

1996 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
ID Hume ◽  
RV Bladon ◽  
N Soran
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Mature Leaves ◽  
Positive Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Pseudocheirus Peregrinus ◽  
Matter Energy

Digestive performance of common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) offered the foliage of Eucalyptus punctata or E. haemastoma was compared in summer and winter. In summer, possums offered E. punctata digested a greater proportion of ingested dry matter, energy, fibre and nitrogen, and remained in positive nitrogen balance, compared with those offered E. haemastoma, which were in slight negative nitrogen balance. In winter, performance on E. punctata was generally similar to that in summer. In contrast, on E. haemastoma in winter, intake of foliage was 24% higher than that of summer foliage and apparent digestibility of energy was 20% higher so that intake of digestible energy was 73% higher, and animals were in strong positive nitrogen balance. Consequently, winter performance measures were nearly all significantly higher on E. haemastoma than on E. punctata. These findings are discussed in terms of me higher nutritive value of young versus mature leaves and the different responses of the two eucalypt species to unusual seasonal conditions. The results demonstrate that seasonal changes in animal performance on eucalypt foliage can be marked, but cannot be used to predict performance in any future year.

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