Ruminal passage rate and digestibility of fiber from dairy cows consuming diets containing alfalfa and orchardgrass hays with different concentrations of undegradable neutral detergent fiber.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding diets with different fractions of undegraded NDF (uNDF) and potentially degradable (pdNDF) on ruminal NDF degradation and passage kinetics of lactating dairy cows. Six rumen-cannulated (533 ± 43 kg BW and 122 ± 15 DIM) and 6 noncannulated (558 ± 62 kg BW and 126 ± 16 DIM) primiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets in a crossover design with two 28-d periods. The experimental diets were formulated to include either alfalfa hay (ALFA) or orchardgrass hay (ORCH) in addition to corn silage.

Long-term in situ ruminal degradation of biodegradable polymers in Holstein dairy cattle.

Using biodegradable materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA) to develop single-use agricultural plastics like bale netting may reduce the negative effects of plastic accumulation in the rumens of cattle. The objective of this research was to assess the long-term degradation of PHA, PBSA, and a PBSA:PHA blend (Blend) compared with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) control. Polyhydroxyalkanoate, PBSA, Blend, and LDPE films were incubated in the rumens of 3 cannulated, nonlactating Holsteins for up to 150 d.

Clearance of Biodegradable Polymer and Polyethylene Films from the Rumens of Holstein Bull Calves.

Due to the occurrence of plastic impaction in ruminants and its deleterious effects on health and production, it is necessary to determine the suitability of biodegradable polymers to replace polyethylene-based agricultural plastics, such as hay netting. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clearance of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA) melt-blend polymer from the rumen when fed to cattle and subsequent animal health. Twelve Holstein bull calves were dosed with an encapsulated 13.

Ruminal Fiber Degradation Kinetics within and among Warm-Season Annual Grasses as Affected by the Brown Midrib Mutation.

The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional composition and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation kinetics of brown midrib (BMR) and non-BMR genotypes within and across warm-season annual grasses. Four commercial varieties (two non-BMR and two BMR) of corn, sorghum, and pearl millet were planted in plots. Forage samples were incubated in the rumen of three rumen-cannulated cows for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 240 h.

Digestibility Kinetics of Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Poly(butylene succinate--adipate) after In Vitro Fermentation in Rumen Fluid.

Using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) materials for ruminal boluses could allow for longer sustained release of drugs and hormones that would reduce administration time and unneeded animal discomfort caused by continuous administration. The objective of this study was to determine ruminal degradability and kinetics of biodegradable polymers and blends. A proprietary PHA-based polymer, poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA), PBSA:PHA melt blends, and forage controls were incubated in rumen fluid for up to 240 h.

Evaluating the relationship between fecal egg count, FAMACHA score, and weight in dewormed and non-dewormed Katahdin rams during a parasite challenge.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and to estimate the relationship between fecal egg counts (FECs) and FAMACHA score and the body weight of growing Katahdin rams during a parasite challenge. One of the largest factors negatively influencing reproduction and economics in the sheep industry is gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites. Due to anthelmintic resistance of these parasites, animals are selected for parasite resistance using FEC and FAMACHA scores.