scholarly journals Supplementing Northern Australian Beef Cattle with Desmanthus Tropical Legume Reduces In-Vivo Methane Emissions

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2097
Author(s):  
Bénédicte Suybeng ◽  
Edward Charmley ◽  
Christopher P. Gardiner ◽  
Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli ◽  
Aduli E.O. Malau-Aduli
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Chloris Gayana

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing beef cattle with incremental levels of Desmanthus leptophyllus cv. JCU1 and Desmanthus bicornutus cv. JCU4 on in vivo methane (CH4) emissions and the role of tannins in rumen fermentation. Fourteen yearling Droughtmaster steers were allocated to each of the two Desmanthus species and offered a basal diet of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay plus fresh Desmanthus at 0%, 15%, 22%, and 31% of dry matter intake (DMI). The 15% and 31% Desmanthus periods lasted 21 days and the 22 and 0% Desmanthus periods, 14 days. Methane production was measured by open-circuit gas exchange in the last two days of each period. The results showed a linear increase in DMI and reduction in CH4 yield with the increasing level of Desmanthus and subsequently condensed tannins in the diet. The added tannin binder polyethylene glycol-4000 did not affect CH4 yield but increased rumen NH3-N and iso-acid concentrations. Therefore, on a low-quality diet, Desmanthus has the potential to increase intake and reduce CH4 emissions. Even though its tannins can bind rumen proteins, the beef cattle anti-methanogenic response to supplementation with Desmanthus may be a combination of rumen fermentation and tannin effects.

scholarly journals Response to Climate Change: Evaluation of Methane Emissions in Northern Australian Beef Cattle on a High Quality Diet Supplemented with Desmanthus Using Open-Circuit Respiration Chambers and GreenFeed Emission Monitoring Systems

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 943
Author(s):  
Bénédicte Suybeng ◽  
Felista W. Mwangi ◽  
Christopher S. McSweeney ◽  
Edward Charmley ◽  
Christopher P. Gardiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Emission Monitoring ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Chloris Gayana

The main objective of this study was to compare the effect of supplementing beef cattle with Desmanthus virgatus cv. JCU2, D. bicornutus cv. JCU4, D. leptophyllus cv. JCU7 and lucerne on in vivo methane (CH4) emissions measured by open-circuit respiration chambers (OC) or the GreenFeed emission monitoring (GEM) system. Experiment 1 employed OC and utilized sixteen yearling Brangus steers fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay in four treatments—the three Desmanthus cultivars and lucerne (Medicago sativa) at 30% dry matter intake (DMI). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added to the diets to neutralize tannin binding and explore the effect on CH4 emissions. Experiment 2 employed GEM and utilized forty-eight animals allocated to four treatments including a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay plus the three Desmanthus cultivars in equal proportions at 0, 15, 30 and 45% DMI. Lucerne was added to equilibrate crude protein content in all treatments. Experiment 1 showed no difference in CH4 emissions between the Desmanthus cultivars, between Desmanthus and lucerne or between Desmanthus and the basal diet. Experiment 2 showed an increase in CH4 emissions in the three levels containing Desmanthus. It is concluded that on high-quality diets, Desmanthus does not reduce CH4 emissions.

scholarly journals Effect of incremental proportions of Desmanthus spp. in isonitrogenous forage diets on growth performance, rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites of pen-fed growing Brahman, Charbray and Droughtmaster crossbred beef steers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0260918
Author(s):  
Felista W. Mwangi ◽  
Benedicte Suybeng ◽  
Christopher P. Gardiner ◽  
Robert T. Kinobe ◽  
Edward Charmley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Cattle Health

Desmanthus (Desmanthus spp.), a tropically adapted pasture legume, is highly productive and has the potential to reduce methane emissions in beef cattle. However, liveweight gain response to desmanthus supplementation has been inconclusive in ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate weight gain, rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites of Australian tropical beef cattle in response to supplementation with incremental levels of desmanthus forage legume in isonitrogenous diets. Forty-eight Brahman, Charbray and Droughtmaster crossbred beef steers were pen-housed and fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with 0, 15, 30 or 45% freshly chopped desmanthus forage on dry matter basis, for 140 days. Varying levels of lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay were added in the 0, 15 and 30% diets to ensure that all diets were isonitrogenous with the 45% desmanthus diet. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Model procedures of SAS software. Results showed that the proportion of desmanthus in the diet had no significant effect on steer liveweight, rumen volatile fatty acids molar proportions and plasma metabolites (P ≥ 0.067). Total bilirubin ranged between 3.0 and 3.6 μmol/L for all the diet treatments (P = 0.67). All plasma metabolites measured were within the expected normal range reported for beef cattle. Rumen ammonia nitrogen content was above the 10 mg/dl threshold required to maintain effective rumen microbial activity and maximize voluntary feed intake in cattle fed low-quality tropical forages. The average daily weight gains averaged 0.5 to 0.6 kg/day (P = 0.13) and were within the range required to meet the target slaughter weight for prime beef markets within 2.5 years of age. These results indicate that desmanthus alone or mixed with other high-quality legume forages can be used to supplement grass-based diets to improve tropical beef cattle production in northern Australia with no adverse effect on cattle health.

67 Current Status and Future Prospective of the Use of Plant Bioactive Compounds in Dairy and Beef Cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 132-132
Author(s):  
Sergio Calsamiglia ◽  
Maria Rodriguez-Prado ◽  
Gonzalo Fernandez-Turren ◽  
Lorena Castillejos
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the last 20 years there has been extensive in vitro research on the effects of plant extracts and essential oils on rumen microbial fermentation. The main objectives have been to improve energy metabolism through a reduction in methane emissions and an increase in propionate production; and to improve protein metabolism by reducing proteolysis and deamination. While the positive results from in vitro studies has stimulated the release of commercial products based on blends of essential oils, there is limited in vivo evidence on the rumen fermentation and production performance effects. A literature search was conducted to select in vivo studies where information on rumen fermentation and animal performance was reported. For dairy cattle, we identified 37 studies of which 21 were adequate to test production performance. Ten studies reported increases and 3 decreases in milk yield. For beef cattle, we identified 20 studies with rumen fermentation profile and 22 with performance data. Average daily gain improved in 7 and decreased in 1 study. Only 1 out of 16 studies reported an improvement in feed efficiency. Data indicate that out of more than 500 products tested in vitro, only around 20 have been tested in vivo in different mixtures and doses. The use of statistical approaches will allow to describe the conditions, doses and responses in dairy and beef cattle performance. The search for postruminal effects offers another alternative use. Evidence for effects on the intestinal and systemic effects on the immune system and antioxidant status (i.e., capsicum, garlic, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde curcuma, catechins, anethol or pinene), and in the modulation of metabolic regulation (capsicum, cinnamaldehyde, curcuma or garlic) may open the opportunity for future applications. However, stability of the product in the GI tract, description of the mechanisms of action and the impact of these changes on performance needs to be further demonstrated.

scholarly journals Effect of Mootral—a garlic- and citrus-extract-based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions in feedlot cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1383-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna M Roque ◽  
Henk J Van Lingen ◽  
Hilde Vrancken ◽  
Ermias Kebreab
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ch4 Production ◽  
Enteric Methane

Abstract: Enteric methane (CH4) production is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock globally with beef cattle contributing 5.95% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Various mitigation strategies have been developed to reduce enteric emissions with limited success. In vitro studies have shown a reduction in CH4 emissions when using garlic and citrus extracts. However, there is paucity of data regarding in vivo studies investigating the effect of garlic and citrus extracts in cattle. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the response of Angus × Hereford cross steers consuming the feed additive Mootral, which contains extracts of both garlic and citrus, on CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake [DMI]). Twenty steers were randomly assigned to two treatments: control (no additive) and Mootral supplied at 15 g/d in a completely randomized design with a 2-wk covariate and a 12-wk data collection periods. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured using the GreenFeed system during the covariate period and experimental weeks 2, 6, 9, and 12. CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) by steers remained similar in both treatments for weeks 2 to 9. In week 12, there was a significant decrease in CH4 yield (23.2%) in treatment compared to control steers mainly because the steers were consuming all the pellets containing the additive. However, overall CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) during the entire experimental period was not significantly different. Carbon dioxide yield (g/kg DMI) and oxygen consumption (g/kg DMI) did not differ between treatments during the entire experimental period. DMI, average daily gain, and feed efficiency also remained similar in control and supplemented steers. The in vivo results showed that Mootral may have a potential to be used as a feed additive to reduce enteric CH4 production and yield in beef cattle but needs further investigation under various dietary regimen.

scholarly journals 98 Effect of engineered biocarbon on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, methane emissions, and rumen microbiota in beef heifers

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 82-83
Author(s):  
Stephanie Terry ◽  
Gabriel Ribeiro ◽  
Robert Gruninger ◽  
Alex Chaves ◽  
Karen Beauchemin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Barley Silage

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effect of engineered biocarbon (EB) on rumen fermentation, apparent total tract digestibility, methane (CH4) emissions and the rumen and fecal microbiome of Angus × Hereford heifers fed a barley silage-based diet. The experiment was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square using 8 ruminally cannulated heifers (565 ± 35 kg initial BW). The basal diet contained 60% barley silage, 35% barley grain and 5% mineral supplement with EB added at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, or 2.0% (DM basis). Each period was 28-d consisting of 14-d adaptation and 14-d of measurements. Samples for profiling of the microbiome in rumen liquid, solids and feces were collected on d-15 before feeding. Rumen samples for fermentation characterization were taken at 0, 3, 6, and 12-h post feeding. Total collection of urine and feces was conducted from d-18 to 22. Heifers were housed in open-circuit respiratory chambers on d-26 to 28 to estimate CH4 emissions. Ruminal pH was recorded at 1-min intervals during CH4 measurements using indwelling pH loggers. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of dietary treatment and random effects of square, heifer within square and period. Dry matter intake was similar across treatments (P = 0.21). NH3-N concentration and protozoa counts responded quadratically (P = 0.01) to EB. Minimum pH was increased (P = 0.04), and variation of pH was decreased (P = 0.03) by 2.0% EB. Total tract digestibility, N balance and CH4 production were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by EB. EB affected the relative abundance of Fibrobacter (P = 0.05), Spirochaetaes (P = 0.01), Verrucomicrobia (P = 0.02), Tenericutes (P = 0.01), and Elusimicrobia (P = 0.02). Results suggest that at the examined concentrations, EB was ineffective at decreasing enteric CH4 emissions, however it altered the rumen microbiome.

Tropical cattle methane emissions: the role of natural statins supplementation

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1294 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Ramírez-Restrepo ◽  
C. J. O'Neill ◽  
N. López-Villalobos ◽  
J. Padmanabha ◽  
C. McSweeney
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Methane Yield ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Red Rice ◽  
Rhodes Grass

A natural food-based supplementation in the basal diet (BD) of cattle for lowering methane emissions was conducted over a 2.5-month period in 2013 at Lansdown Research Station, in north Queensland, Australia. Using eight rumen-cannulated Belmont Red Composite steers [436 ± 18.2 kg liveweight (LW); least squares means ± s.e.m.] fed a diet mixture of 0.85 CSIRO’s Ridley beef finisher pellets and 0.15 Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana); Experiment 1 compared for 7 weeks dose-dependent effects of the fermented-Monascus purpureus red rice powder (FRR) on dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency and tolerability. Consistent with the developed feeding methodology, the second experiment used four (461 ± 18.2 kg LW) fistulated Belmont Red Composite steers to assess rumen fermentation parameters and methane emissions measured in an open-circuit respiratory chamber system over ~4 weeks. Overall, LW increased throughout the study. In Experiment 1, the supplementation of FRR containing a natural lovastatin (monakolin K) reached 120 g/day (i.e. 2.88 ± 0.057 mg monakolin K/kg LW) fed in two approximately equal portions at 0900 hours and 1600 hours. However, once the diet was equal to or higher than 110 g/day of FRR, adverse effects were evident in terms of DMI (P < 0.05) and animal physiology. Compared with the BD, dietary intake of 40 g of FRR/day (i.e. 0.92 ± 0.034 mg monakolin K/kg LW) was associated (P < 0.05) with increased DMI and reduced methane yield (g/kg DMI) emissions. However, the effect was transient and not observed as FRR increased to 100 g/day. It was concluded that the adverse effects of FRR on animal health precludes further investigation with high doses of supplementation, and the transient reduction in methane yield was probably due to rumen adaptation.

scholarly journals The Effect of Zinc and/or Herbal Nutraceuticals on Rumen Fermentation, Microbiota and Histopathology in Lambs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Petrič ◽  
Dominika Mravčáková ◽  
Katarína Kucková ◽  
Svetlana Kišidayová ◽  
Adam Cieslak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Diet ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Medicinal Herbs ◽  
Rumen Content ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Artemisia Absinthium ◽  
Organic Zinc ◽  
Fermentation Parameters

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diets containing organic zinc and a mixture of medicinal herbs on rumen microbial fermentation and histopathology in lambs.Methods: Twenty-eight lambs were divided into four groups: unsupplemented animals (Control), animals supplemented with organic zinc (Zn, 70 mg Zn/kg diet), animals supplemented with a mix of dry medicinal herbs (Herbs, 100 g DM/d) and animals supplemented with both zinc and herbs (Zn+Herbs). Each lamb was fed a basal diet composed of meadow hay (700 g DM/d) and barley (300 g DM/d). Fumaria officinalis L. (FO), Malva sylvestris L. (MS), Artemisia absinthium L. (AA) and Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) were mixed in equal proportions. The lambs were slaughtered after 70 days of the experiment. The rumen content was used to determine the fermentation parameters in vitro and in vivo and to quantify the microbes by molecular and microscopic methods. Samples of fresh rumen tissue were used for histopathological evaluation.Results: Quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds identified 3.961, 0.654, 6.482 and 12.084 g/kg DM phenolic acids and 12.211, 6.479, 0.349 and 2.442 g/kg DM flavonoids in FO, MS, AA and MC, respectively. The alkaloids content in FO was 6.015 g/kg DM. The effect of diets on values of total gas, methane and n-butyrate in vitro was observed (P < 0.046 and P < 0.001, respectively). Relative quantification by real-time PCR revealed a decrease in the total rumen bacterial population in the lambs in the Zn and Zn+Herbs groups (P < 0.05). A shift in the relative abundance of Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus bovis, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and R. flavefaciens was observed in the Zn group. Morphological observation showed focal mixed infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lamina propria of the rumen in the Zn+Herbs group. Conclusion: The effect of the organic zinc and the herbal mix on rumen fermentation parameters in vitro was not confirmed in vivo because the rumen microbiota of lambs probably adapted to the zinc-supplemented diets. However, long-term supplementation of a diet combining zinc and medicinal herbs can diminish the health of the ruminal epithelium of lambs.

Methane emissions from sheep fed Eragrostis curvula hay substituted with Lespedeza cuneata

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (15) ◽  
pp. 1777
Author(s):  
C. J. L. du Toit ◽  
W. A. van Niekerk ◽  
H. H. Meissner ◽  
L. J. Erasmus ◽  
R. J. Coertze
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Lespedeza Cuneata ◽  
Eragrostis Curvula ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Measurement Period

Context Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from livestock production systems is a global research priority. Forages that contain condensed tannins, such as the perennial legume Lespedeza cuneata, may help to reduce ruminant methane (CH4) emissions. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of L. cuneata hay on feed intake and enteric CH4 emissions of sheep fed a basal diet of subtropical Eragrostis curvula hay. Methods Four adult ruminally cannulated Dohne Merino wethers with initial bodyweight of 65.5 ± 3.5 kg were used in the experiment in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four experimental treatments were E. curvula hay substituted with 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% L. cuneata hay. Each of four experimental periods lasted 27 days, which consisted of a 14-day adaptation period, a 7-day digestibility trial, and a 6-day CH4-measurement period. During the 6-day CH4-measurement period, CH4 emissions were measured continuously over a 24-h period by using an open circuit respiration system. Key results Dry matter intake (DMI, g/kg W0.75) was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for sheep receiving 60% and 90% L. cuneata than 0% and 30% L. cuneata (77.33 and 84.67 g/kg W0.75 vs 62.96 and 62.71 g/kg W0.75). The increase in DMI corresponded with a linear increase in DM digestibility of the experimental treatments from 38% to 45% as the level of L. cuneata substitution increased. Methane yield was not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by 30% inclusion of L. cuneata (17.6 g CH4/kg DMI) but decreased (P &lt; 0.05) as the inclusion level increased to 60% and 90% (13.8 and 14.3 g CH4/kg DMI). Conclusions Inclusion of L. cuneata hay in a diet based on E. curvula hay improved diet digestibility, and led to increased concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrates. Substituting E. curvula hay with 60% L. cuneata on a DM basis resulted in the greatest reduction in CH4 yield of 21.4% compared with a diet of 100% E. curvula. Implications The results suggest that L. cuneata has the potential to reduce CH4 yield and possibly increase production from sheep by improving diet DM digestibility and through improved DMI.

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