In recent years, economic, social, and environmental factors have encouraged higher forage diets to be fed to dairy cows. Consequently, a better understanding of both the chemical and physical properties of dietary forage fiber is needed. Undigested neutral detergent fiber after 240 hours of fermentation (uNDF240) is the fiber residue remaining after 240 hours of in vitro fermentation and has only recently been defined. Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) was defined about two decades ago and is the fraction of dietary fiber with a particle size (i.e., ≥1.18-mm screen) that stimulates chewing behavior, forms the rumen digesta mat, and is resistant to passage from the rumen. To-date, the relationship between these two dietary fiber measurements has not been evaluated. The overall goal of this thesis research was to quantitate the relationship between dietary uNDF240 and peNDF on feed intake, lactational performance, chewing behavior, and the ruminal environment of lactating Holstein dairy cows. The focal study (Chapter 2) investigated the effects of dietary uNDF240 (low or high) and peNDF (low or high) on lactating dairy cows. The four treatments were: 1) low uNDF240, low peNDF (8.8%, 20.1%; LULP; 2) low uNDF240, high peNDF (8.9%, 21.8%; LUHP); 3) high uNDF240, low peNDF (11.4%, 18.6%; HULP); and 4) high uNDF240, high peNDF (11.6%, 22.0%; HUHP). Additionally, a new descriptive term, physically effective uNDF240 (peuNDF240) was calculated as the product of the dietary physical effectiveness factor (pef; % of particles retained on ≥1.18-mm screen with dry sieving) and uNDF240 as a percentage of dry matter (DM). This new descriptive term aimed to integrate the effects of dietary particle size and NDF (in)digestibility. The dietary peuNDF240 concentrations were 5.4% (LULP), 5.8% (LUHP), 5.9% (HULP), and 7.1% (HUHP). The LULP treatment resulted in greater dry matter intake (DMI) and energy corrected milk (ECM), as well as more favorable chewing behavior (i.e., no effect on rumination but less time spent eating) in comparison to the HUHP diet. When comparing the same two treatments, total volatile fatty acid concentration was greater, mean ruminal pH was lower, and NDF turnover rate tended to be greater for the LULP treatment. Milk fat percentage was influenced by dietary uNDF240 with the high uNDF240 diets having an elevated percentage. The LUHP and HULP treatments often did not differ in animal response variables, such as DMI, ECM, mean ruminal pH, and chewing behavior, reflecting their similar dietary peuNDF240 concentration. Importantly, by reducing peNDF of the high uNDF240 treatments, DMI increased to an amount similar to the low uNDF240 treatments. Animal responses were consistently different between the LULP and HUHP treatments as expected: the low uNDF240 diet, chopped more finely, encouraged greater DMI than the high uNDF240 diet chopped coarsely. However, the LUHP and HULP diets with similar peuNDF240 often resulted in similar cow responses, even though the peuNDF240 was obtained differently for each diet. With these diets fed to high-producing cows, it appears that the integration of particle size and indigestibility of fiber using a peuNDF240 measurement is highly related to DMI, ECM yield, chewing behavior, and ruminal environment. In the future, this relationship may prove useful in predicting DMI of lactating dairy cows fed a range of diets differing in uNDF240 and particle size.

DDT (2,2 bis (p-chlorophenyl) 1,1,1,-trichloroethane) was first synthesized in 1874 by Seidler in Switzerland, however, its effectiveness as an insecticide was not known until about 1942. The active principle was first known as G.H.B. (Gesarol-Neccid Base): but in 1943 DDT was suggested as an abbreviation for Dichlore Diphenyl Trichloroethane (Kaaegie, 1946). In fact DDT, as a powerful insecticide is one of the developments made during World War II. The importance of DDT in the control of the common insect enemies of mankind, such as mosquitoes, flies, moths, and many agricultural insect pests is realized more day by day. Many studies have been conducted to determine the uses, toxisity and residual effectiveness of DDT. However, the nutritive value of DDT dusted feedstuffs has not been investigated heretofore. During recent years, in the west, alfalfa seed and hay production has declined as a result of injuries caused by certain species of insects such as lygus bage and alfalfa weevil. DDT has been used successfully to control these insect pests. Because of this fact there is a need for more information on the chemical composition, digestibility and metabolisable energy content of DDT treated alfalfa hay.

<p>Three studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of different oat (Avena sativa) forage cultivars (Assiniboia, Bell and Baler) that were newly emerged cultivars as a result of extensive oat growing conditions in western Canada. A total tract digestibility trial using 24 sheep (n=6) in a completely random design was conducted to assess apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose, non-structural carbohydrate, acid detergent lignin (ADL), soluble crude protein (SCP), non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) in Assiniboia silage, Bell hay, Baler hay and Rosser (barley- Hordeum vulgare) silage. Rumen in situ degradability characteristics of DM, OM, CP, ADF and NDF were determined on Assiniboia silage, Bell hay, Baler hay and Rosser silage at 96 to 0 h using a Holstein cow fitted with a rumen fistula. A dairy production trial using 8 multiparous Holstein cows at 90±20 DIM averaging 41 kg d-1 milk yield, in a 2 × 3 switch-back design was conducted to compare the production response of the cows fed either 48 percent Assiniboia silage or Rosser silage (DM basis) in total mixed rations with the concentrate portion consisting mainly of rolled barley, canola meal and soy meal.</p> <p>Digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, NPN, NDICP and EE were not different for Assiniboia and Rosser silages. Digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF were similar for Baler hay and Rosser silage. Digestibility of hemicellulose, NSC and ADL were similar for all forages. Sheep voluntary intakes of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and EE, except CP were similar across the forages. Assiniboia silage provided more nutrients to the rumen than the hays due to the higher rumen disappearance and effective degradabilities of DM and CP, and lesser undegradable DM, CP, NDF and ADF (P<0.05). Estimated carbohydrate and protein fractions of Assiniboia and Rosser silages were similar. Assiniboia silage was typically comparable to Rosser silage whereas Baler hay was compatible to Bell hay which in contrast was chemically inferior to Baler hay in NDF and TDN content. An increase (8%, P<0.05) in milk fat percentage was observed in cows fed the Assiniboia diet. Milk protein and lactose percentages, and protein yield were higher (P<0.05) in the cows fed the Rosser diet. However, 3.5% fat corrected milk yields were similar. Milk fatty acids (FA) when Assiniboia diet was fed, showed a remarkable increase (P<0.05) in oleate percentage and yield while the others were not different. The increase in oleate content resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in unsaturated FA to saturated FA ratio. Therefore Assiniboia silage would be useful to increase unsaturated long chain milk fat content. It is concluded that Assiniboia silage could substitute for Rosser silage in dairy rations.</p>

<p>Three studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of different oat (Avena sativa) forage cultivars (Assiniboia, Bell and Baler) that were newly emerged cultivars as a result of extensive oat growing conditions in western Canada. A total tract digestibility trial using 24 sheep (n=6) in a completely random design was conducted to assess apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose, non-structural carbohydrate, acid detergent lignin (ADL), soluble crude protein (SCP), non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) in Assiniboia silage, Bell hay, Baler hay and Rosser (barley- Hordeum vulgare) silage. Rumen in situ degradability characteristics of DM, OM, CP, ADF and NDF were determined on Assiniboia silage, Bell hay, Baler hay and Rosser silage at 96 to 0 h using a Holstein cow fitted with a rumen fistula. A dairy production trial using 8 multiparous Holstein cows at 90±20 DIM averaging 41 kg d-1 milk yield, in a 2 × 3 switch-back design was conducted to compare the production response of the cows fed either 48 percent Assiniboia silage or Rosser silage (DM basis) in total mixed rations with the concentrate portion consisting mainly of rolled barley, canola meal and soy meal.</p> <p>Digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, NPN, NDICP and EE were not different for Assiniboia and Rosser silages. Digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF were similar for Baler hay and Rosser silage. Digestibility of hemicellulose, NSC and ADL were similar for all forages. Sheep voluntary intakes of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and EE, except CP were similar across the forages. Assiniboia silage provided more nutrients to the rumen than the hays due to the higher rumen disappearance and effective degradabilities of DM and CP, and lesser undegradable DM, CP, NDF and ADF (P<0.05). Estimated carbohydrate and protein fractions of Assiniboia and Rosser silages were similar. Assiniboia silage was typically comparable to Rosser silage whereas Baler hay was compatible to Bell hay which in contrast was chemically inferior to Baler hay in NDF and TDN content. An increase (8%, P<0.05) in milk fat percentage was observed in cows fed the Assiniboia diet. Milk protein and lactose percentages, and protein yield were higher (P<0.05) in the cows fed the Rosser diet. However, 3.5% fat corrected milk yields were similar. Milk fatty acids (FA) when Assiniboia diet was fed, showed a remarkable increase (P<0.05) in oleate percentage and yield while the others were not different. The increase in oleate content resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in unsaturated FA to saturated FA ratio. Therefore Assiniboia silage would be useful to increase unsaturated long chain milk fat content. It is concluded that Assiniboia silage could substitute for Rosser silage in dairy rations.</p>

Three studies were conducted. In the first study, 12 Yorkshire barrows (initial BW of 23.2 ± 2.0 kg) were allotted to 2 dietary treatments with 6 replications per treatment using a completely randomized design to determine apparent Ca and P digestibility (AD), true digestibility (TD) and endogenous output (EO) in a corn/SBM-based diet. All pigs were placed in individual feeder pens that allowed for easy collection of individual feces. The AD of Ca and P were 28.4% and 23.9%, respectively. Their TD of 42% and 40% for Ca and P respectively were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the corresponding AD. EO was 0.8g for Ca and 1.3g for P per kg of dry matter intake (DMI). In the second study, the optimal dietary ratio of true digestible Ca and P was determined in terms of its effect on growing pig performance, excretion of Ca and P in feces and urine in a corn/SBM-based diet using a randomized complete block design. Thirty six growing barrows (initial BW: 24.2 ± 1.9 kg) were allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 6 replications per block. Six corn/SBM-based diets with very similar nutrient contents were formulated but differed in their dietary ratio of Ca to P. The balances of Ca and P and their true digestibility/retention were calculated for each diet. Animal performance and true retention of both Ca and P was optimal (P < 0.05) with diet 2 with a true digestible Ca to P ratio of 0.82: 1 compared to other experimental diets. The third study was conducted with a similar protocol to that used in experiment 1 involving 12 barrows (initial BW: 23.9 ± 1.1 kg) to determine Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn TD values for the growing pig. Se and Zn AD of 73.9% and 9.5% significantly (P < 0.05) underestimated their TD of 82.1% and 15%, respectively. Se and Zn EO were 0.00004mg and 0.01 mg/kg of DMI, respectively. The TD and EO for Mg, Cu, Fe and Mn could not be estimated because of their negative AD.

Two trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of inclusion level of canola meal derived from Brassica (B.) napus and B. juncea on cattle performance and nutrient utilization. Trial 1 consisted of backgrounding (54 d) and finishing (153 d) phases. The control diet for the backgounding (BK) phase consisted of 39% barley silage, 30.4% barley grain, 22.8% brome grass hay and 7.8% supplement (DM). Treatments consisted of B. napus or B. juncea at 15 or 30% (DM) inclusion, replacing barley grain. The finishing control diet consisted of 88.3% barley grain, 4.4% barley silage and 7.3% supplement (DM). Treatments consisted of B. napus or B. juncea at 10 or 20% (DM) inclusion, replacing barley grain. During BK, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed (G:F) increased linearly (P < 0.01) as the level of inclusion of B. juncea meal increased. Cattle fed B. napus meal showed a quadratic response (P = 0.05) in DMI and linear increase (P = 0.02) in ADG with increasing inclusion. During finishing, DMI increased linearly (P = 0.05) for cattle fed B. juncea meal while a quadratic response (P = 0.02) was seen with B. napus meal. Feed efficiency and NEg content of the diet (P ≤ 0.02) decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of both meals. Trial 2 evaluated dietary rumen fermentation and total tract digestibility characteristics in a 5 x 5 Latin Square Design. Diets were similar to finishing phase of Trial 1. There was no effect of treatment on rumen pH, however a linear increase in acetate (P ≤ 0.01), ammonia (P < 0.01) and decrease (P < 0.01) in propionate was seen with both meal types. Crude protein and acid detergent fiber digestibility increased (P = 0.03) linearly with increasing inclusion of B. juncea meal. The results indicate that canola meal derived from B. napus and B. juncea is not suitable as a supplemental energy source replacing for barley grain in finishing diets but canola meal from B. juncea can be fed at levels up to 30% of the DM in backgrounding diets if priced appropriately.

No description available.

There is growing demand for functional foods and ingredients as a result of their health-promoting properties. In this work, the potential of common buckwheat flour (Supreme) and bran (Farinetta) in improving upon the phenolic and antioxidant properties of durum spaghetti was investigated. The effects of processing and cooking on these properties were also studied in addition to the cooking quality and carbohydrate digestibility of spaghetti products. Among uncooked spaghetti samples, there were huge increments of between 114 and 522% for TPC, 50 and 242% for TFC, 359 and 1000% for DPPH antioxidant activity, and 101 and 197% for ORAC values of the experimental spaghetti samples over the control. Farinetta contributed more phenolic and antioxidant compounds than Supreme flour. Processing resulted in losses ranging from 1.2 to 33.7% in TFC and 42.0 to 55.3% in DPPH antioxidant activity. Cooking also resulted in significant losses (p < 0.05) of up to 39% in TPC, 40% in DPPH antioxidant activity, 22% in rutin content, and 55% in TFC in experimental samples. Cooking losses of up to 8.82% were recorded for the experimental samples and were higher in Farinetta-substituted products. These were generally higher than that of the control (6.33%). The introduction of buckwheat increased carbohydrate digestibility of products, but at the same time resulted in an overall lower release of reducing sugars after of 120 min of in vitro hydrolysis. Results show that the phenolic and antioxidant properties of durum spaghetti fortified with buckwheat milling fractions can compare favourably with those of 100% whole buckwheat pasta, and at the same time, maintain a higher cooking quality due to the presence of semolina.

The aim of this study was to determine growth responses and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed diets containing graded levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and to determine the effect of a multicarbohydrase enzyme (MC) supplementation on visceral organ mass and fasting whole-body oxygen consumption (FWBOC). In Experiment 1, 48 pigs (25.5 ± 0.14 kg BW) were assigned on the basis of sex and BW (2 pigs per pen) to 4 diets (6 pens per diet) based on corn-barley-soybean meal with 0, 10, 20 and 30% DDGS in a 42-d trial. Apparent total tract digestibilities (ATTD) of energy and other nutrients were determined using acid insoluble ash (AIA) as the indigestible marker. Inclusion of DDGS in the diets decreased (linear, P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and tended to decrease gain to feed ratio (G:F) (linear, P = 0.067) but not average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P > 0.10); however, pigs fed the 20% DDGS diet had similar ADG as pigs fed the 0% DDGS diet. Increasing DDGS content in the diet linearly decreased (P < 0.01) the ATTD of DM, energy and CP (cubic, P < 0.05) but not (P > 0.10) P and Ca; however, ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (linear, P < 0.01) when DDGS was included in the diet. In Experiment 2, 24 pigs (19.9 ± 0.46 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 3 corn-soybean meal-basal diets (8 pigs per diet): Control (C, 0% DDGS); basal diet with 30% DDGS (C+30% DDGS) or C+30% DDGS supplemented with MC (C+30% DDGS+MC). On d 15, WBOC during the 24- to 30-h postprandial period was determined using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter on 4 pigs per diet. On d 28, pigs were killed to determine visceral organ mass and intestinal morphology. There was no diet effect (P > 0.10) on final BW, FWBOC, and liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, stomach and caecum weights relative to empty BW. However, pigs fed the C and C+30% DDGS+MC had heavier (P = 0.05) empty BW compared with those fed unsupplemented 30% DDGS-containing diet. Small intestine, colon plus rectum and the portal-drained viscera (PDV) were heavier (P < 0.05) in DDGS-fed pigs compared with C; supplementing with MC substantially decreased the effect of DDGS on the weight of these visceral organs. Feeding pigs DDGS tended to decrease (P < 0.10) villous height (VH) and VH:CD in the ileum. Results show that including DDGS in grower pig diets up to 20% has no effect on performance although ATTD of energy, DM, and N may be reduced. Inclusion of DDGS at 30% increased PDV mass and reduced dressing percentage but these effects were overcome by a multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation.

Whole ground white, high tannin and black sorghum with and without additional high tannin sorghum bran were used in different proportions to develop ready to eat breakfast cereals and snacks. The effect of extrusion on the phenolic compounds and on in vitro starch digestibility of sorghum based cereals and snacks were observed. Gluten free and gluten containing breakfast cereal and snacks were developed with different physical, chemical and sensory characteristic. By increasing the sorghum and bran level in the formulations, the bulk density of extrudates was increased while expansion ratio was decreased. Bowl life of extrudates was increased up to 18 min. when 60% whole ground white sorghum was used with additional 10% high tannin sorghum bran. Water soluble index was significantly higher for the extrudates without additional bran and decreased as bran was added. A positive correlation between water soluble index and expansion ratio (R^2=0.89) indicated that the more expansion ratio provided a large surface area for water to interact with starch and other soluble components. The retention of total phenols in these extrudates varied from 13-41% and it was found that extrudates with additional high tannin sorghum bran had more total phenols than extrudates without it. Sorghum extrudates showed a significant reduction in antioxidant activity varied from 21-83%. Similarly, the effect of extrusion on condensed tannins was detrimental, and their retention was ranged from 12-28%. The smaller particle size of ground sorghum increased the surface area of contact between composite flour components and extruder barrel which promoted interactions during extrusion, lowering condensed tannins and antioxidant activity. All sorghum based extrudates had significantly (P<0.05) lower starch digestibility than that of corn flour extrudates. All types of sorghum had non-significant difference in starch digestibility from 0.5-2hrs. After 16 hrs., high tannin sorghum extrudates had the lowest starch digestibility (79%), which was significantly different from other sorghum types. There was a negative correlation between the rapid digestible starch and tannin contents (R^2=0.62). Breakfast cereals made from different types of sorghum and bran levels were statistically equally rated in taste and overall acceptability.