محمد خوروش

As a result of the water scarcity, the use of unconventional water in the country, especially municipal wastewater, is inevitable. However, worries have always been existing about the possible contamination of these sources and the entry of these contaminants into the human food chain. Corn silage is regarded as one of the candidate products for irrigation with wastewater due to the possible reduction of microbial contamination resulting from various processing steps. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and hygienic characteristics of corn silage irrigated by well water and treated wastewater.

For this purpose, information of 11 industrial dairy herds that provided their corn forage from lands located around of northern Isfahan water treatment plant were compared with 11 other dairy herds whit source of purchased corn forage from lands irrigated with well water. The chemical composition of the silage samples, including dry matter, ash, crude protein, and ether extract, were measured using the approximate degradation. Also, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were measured based on the Van Soest method. Furthermore, the net energy for lactation and non-fiber carbohydrates were calculated using Adams’ equation and the subtraction method, respectively. Volatile fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography, while microbial population were measured according to the instructions of microbiological tests. The comparison of the mean values of the two groups of corn silage irrigated with the well water and treated wastewater was performed using SAS statistical software and the T-test procedure.

There was no significant difference between the two groups of corn silage in dry matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, net energy for lactation and ash. However, the percentage of crude protein and the amount of acetic acid in the corn silage irrigated with treated wastewater were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, samples irrigated with treated wastewater had higher levels of non-fiber carbohydrates, along with propionic and butyric volatile fatty acids, which ultimately decreased the pH of silage (P<0.01). In terms of hygienic indicators, despite no significant difference in the amount of E. coli and Salmonella colonies between the two groups, the number of gram-negative bacteria, lactobacilli and the total bacterial count in the silage irrigated with treated wastewater were higher (P<0.05).

When treated sewage wastewater is utilized for irrigating corn forage, it alters the type of fermentation that takes place in the corn silage, leading to an increase in the levels of propionic and butyric acids, while decreasing the levels of acetic acid. As a result, the pH of the corn silage decreases further. According to this research, using treated sewage wastewater can negatively impact the quality of corn silage fermentation. This can result in a reduction of crude protein levels and an increase in certain microbial components. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the urban wastewater treatment process by reducing the concentration of ammonium nitrogen.

The experiment was completed to evaluate the responses of forage yield and silage quality of dual-purpose corn hybrids to urea fertigation. For this purpose, two studies were conducted each as a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations in research farms of College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, in 2016.  Two levels of nitrogen fertigation including 150 and 200 kg ha-1 in Lavark Research Field -Najafabad city; 200 and 250 kg ha-1 in Shervedan Research Field- Flavarjan city with urea fertilizer, N= 45%, and 20 forage-grain corn hybrids were designed as main and sub plots, respectively. The results showed that the increased application of nitrogen fertilizer improved biological yield in Shervedan field and dry matter percentage and silage yield in both locations, but had no effect on the ratio of forage components including leaves, stems and ears to total forage weight. The protein concentrations of silage hybrids increased significantly as a result of increasing nitrogen application in Shervedan. Also, with increasing nitrogen fertilizer, the amount of ash in both locations increased, but insoluble fibers in neutral detergent and insoluble fibers in acidic detergent decreased. The interaction effects of nitrogen × hybrid on silage acidity was significant in Shervedan. At Shervedan field, the highest biological yield (298,000 kg/ha) and silage dry matter percentage (29.8%) were observed in AGN591 and Whichita with application of 250 kg/ha N-fertilizer. AGN756 had the highest biological yield (27,200 kg/ha) and silage dry matter percentage (28.6%) upon application of 200 kg/ha N-fertilizer in Lavark field station. It seems that in each region, by using the appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer and selecting high-potential yield hybrids, both acceptable quantitative and qualitative yields of corn silage can be achieved.

To study the response of corn hybrids to nitrogen under different conditions two field experiments were conducted in a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Lavark and Shervedan Research Farms of College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, in 2016. The nitrogen fertilizer management (including 150 and 200 kg ha-1 in Lavark; and 200 and 250 kg ha-1 in Shervedan) regions was assigned to main plots and 20 grain–silage corn hybrids were assigned to subplots. The results showed that increased nitrogen fertilizer improve the LAI and CGR in corn hybrids. At Shervedan region, plant height in Maxima corn hybrid significantly increased by increasing of nitrogen. Increased nitogen fertilizer, also increased the amount of photosynthetic pigments in Shervedan and chlorophyll a content in Lavark region. The highest biological and grain yield were, respectively, obtained in AGN591 (29800 kg ha-1) and Maxima (13150 kg ha-1) hybrids in Shervedan region and in AGN756 (27200 kg ha-1) and AGN735 (11692 kg ha-1)in Lavark region with increased application of nitrogen. Therefore, depending on the purpose of the production system (e.g. grain or silage) the results of this research can be used to select corn hybrid and proper amount of nitrogen fertilizer to obtain acceptable yields and also reduce the adverse environmental effects of improper application of nitrogen fertilizers.

The effects of different levels of mild metabolic acidosis by anionic diet on the performance of transition dairy cows were investegieted in 12 cows from 3 weeks (wk) before calving. One wk before calving, cows assigned to two groups according to urine pH (UpH) to recommended level (R UpH=6.2 to 7) and less than 6.3 (low UpH). The average prepartum urine pH was 6.7 and 5.8 for R UpH and low UpH groups, respectively (P<0.01). The prepartum serum concentration of Ca was not affected by the experimental groups, but significantly increased in the low UpH group within 2 h after calving. A trend was observed for higher serum concentration of phosphorus in the low UpH cows before calving. Although no significant difference was observed in prepartum DMI, but postpartum DMI and milk production were higher during wk 1 after calving in low UpH group (P<0.05). Total concentrations of protein and globulin were decreased on the day before calving in low UpH group. Also, after calving the concentrations of BUN, total protein, globulin, and milk protein were lower in this group of cows (P<0.05). Therefore, the induction of higher levels of metabolic acidosis in comparison to the recommended level before calving, can improve serum concentration of Ca and performance of transition cows.

Grains are typically used as energy-efficient ingredients for high-yielding cows. On the other hand, the use of forage sources in the diet is recommended to improve ruminally fermentation and ultimately maintain health and improve livestock production. Given the contradictory results reported in recent research on the effects of feeding of different sources of grain and forage in dairy cows, we conducted a study aimed at investigating the interaction effects of grain (barley and corn) and forage (alfalfa and corn silage) source in rations on the productive performance of Holstein dairy cows.

Eight Holstein dairy cows (milk production: 46.2 ± 2 kg / day) were used to investigate the interactions between dietary source of grain and forage on productive performance. This experiment was conducted in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 4 treatments over 4 periods of 21 days (15 days for dietary adaptation and 6 days for data collection). The first factor was the source of grain used in the diet (barley or corn) and the second factor was the source of forage used (alfalfa or corn silage). Experimental diets were fed as total mixed ration twice daily (7:00, 17:00) and milking was done 4 times daily (4:00, 10:00, 16:00, 22:00). Sampling was performed to collect feed samples and their residues, milk production and composition, rumen fluid, and animal feeding behaviors.

Dry matter intake (23.4 vs. 21.9 kg / day), milk yield (46.9 vs. 44.5 kg / day) and milk fat percentage (3.12 vs. 2.88%) in treatments containing corn grain were more than treatments containing barley grain (P <0.05). Nitrogen uptake was higher in corn-based treatments, but milk nitrogen, an indicator of feed nitrogen utilization efficiency, was lower in these treatments compared to barley grain. The effects of dietary forage source on feed intake and milk production were not significant, but dry alfalfa hay increased the percentage of milk fat compared to corn silage (3.08 vs. 2.92 percent). The use of corn silage forage increased the rumination time and total chewing time as minute per day and minute per kg of dry matter consumed (P <0.05). Although cows consuming corn silage spent more time for eating per kg of dry matter, but cows consuming alfalfa hay consumed more dry matter per meal. Consumption of corn compared to barley tended to increase dry matter intake per meal (P = 0.1). Percentage and amount of milk fat produced as well as fat-corrected milk production had a direct relationship with ruminal pH at three hours after morning feeding (P <0.05).

Although the interaction of main factors in this experiment on functional parameters of dairy cows was not significant, but dry matter intake at each meal when using barley grain in treatments based on corn silage as forage source compared to dry forage Alfalfa was lower but not affected by forage source in treatments based on corn grain. This demonstrates the positive effects of using corn grain in corn silage-based diets to prevent reduced feed intake. Because diets containing corn silage compared to dry alfalfa hay are expected to decrease feed intake due to increased feed particle size as well as higher rumen acidity, however, this higher acidic state will be exacerbated if ground barley grain be used in the diet.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacement of soybean meal with canola meal and corn processing on productive performance of Holstein dairy cows. Twelve Holstein cows (milk yield= 46±3 kg/d) were assigned to a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factor 1 was corn processing method, ground corn or steam flaked corn, and factor 2 was two ratio canola meal to soybean meal (50:50 or 100:0). No significant interactions of main treatment effects occurred for lactation performance data. Dry matter intake and milk production was not affected by replacement of soybean meal with canola meal. Milk compounds concentration was not affected by this replacement. Substitution of hundred percent of soybean meal with canola meal in the diet decreased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter. Feed intake was decrease when the cows received steam flaked corn compared with those receiving ground corn. Milk fat content decreased but milk protein content increased in cows fed steam flaked compared with those fed ground corn. Although these results showed no interaction effects of replacement of soybean meal with canola meal and corn processing method on performance, higher canola meal ratio and steam flaked corn improved feed efficiency and has a positive effect on the metabolism of nitrogen and energy, so recommended to fed in high-yielding cows under the conditions of this experiment.

Previous studies comparing the effects of soybean meal versus canola meal have shown that canola meal improvement DMI, nitrogen (N) utilization and performance when fed to lactating dairy cows. Considering the high price of soybean meal compared to canola meal and the limited studies conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of replacement, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with canola meal at different levels on performance, rumen and blood parameters in early lactation Holstein cows.

To evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with canola meal at different levels on performance, ruminal and blood parameters, twelve multiparous Holstein cows in early lactation were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 4 treatments. Treatments including different levels of replacement of soybean meal with canola meal in the diet were: 1) Soybean meal as the main source of dietary protein (0% of canola meal), 2) Replacing 50% soybean meal with canola meal in diet and 3) Canola meal as the main source of dietary protein (0% of soybean meal). Feed intake and milk production were recorded for each cow during the last 6 days of the period. Rumen samples were taken from cows on the last day of each experimental period to measure the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen. Blood samples were also taken at the end of each experimental period to determine plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, total protein, albumin, globulin and blood urea nitrogen.

Dry matter was not affected by treatments. Milk production was significantly higher in cows fed diets containing canola meal than in cows fed diet containing 100% soybean meal. The use of different levels of canola meal in the diet caused a significant reduction in the MUN concentration. The other milk compounds concentration were not affected by experimental treatments. The use of combination of soybean meal and canola meal in the diet together increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter. The apparent digestibility of the protein was increased by feeding canola meal compared to soybean meal. Ruminal pH and ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration were not significantly affected by experimental diets. Except for albumin, none of the blood parameters were affected by the experimental treatments. Concentration of plasma albumin was greater in cows fed diet containing 100% canola meal compared to cows fed two other diets.

In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that replacing sobean meal with canola meal at 50% and 100% level in early lactating cows improved milk production, efficiency of intake nitrogen and apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein.

 Nowadays, many attempts were made to improve the supply of nutrients to calves and the importance of quality and quantity of calf nutrition, in order to stimulate the adequate consumption of feed for rumen development and achieve to suitable weaning weight at the optimal time and reduce feeding costs has been considered. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of levels of starter protein and milk fed on feed intake, digestibility, weight gain and ruminal parameters.  Forty newborn male Holstein calves (average body weight of 40±2 kg) were used according to a 2×2 factorial experimental design for 75 days. Feeding the colostrum was performed immediately after birth for 3 days. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=20); first group was fed with whole milk with the amount of 10 % of their body weight (BW), while the second group was fed with whole milk with the amount of 7 % of their BW. These 2 groups were divided into sub-groups of calves (n=10 for each) again. One of these sub-groups was fed with starter diet containing 20 % crude protein (CP), while the other sub-group was fed with starter diet containing 17 % CP ad libitumas the starting feed. The rations were iso-energetic. Water and calf starter were offered free choice. Ruminal fluid samples were collected by esophagus tube after morning feeding on days 30, 60 and 75. Feed intake and calves weight were measured daily and weekly respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the mixed procedure of SAS software. Treatments means were statistically compared by the test of Duncan.  The results showed that feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion, apparent digestibility of nutrients and ruminal fluid pH was not affected by amount of milk fed and starter protein levels. Although, there were no significant differences between amount of milk fed and protein level of starter on weight gain, but average weight gain was higher in calves fed milk as 10% BW than those fed 7% BW at before weaning. Effect of day was significant on feed intake and daily weight gain at total period and before weaning respectively. Before weaning, the effect of week was significant on feed conversion and the effect of day and interaction between day and starter protein level were significant on daily weight gain. After weaning, feed conversion was not affected by treatments. Interaction between starter protein levels and amount of milk fed were significant for apparent digestibility of dry matter, fat, NDF and ADF. Digestibility of crude protein was not statistically significant between treatments. Amount of feed intake, passage rate of solid materials, rumen microorganisms population can change digestibility of nutrients. Effects of amount of milk fed, starter protein levels and their interactions were not significant on ruminal fluid pH. Rumen ammonia-N concentration was affected by starter protein levels on day 30. But, interaction between day and starter protein level was significant on rumen ammonia-N concentration on day 75. No difference in rumen ammonia-N concentration was observed on day 60. Rumen ammonia-N concentration increased with the starter containing 20% CP. Effect of starter protein levels, amount of milk fed and their interactions on acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations were not significantly different between treatments (P > 0.05). Propionic acid concentration was not significantly different between treatments (P > 0.05). Effect of starter protein levels on the total volatile fatty acid concentration was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Passage rate of solid materials of rumen and the proximal of digestive tract (%/h) were not significantly different among the treatments. Treatment 1 (CP =17% and milk intake = 7% of body weight) and treatment 3 (CP =20% and milk intake = 7% of body weight) had the highest and the lowest solid passage rate in digestive tract. Passage rate of solid materials increased and retention time of solid materials decreased with increased feed intake in calves. Interaction between amount of milk fed and starter protein level was significant on total retention time of solid materials in the digestive tract. Treatment 2 and treatment 1 had the highest and the lowest total retention time of solid materials in the digestive tract and this subject was one of the reasons that caused differences in digestibility of nutrients between treatments. In this study, when amount of milk fed increased, daily weight gain and feed conversion improved and feed intake decreased (numerically). Calf starter containing 20% crude protein had any significant effect difference on performance. Satisfactory growth of young calves from birth to two months of age can be achieved by starter protein level 17% (lower than NRC recommended) if dry matter intake adequate. Calves were fed with whole milk with the amount of 10% of their body weight, their feed intake decreased after weaning. Results showed that, body weight gain, feed conversion, digestibility coefficients of nutrients in treatment 2 was better than other groups.

This study was conducted to determine the important nutritional properties of pomegranate by-product (seed and peel) for evaluating its potential in silage preparation compared to corn forage. At first, enough fresh pomegranate by-products were prepared from a fruit juice factory in the fall season. Then, the chemical composition, fatty acid profiles, phenolic compounds and gas production parameters were measured in dried pomegranate and corn forage samples. Also, the parameters of silage preparation were determined in fresh samples. The results showed that dry matter, crud protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin content of pomegranate seed was higher (P <0.05) than peel. But, the water soluble carbohydrates and ash content of pomegranate seed was lower (P <0.05) than pomegranate peel. The water soluble carbohydrates in pomegranate peel was about two times more than corn forage. Moreover, pomegranate peel had high content of phenolic compounds (6.17%), total tannin (4.5%) and antioxidant activity (99.1%). Pomegranate seed and peel had 88.3% and 77.9% unsaturated fatty acids, respectively and the punicic acid content of pomegranate seed and peel was 64.9% and 46.9% of total fatty acids, respectively. The gas production parameters showed that metabolizable energy, net energy for lactation, short chain fatty acid, and organic matter digestibility in pomegranate seed and peel were lower (P <0.05) than corn forage. The buffering capacity of the mixture of pomegranate seed and peel (1:4) was in the proper range for the preparation of silage. Water storage capacity in the mixture of pomegranate seed and peel was lower (P <0.05) than corn forage. It was concluded that the mixture of pomegranate seed and peel (1:4) has suitable chemical composition for preparation of silage, and due to the antioxidant activity and fatty acids profile, could be considered as a valuable feed ingredient in replacement with the part of ruminant's required silage.

In this study, the effectsof partial substitution of alfalfa hay (AH) with high fiber by-products (wheat straw: WS, beet pulp: BP) were evaluated on performance of high producing dairy cows. Eight high yielding cows (54±2.5 kg milk production) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design and fed 4 experimental diets. The 4 experimental diets contained constant level of corn silage (19.2%) with different proportions of 1) 19.2% alfalfa hay (CON), 2) 3.8% AH, 5.8% WS, 5.8% BP (WS-BP), 3) 3.8% AH, 8.5% WS (WS) and 4) 3.8% AH and 10.2% treated WS (TWS). Diets were similar in of NEL, CP, and NDF contents but WS-BP and TWS diets had lower undigested NDF (uNDF) level. Results indicated replacement of AH with high fiber sources increased nutrient digestibilities (P < 0.01). Moreover, cows received by-products substitutes showed greater dry matter intake than control cows (P<0.01). Milk yield and milk composition did not differ across treatments. Therefore, this resulted in a tendency for improved milk production efficiency (P=0.08) with feeding CON diet. Efficiency of 3.5% FCM was similar among different diets. Feeding different by-products diets had no effect on ruminal pH, total VFA concentration, and chewing behavior, but tended to increase acetate: propionate ratio (P=0.06). Substituting wheat straw with/without beet pulp for alfalfa hay resulted in improved DM and digestibility but reduced milk production efficiency in high-producing dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partially replacing forage sources (alfalfa hay) with treated wheat straw on nutrient digestibility, chewing activity, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and performance of finishing lambs. Wheat straw (WS) was treated with 7 % sodium hydroxide, 3.5 % salt, and 3.3 % calcium carbonate and then ensiled for 2 months. Twenty-three male lambs (28 kg) were randomly allocated to three diets differing in forage sources: 1) control diet (100 % alfalfa hay), 2) 1/3 WS (67 % alfalfa hay and 33 % wheat straw) and 3) 2/3 WS (33 % alfalfa hay and 67 % wheat straw). Results indicated that ruminal degradability (24 and 48 h incubation) of treated wheat straw and alfalfa hay was similar, but higher than untreated straw (P

It has been demonstrated that processing of grain increases the energy available to the microorganisms of the rumen and increases microbial protein production, but the effects of processing of dietary carbohydrate (corn) source on protein requirements of dairy cattle and the interaction effects of corn processing and rumenundegradable protein (RUP) level on performance of Holstein cows fed low forage diets, is not considered. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactions between RUP level with corn processing method and dietary RUP sources on production performance of high- producing Holstein dairy cows fed a high concentrate diet.
In order to determine the interactions level and sources of RUP with corn processing method on production performance of high-producing Holstein dairy cows two separate experiment were conducted. In the first experiment, 12 lactating Holstein cows (48±3 kg/d milk yield) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments that included four treatments. In the second experiment, eight lactating cows were used 4 × 4 Latin square design that included four treatments. Treatments one to four in the first experiment consisted of diet containing 1) RUP equal of 40 percent based on crude protein (CP) and grinding (GC) corn 2) RUP equal of 40 percent and steam flaking (SFC) corn 3) RUP equal of 35 percent based on CP and GC 4) RUP equal of 35 percent and SFC. The CP level in diets was same and equal to 16.7 percent based on dry matter and level of RUP and corn processing were different between diets. Treatments one to four in the second experiment consisted of diet containing xylose treated Soybean meal, fish meal, meat meal, and the mixed of fish and meat meal as RUP sources, respectively.
In the first experiment the level of RUP had no significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI), but reduction in RUP level from 40 to 35% based on CP (or increase RDP level from 60 to 65% of CP) the milk production was increased (average 43.2 vs. 44.4 kg/d, respectively). Cows receiving steam flaked corn had lower DMI rather than who received grinding corn (average 25.1 vs. 26.2 kg/d, respectively). Corn processing method had no significant effect on milk yield. However, fat corrected milk was reduced in cows receiving steam flaked corn compared with those receiving ground corn. Steam flaked corn, increased protein and reduced milk fat percentage. Overall, no significant main treatment interaction effects were observed on dairy cow's performance. The result of second experiment showed no significant effect of RUP sources on DMI, milk yield and composition in high-producing Holstein dairy cows under the conditions of the present study.
No significant interactions of main treatment effects occurred for lactation performance data, but on the grounds of their lower costs, lower RUP level and ground corn, also the use of meat meal as RUP source may be more economical and can be effective feeding strategy to recommended for diets of lactating dairy cows receiving high concentrate diets.

In recent years, determination of the effects of probiotics on health and animal performance, due to concerns about antibiotics and growth stimulants in animal feed is considered. Therefore, effects of two kinds of probiotics, as a supplement to milk, on performance, ruminal and blood parameters in Holstein male calves was investigated.
Twenty-four newborn male Holstein calves were assigned to four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design for 75 days. Treatments were included as: 1) feeding milk without any additive (control group) 2) feeding milk with 2 gr Protexin probiotic/day, 3) feeding milk with 2 gr probiotic (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae)/day and 4) feeding milk with 1 gr Protexin 1 gr Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast/day. Feeding the colostrum was performed immediately after birth for three days. Water and calf starter were offered ad libitum. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected on days 30, 60 and 75. Feed intake and calves weight were measured daily and weekly respectively. Intakes of starter and weight gain were recorded daily
Feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, digestibility coefficients of nutrients, the concentration of volatile fatty acids, ruminal pH and growth parameters were affected by treatments (P In this experiment, ruminal fluid pH showed a higher stability in group that received the mixture of probiotics. Also, health status, body weight gain, digestibility coefficients of nutrients, blood and ruminal parameters were more favorable in this group. In total, consumption of two probiotics had positive effects on blood and ruminal parameters.

In this study, the effects of partial replacement of forage sources with ýuntreated ýwheat straw (UWS) or WS silage (treated ýwith sodium hydroxide, molasses and ýwheat grain; TWSS) were investigated ýon performance of dairy cows. Nine mid-ýlactation Holstein cows ýwere offered one of the three diets, differing in their forage ýsources: 1) ýcontrol (20% alfalfa hay (AH) and 20% corn silage (CS)); ýý2) ýcontaining UWS (13% AH, 13% CS, and 13% UWS; ýand 3) containing TWSS ýý(13% AH, 13% CS, and 14.3% TWSS in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square ýdesign. ýýApparent digestibilities of control and TWSS diets (74 and ýý73.4%, ýrespectively) were similar (P>0.05), but higher than the UWS diet ýý(P0.05). Milk fat contents in the cows ýfed TWSS diet were ýhigher than those fed control diet (P

This study was carried out to assess the effects of alfalfa hay level and replacing corn grain by other grains in starter on daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) of pre and post-weaning dairy calves during the pre and post-weaning periods. For this purpose, a database Meta-analysis used in the present study. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC MIXED in SAS software. Starter intake and ADG were not affected by alfalfa hay feeding level during the pre-weaning period. However, alfalfa hay feeding tended to increase starter intake during the post-weaning and entire periods (P = 0.07 and P = 0.09, respectively). Further, ADG increased during the post-weaning and entire periods with alfalfa hay supplementation. Starter intake and ADG quadratically affected by the level of alfalfa hay supplementation. At pre-weaning period, feed efficiency tended to decrease (P = 0.06) with alfalfa hay supplementation, but was not different with control group during the post-weaning and entire periods. In addition, partial replacement of corn with other grains increased (P

Introduction Ensiling is one of the common preserving methods for forage or other organic materials. In this method, organic matters were preserved by proving an aerobic condition and then by reducing the pH with increasing acids production (mainly lactic acid). Some circumstances like enough soluble carbohydrates, low buffering capacity and appropriate dry matter concentration are needed in ensilages for an ideal silage production. Seepage production during ensiling is one of the most problems especially when high moisture materials (like fresh beet sugar pulp) are ensiled. Silage seepage can pollute the environment and make loses in nutrients like soluble carbohydrates, protein, organic acids and etc. Moreover, lactic acid bacteria inoculants (Mainly consist of Lactobacillus plantarum) have been widely used for improving fermentation pattern in ensilages. These external provided bacteria usually enhance lactic acid production in silage and then accelerate the falling of pH values in silages. Rapid decrease in pH can inhibit non-beneficial bacteria from activity which finally preserves nutrients from un-necessary fermentation or oxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants and some absorbents (straw and pith) on chemical properties and fermentation profile of wet sugar beet pulp silage.
Materials and Methods In the first experiment, fresh wet sugar beet pulp was treated with 5% straw or 5% pith in order to investigate the effects of these absorbents on chemical composition, fermentation characteristics and effluent production during ensiling period. In the second experiment, fresh wet sugar beet pulp was treated with a commercial lactic acid bacteria inoculants (Ecosyle) and/or 5% pith in order to investing the main and interaction effects of the bacterial bacteria inoculants and the best absorbents from the experiment 1. In both experiments, triplicate samples were prepared for each treatment after mixing the fresh sugar beet pulp with absorbents or inoculants. Ensilages were filled in laboratory silos and packed and then were kept for 90 d in room temperature at dark. After opening the concentration of volatile and non-volatile fatty acids, crude protein, fibers, total and ammonia-N and the values of pH were measured in final produced silages.
Results and Discussion In the experiment 1, concentration of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent insoluble fibers (NDF) and acid detergent insoluble fibers were higher in absorbents treated silage (P>0.01) when compared with untreated one. Application of absorbents resulted in silages with lower seepages (P>0.01) production compared to the control. However, application of the absorbents to the beet pulp produced silages with lower in vitro DM digestibility (P>0.05). Straw treated silage had the highest NDF concentration and the lowest apparent and true in vitro DM digestibility. Application of absorbents produced silages with lower lactic acid (P>0.01) and higher pH (P> 0.05) and ammonia-N (P>0.01) concentration. Adding straw to sugar beet pulp produced silages with higher acetate concentration, total volatile fatty acids concentrations (VFA) (P> 0.01), the ratio of ammonia-N from total N (P>0.01) but lower ratios of lactate to acetate (P>0.01), lactate to acetate propionate (P>0.01) and lactate to VFA (P>0.05) when compared with control group. In contrast, adding pith to sugar beet pulp produced silages with lower acetate concentration (P>0.01), propionate concentration (P>0.01), total VFA (P> 0.01) but higher ratios of lactate to acetate (P> 0.01), lactate to acetate propionate (P> 0.01) and lactate to VFA (P>0.05) when compared with control group. The Fleig point was not affected by the different treatments. Application of bacterial inoculant resulted in silages with higher DM concentration (P>0.01), water soluble carbohydrates concentration (P> 0.01) and in vitro DM digestibility (P>0.05) but lower crude protein concentration (P>0.05). Moreover, Application of bacterial inoculant resulted in silages with higher butyric acid concentration (P>0.01), VFA concentration (P>0.01), ammonia-N concentration (P>0.01) and Fleig point (P>0.01) but lower pH values (P>0.01). Simultaneous application of bacterial inoculant and straw to sugar beet pulp silage resulted in silages with lower concentrations of lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, total VFA but higher Fleig point.
Conclusion Finally, according to homolactic fermentation, lower ammonia-N and less negative effect on digestibility in pith in comparison with straw and bacterial inoculant, it is suggest that to use 5% pith for treating sugar beet pulp prior to ensiling.

Introduction High-producing dairy cows require large amounts of concentrates that are rich in energy and crude protein to meet their nutrient requirements. Cereal grains and oil supplements are commonly used for increasing energy density of diets fed to high-producing dairy cows. Dietary grain source (barley vs. corn) and oil supplement (soybean- vs. fish oil) resulted in varied dry matter intake and milk production responses in different research studies based on effects on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of, and interactions between, grain source and oil supplement on the feed intake, rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility and lactational performance of Holstein cows.
Materials and Methods Eight lactating multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 3.3 ± 1.3 and days in milk = 77 ± 22.1; mean ± SD), were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 25-d periods. Each experimental period consisted of an 18-d diet adaptation period and a 7-d collection period. Cows within a square were assigned randomly to dietary treatments. Cows were blocked into 2 squares of 4 cows each based upon milk production, and days in milk, and within blocks were assigned to 1 of the 4 experimental diets with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: 1) BF = barley-based diet supplemented with fish oil at 2% of dietary DM, 2) BS = barley-based diet supplemented with soybean oil at 2% of dietary DM, 3) CF = corn-based diet supplemented with fish oil at 2% of dietary DM, and 4) CS = corn-based diet supplemented with soybean oil at 2% of dietary DM. The TMR amounts offered and refused were measured daily for each cow and DMI determined daily for each cow. Cows were milked three times daily at 0200, 1000, and 1800 h in a herringbone milking parlor. Milk yield for all cows was recorded and sampled at each milking during the last 7 d of each period. Milk samples were composited in proportion to milk yield, preserved with potassium dichromate, stored at 4°C, and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and total solids using an infrared analyzer (MilkoScan 134 BN; Foss Electric, Hillerød, Denmark). At the end of each experimental period, rumen samples were obtained at 4 h after the morning feeding using the stomach tube technique. Rumen pH was determined immediately after the samples were collected using a mobile pH meter (HI 8314 membrane pH meter, Hanna Instruments, Villafranca, Italy). Rumen fluid samples were acidified by sulfuric acid and analyzed for volatile fatty acid by gas chromatography (model no. CP-9002 Vulcanusweg 259 a.m., Chrompack, Delft, the Netherlands). Two fecal grab samples per cow were taken from the rectum twice daily across day 19 to 23 of each period and frozen at −20°C until analyzed. Acid detergent insoluble ash was used as an internal marker to determine apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Data were composited within period and analyzed with the MIXED MODEL procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, 2003) to account for effects of square, period within square, cow within square, treatments (grain source and oil supplement), and the interaction between grain source (barley vs. corn) and oil supplement (fish oil vs. soybean oil).
Results and Discussion Apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.05) and ether extract (P Conclusion Results indicated that grain source and oil supplement do not interact to affect productive performance of lactating cows. Due to lowering DM intake, feeding fish- vs. soybean-oil, but not changing diets fermentability, did not influence production performance of lactating cows.

Injection of some hormones and antioxidant supplements may improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows during summer season. This study was conducted to evaluate strategies for improving dairy cows’ fertility following artificial insemination in summer season using hormonal and antioxidant compounds. One hundred high producing, multiparous dairy cows were randomly assigned to four groups: 1- Control (without injection of hormone and vitamin), 2- AD3E injection at the time of AI (AD3E), 3- GnRH injection at the time of AI and hCG injection 11 days after AI (GnRH+hCG), and 4- AD3E and GnRH injections at the time of AI and hCG injection 11 days after AI (AD3E+GnRH+hCG). AD3E (25 ml, each ml contain 50000 IU A, 10000 IU D3 and 20 mg E), GnRH (5 ml, each ml contain 5 μg alarin acetate) and hCG (1500 IU) were injected intramuscular. The blood sampling was on days 11, 15 and 19 after AI. The data showed that cows which received vitamin AD3E had more open days and need more insemination services for pregnancy (P<0.05). Cumulative pregnancy rates in the second service and pregnancy rate in day 120 postpartum was affected by the treatments and cows received AD3E had no good condition. Pregnant cows which received GnRH+hCG, had higher (P<0.05) serum progesterone concentration than the other groups on day 19 after AI. The injection of GnRH+hCG reduced (P<0.05) concentration of serum cholesterol and VLDL. However, these cow had higher (P<0.05) glucose, total protein and albumin than that the AD3E group. AD3E injection had adverse effect on reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows in summer season. Although, the injection of GnRH+hCG had no beneficial effect on reproductive performance, but it had some positive effects on blood biochemical parameters.

The present experiment aimed at increasing orange peel and sugar beet pulp protein content through solid-state fermentation by Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma viride. In vitro digestibility and changes in the chemical composition of the fermented products were determined after seven days of fungal cultivation using gas production tests. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on orange peels decreased neutral detergent soluble content (P<0. 01) and increased cellulose، hemicellulose and lignin contents (P<0. 01). Changes in fiber fractions were found to be more pronounced with T. viride. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on sugar beet pulp increased neutral detergent soluble content (P<0. 01) and decreased cellulose and hemicellulose contents (P<0. 01). These changes were more pronounced with T. reesei. The cultivation of T. reesei or T. viride on orange peels or sugar beet pulp increased crude protein content (P<0. 01) compared with the unfermented materials; however، the increase was more pronounced for orange peels fermented with T. viride when corrected for weight loss (P<0. 05). After 24 and 48 h of incubation، significant decreases in cumulative gas production (P<0. 01) were observed in fermented sugar beet pulp and orange peels compared with the unfermented materials. Fungal treatment of orange peels and sugar beet pulp reduced the digestibility of in vitro organic matter، metabolizable energy and average fermentation and gas production rates (P<0. 01). The data showed that seven days of solid-state fermentation of orange peels and sugar beet pulp by T. reesei or T. viride can increase their crude protein content.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical treatments including urea (5%), ammonia (3.5%), calcium hydroxide (4%), sodium hydroxide (5%), sulphuric acid (5%) and hydrogen peroxide (5%) on pH, DM solubility, lignin, silica, phenolic compounds, cellulose and hemicellulose stucture and ruminal degradability of rice straw. After processing, the treated straw was ensiled for 1 month and then analysed for chemical characteristics, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and ruminal degradability (fistulated cows). The results showed that urea treatment showed no considerable effect on chemical compositions and ruminal degradability when compared to untreated straw. Ammonia treatments caused a slight increase in dry matter solubility and neutral detergent fiber (P>0.05) while, the release of phenolic compounds and degradability of NDF were largly enhanced with ammonia treatment (P<0.01). Improvement in solubility of DM, phenolic compounds and NDF were highest as a result of acidic treatment (P<0.01). Although, DM degradability was enhanced, inter molecular hydrogen bonds in cellulose microfibrills and NDF degradability was depressed with acid application (P<0.01). Treatment with hydrogen peroxide increased degree of esterification, showed no effect on chemical characteristics (P>0.05), but decreased significantly DM and, in particular hemicellulose degradability (P<0.01). The highest improvement in ruminal degradability, silica and phenolic compounds solubilities were achieved with NaOH treatment (P<0.01). In conclusion, treatment with hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid resulted in increased esterification of hemicellulose and in decreased the optima pH for ruminal microbes, respectively while, ammonia and sodium hydroxide treatments showed no adverse impact on the chemical characteristics with a substantial enhancement in ruminal degradability of rice straw.

In order to determine optimum level of crude protein and degradable and undegradable protein in high producing dairy cow two separate experiment were conducted. In the first experiment, 12 lactating Holstein cows in the second parities were used in 4×4 Latin square design that included 4 treatments. In the second nine lactating cows were used 3×3 Latin square design that included 3 treatments. Treatments 1 to 4 in the first experiment consisted of diet containing 18, 17.2, 16.4, and 15.6 percent crude protein, respectively. Degradable protein level in all diets was same about 10.9 % of DM, while rumen undegradable protein level was gradually decreased. Treatments 1 to 3 in the second experiment consisted of diet containing 16.4, 15.6, and 14.8 percent crude protein, respectively. Rumen undegradable protein levels were constant across the treatments (5.6 % DM) while rumen degradable protein was gradually decreased. In the first experiment the diets had no significant effect on milk production and composition. Dry matter intake and FCM in third treatment was significantly higher than the other groups (P<0.05). Apparent digestibility of dietary protein in the first treatment was more than other groups (P<0.05). In the second experiment milk urea nitrogen due to decrease rumen degradable protein significantly decreased (P<0.05). The result of first experiment showed that reduction in the level of crude protein and undegradable protein until 15.6 and 4.7 % didn’t had negative effect on producing performance and milk composition, also the result of second experiment showed nonentity of negative effect of reduce in crude protein and degradable protein until 14.8 and 9.3 % on producing performance and milk composition of dairy cows. Moreover results of two the experiments showed that NRC predication of crude protein, rumen degradable and undegradable protein requirement is more than actual requirement of dairy cows.

The aim of this study was improving chemical and fermentation properties of wet sugar beet pulp silage using molasses and pith. Wet sugar beet pulp with two different dry matters (10 and 15%) treated with sugar cane pith (with the commercial name "Khotan" as a moisture absorbent) at 0, 5, and 10% and molasses at 0 and 5% levels and then ensiled for 90 d. In this experiment 12 treatments in 4 replicates and 48 laboratory silos were analyzed in a completely randomized factorial design. Using high dry matter sugar beet pulp produced silages with higher digestibility and pH but lower lactic acid, volatile fatty acids and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05). Molasses resulted in an increase in dry matter (DM) and a decline in neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF), acid detergent insoluble fiber (ADF) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations (P<0.05). Molasses did not have any significant effects on lactic acid or pH but increased (P<0.05) lactate to acetate ratios of silages. Application of pith resulted in an increase of DM, NDF and ADF concentrations and a decline of crude protein (CP) and ammonia-nitrogen (P<0.05). Pith also reduced lactic acid and volatile fatty acids concentration and increased pH and lactate to acetate ratios (P<0.05). Application of pith dramatically reduced waste water production (P<0.05). Application of molasses resulted in an increase in DM digestibility of sugar beet pulp silage but a reduction was occurred when pith was used (P<0.05). Application of molasses and pith inhibited fermentation rate and increased pH values of silages due to lactate and volatile fatty acids production (P<0.05). Finally, due to positive effects of molasses on digestibility and fermentation pattern, negative effects of pith on CP, digestibility and fermentation rate, and positive effects of pith on fermentation pattern and reduction in waste water production, it is recommended to produce sugar beet pulp silage by treating 15% DM wet sugar beet pulp with 5% molasses and 5% pith.

The effect of diets based on barley or corn، or their equal blend on nutrient digestibility، rumen fermentation characteristics، and production performance of lactating dairy cows were evaluated using nine multiparous Holstein cows in a triplicated 3×3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Apparent total-tract digestibility of dry- and organic matter changed quadratically (P=0. 03) and was greater in cows fed barley-based diets than cows fed corn-based diets (P<0. 05). Apparent total-tract digestibility of crude protein increased in barley-based diets vs. corn-based diets fed cows (P=0. 001). Ruminal fluid pH and volatile fatty acids concentrations were remained unchanged among treatments. Dry matter- and energy intakes were similar among treatments (P>0. 05). Both actual and energy corrected milk yield were unchanged across treatments. Average percentage and yield of milk constitutes including milk protein، lactose، and total solids were similar across treatments (P>0. 05). Milk fat percentage increased linearly (P=0. 02) with increasing ratio of the corn in the diets and was greater in corn-based diets relative to barley- and corn-based diets but not barley-based diets. However، milk fat yield tended to show a linear increase as the ratio of corn included in the diet increased (P=0. 07). Regardless of occurred milk fat depression in all dietary treatments، changing dietary ratio of barley to corn grain had minimal effect on production performance of dairy cows.