Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2421082 | Animal Feed Science and Technology | 2007 | 14 Pages |
Abstract
Eight dual-flow continuous culture vessels (700 ml) were used to compare in vitro effects of toxic, endophyte-infected (E+), endophyte-free (Eâ), and non-toxic, endophyte-infected (EN) Jesup tall fescue (vegetative stage) on ruminal fermentation at 4 levels (0, 150, 300, and 450 g kgâ1 DM) of concentrate supplementation (ground corn) for a total of 12 experimental diets in a randomized incomplete block design with 2 replicates. Each culture vessel was offered a total of 15 g DM dâ1. Forage was fed in four equal portions (fed at 03:00, 09:00, 15:00, and 21:00 h); and corn was fed in two equal portions (fed at 09:00 and 21:00 h). Headspace gas and liquid samples were analyzed for methane, ruminal culture pH, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acid production. Ammonia-N output (g dâ1) varied by grass; EN had lower values compared to those of E+ and Eâ. Increasing the level of grain linearly decreased ruminal culture pH, ammonia-N, acetate production, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio, whereas propionate and butyrate production increased with higher grain supplementation. Ruminal fermentation was minimally altered by the presence of the endophyte; however, for the highest level of grain fed (450 g kgâ1 DM fed) the methane production pattern for all three grasses was altered. In addition to having the lowest ruminal ammonia-N accumulation, the non-toxic, endophyte-infected fescue resulted in the lowest methane production measured.
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Authors
R.E. Vibart, S.P. Washburn, V. Fellner, M.H. Poore, J.T. Jr., C. Brownie,