Laboratory Analyses Used to Define the Nutritional Parameters and Quality Indexes of Some Unusual Forages

Abstract

The quality of a forage influences the production of animals, and it can be defined in many ways. Laboratory analyses are important tools because they can be used to indicate the quality of the forages, and they represent a relatively quick way of defining their nutritive values. However, specific quality indexes are necessary to evaluate and rank forages. The quality of conventional forages is predicted by different indexes, according to whether they are legumes or grasses. However, no indications are given about what formulae should be used for unusual forages. In the present study, laboratory analyses have been conducted on three unusual crops belonging to three different botanical families (amaranth, borage, and camelina) at four growth stages, and conventional quality indexes have been calculated and applied to establish their quality. The obtained results have shown that the nutritive value of the unusual forages modified during the growth, although they always maintained a high quality. Hence, the Relative Feed Value of unusual forages can be measured using the ADF content or digestibility value. The Relative Forage Quality, calculated with the legume formula, seems more appropriate for the considered unusual forages as it was able to reveal any changes that took place during maturity.

Potential feeding value, feed quality, microbial protein production, and antimethanogenic properties of tree leaves admixed with Italian ryegrass at different ratios using <i>in vitro</i> gas production

“…This test method is simpler, cheaper, and faster than other methods such as the in vitro gas production test (IVGP), which is another test method used to determine feed quality. In the Daisy Incubator test, the feed sample is digested by microorganisms in the incubator and its digestibility is determined by measuring the gases accumulated in the incubator (Tassone et al, 2022). The 2% willow leaf addition increased the NDFD, TDN, and RFQ values substantially.…”

“…Feeding value for ruminants is based on the bioavailability of nutrients in feeds and their impact on animal growth, development, milk yield, and other production characteristics. Feed quality refers to the nutrient-related properties of feed and their availability to animals (Tassone et al, 2022).The ability of animal feeds to produce methane is tested using in vitro methane generation. In order to mitigate the environmental effects of the methane produced by animal digestive processes, this technique is a crucial tool in the selection and use of animal feed.…”

Evaluation of Beeswax Supplementation on Productive Performance of Growing Assaf Lambs

“…Similarly, DM intake by lactating goats was higher in a 3% beeswax-supplemented diet followed by 1% beeswax-supplemented diet compared to the control [ 39 ]. This effect on feed intake could be attributed to the antimicrobial molecules that have been reported to stimulate the feed efficiency, digestibility, and growth performance through the modulation of the rumen microbial environment [ 40 ]. In addition, the nutrient digestibility was significantly lower for the analyzed parameters in G1 compared to the beeswax-supplemented groups.…”