Transgenerational mass balance and tissue distribution of PCBs and PCDD/Fs from grass silage and soil into cow-calf continuum.

Grass-based suckling beef-derived foods occasionally exceed regulatory levels for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Ensuring chemical safety requires understanding the cow-calf transgenerational PCB and PCDD/F fate. The current focus was on dairy cows, omitting transgenerational fate and suckling beef-related physiological effects.

Influence of low-level supplementation of grazing dairy cows with cereals or sugar beet pulp on the concentrations of CLA isomers in milk.

Background: A wide range of isomer-specific health benefits have been attributed to conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). Little information is currently available on the influence of different feed components on the concentration of CLA isomers in ruminant-derived products. The aims of this study were to compare the effect of cereal mix or dried sugar beet pulp supplementations fed to grazing dairy cows on milk CLA isomeric distribution and to examine the monthly variation of CLA isomers during the grazing season.

Palatability in sheep and in vitro nutritional value of dried and ensiled sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and chicory (Cichorium intybus).

Three temperate forages, sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, and chicory, characterized by elevated contents of plant secondary compounds, were compared to a ryegrass-clover mixture (control) in dried (Experiment 1) and ensiled form (Experiment 2) in their palatability and nutritional value. Palatability was measured in adult wethers (n = 6) allowed to choose between the familiar control forage and one of the three test plants. Palatability index was calculated from differences in intake of control and test plants measured after given times.

Effect of feeding dehydrated and ensiled tanniferous sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) on nitrogen and mineral digestion and metabolism of lambs.

The effects of tanniferous sainfoin on digestion and metabolism have been investigated in 12 lambs in an incomplete cross-over design (n = 6). Effects of condensed tannins (CT) were evaluated by comparing dehydrated and ensiled sainfoin treated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG). Dehydrated and ensiled grass-clover mixtures served as controls.