Prediction of protein supply to ruminants from concentrates: comparison of the NRC‐2001 model with the DVE/OEB system

The objective of this study was to compare the DVE/OEB system (DVE = truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; OEB = degraded protein balance) and the NRC‐2001 model in the prediction of supply of protein to dairy cows from 46 selected concentrates: malting‐type barley (cv Harrington), feed‐type barley (cv Valier), field tick beans (Vicia faba), white albus lupins (Lupinus albus), whole soybeans and horse beans (Vicia faba cv Alfred). The two barleys were processed by coarse (roller miller, 0.533 mm gap) and fine (hammer mill, 2 mm screen) processing. The field tick beans and white albus lupins were dry roasted at various conditions at the University of Melbourne. The soybeans and horse beans were pressure‐toasted at 100, 118 and 136 °C for 3, 7, 15 and 30 min at Wageningen Feed Processing Centre. Comparisons were made in terms of (1) ruminally synthesized microbial protein, (2) truly absorbed protein in the small intestine and (3) degraded protein balance, based on 46 samples. The results showed that the predicted values from the DVE/OEB system and the NRC‐2001 model had significant correlations. However, using the DVE/OEB system, the overall average microbial protein supply based on available energy was 10% lower and the truly absorbed protein in the small intestine was 8% lower than that predicted by the NRC‐2001 model. A difference was also found in the prediction of the degraded protein balances, which was 16% higher than that estimated from the NRC‐2001 model. These differences are due to factors used in calculations in the two models, although both are based on similar principles. This indicates that further refinement is needed for a modern protein evaluation and prediction system. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of bioethanol plant and coproduct type on the metabolic characteristics of the proteins in dairy cattle

The dramatic increase in bioethanol production in Canada has resulted in millions of tonnes of different types of coproducts: wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), corn DDGS, and blend DDGS (e.g., wheat:corn 70:30). The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the effect of DDGS type and bioethanol plant on the metabolic characteristics of the proteins and the total truly digested and absorbed protein supply to dairy cattle using the DVE/OEB system and 2) to compare the metabolic characteristics of the proteins of original feedstock grains with their respective derived DDGS samples. The results showed that all types of DDGS are a good source of the truly digested and absorbed protein in the small intestine [DVE; 107 vs. 249 g/kg of dry matter (DM) for wheat and wheat DDGS; 108 vs. 251 g/kg of DM for corn and corn DDGS]. According to the DVE/OEB system, the predicted total DVE supply to dairy cattle differed among wheat DDGS (DVE = 249 g/kg of DM), corn DDGS (DVE = 251 g/kg of DM), and blend DDGS (DVE = 281 g/kg of DM) and, to a lesser extent, between the different bioethanol plants (DVE: 277 vs. 230 g/kg of DM for bioethanol plants 1 and 2). The results indicated the superior protein value of blend DDGS as well as that of the more optimum degraded protein balance (DPB) value for corn DDGS (DPB: 11 g/kg of DM in corn DDGS vs. 72 g/kg of DM in wheat DDGS and 55 g/kg of DM in blend DDGS). In addition, differences in the acid detergent-insoluble crude protein content of wheat DDGS samples were reflected in differing protein DVE values. In conclusion, it is inappropriate to assume fixed protein values for DDGS without considering factors such as DDGS type and bioethanol plant origin.     

Short communication: Comparison of the newly developed DVE/OEB (2010) system and the National Research Council (2001) model in modeling metabolic characteristics of proteins in dairy cattle

The truly absorbed protein in the small intestine/degraded protein balance (DVE/OEB)₂₀₁₀ system is a recently developed protein evaluation system for ruminants. The objective of this study was to compare the DVE/OEB₂₀₁₀ system with the National Research Council (2001) model in determining the metabolic characteristics of proteins in dairy cattle. The metabolic characteristics of proteins in bioethanol feedstock and their co-products were compared in terms of (1) truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein in the small intestine; (2) truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein in the small intestine; (3) endogenous protein in the digestive tract; (4) total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; and (5) protein degraded balance. The DVE/OEB₂₀₁₀ system predicted 30% more truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein in the small intestine, 4% more truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein in the small intestine, 64% more endogenous protein, 9% more total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine, but 27% less degraded protein balance.     

Comparison of the National Research Council-2001 model with the Dutch system (DVE/OEB) in the prediction of nutrient supply to dairy cows from forages

The objective of this study was to compare the DVE/OEB system (DVE = truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; OEB = degraded protein balance) and the NRC-2001 model in the prediction of supply of protein to dairy cows from selected forages: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Pioneer and Beaver) and timothy (Phleum pratense L. cv. Climax and Joliette). Comparisons were made in terms of 1) ruminally synthesized microbial CP, 2) truly absorbed protein in the small intestine, and 3) degraded protein balance. In addition, the effects of variety and cutting stage of the selected forages on the potential nutrient supply to dairy cows were also studied. The results showed that the predicted values from the DVE/OEB system and the NRC-2001 model had significant correlations with high R (>0.96) values. However, using the DVE/OEB system, the overall average microbial protein supply based on available energy was 12% higher, and the truly absorbed protein in the small intestine was 15% lower than that predicted by the NRC-2001 model. The difference was also found in the prediction of the degraded protein balances, which was 11% higher based on data from the NRC-2001 model. These differences are due to considerably different factors used in calculations in the two models, although both are based on similar principles. This indicates that a further refinement is needed for a modern protein evaluation and prediction system. In addition, this study showed that the two alfalfa varieties studied (Pioneer vs. Beaver) had no effect, but cutting stage had a profound influence on ruminally synthesized microbial CP (93, 96, 86 g/kg DM at stage of early bud, late bud, and early bloom, respectively) and truly absorbed intestinal protein predicted by the DVE/OEB system (80, 79, 67 g/kg DM at stage of early bud, late bud, and early bloom, respectively). With timothy, both variety (Climax vs. Joliette) and cutting stage had significant impacts on the potential protein supply predicted by both models. The potential protein supply (DVE or MP) to the dairy cow from Climax timothy was higher than that from Joliette timothy (DVE: 46 vs. 32 g/kg DM; MP: 61 vs. 38 g/kg DM). With increasing stage of cutting, the potential protein supply (DVE or MP) was reduced (DVE: 53, 39, 25 g/kg DM; MP: 62, 51, 36 g/kg DM at stage of joint, prebloom head, and full head, respectively).     

Molecular basis of protein structure in combined feeds (hulless barley with bioethanol coproduct of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles) in relation to protein rumen degradation kinetics and intestinal availability in dairy cattle

The objectives of this study were to reveal protein molecular structure in relation to rumen degradation kinetics and intestinal availability in combined feeds of hulless barley with bioethanol coproduct [pure wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)] at 5 different ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) in dairy cattle. The parameters assessed included 1) protein chemical profiles, 2) protein subfractions partitioned by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System, 3) in situ protein degradation kinetics, 4) truly absorbed protein supply in the small intestine (DVE), metabolizable protein characteristics and degraded protein balance (OEB), 5) protein molecular structure spectral profiles, and 6) correlation between protein molecular structure and protein nutrient profiles and metabolic characteristics. We found that 1) with increasing inclusion of wheat DDGS in feed combinations, protein chemical compositions of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent-insoluble CP, acid detergent-insoluble CP, and nonprotein N were increased, whereas soluble CP was decreased linearly; CP subfractions A, B₃, and C were increased linearly, but CP subfractions B₁ and B₂ were decreased; truly digestible CP increased but total digestible nutrients at 1× maintenance decreased linearly; protein degradation rate was decreased without affecting potentially soluble, potentially degradable, and potentially undegradable fractions, and both rumen-degradable protein and rumen-undegradable protein were increased; by using the DVE/OEB system, the DVE and OEB values were increased from 98 to 226 g/kg of dry matter and ?1 to 105 g/kg of dry matter, respectively; 2) by using the molecular spectroscopy technique, the spectral differences in protein molecular structure were detected among the feed combinations; in the original combined feeds, amide I and II peak area and ratio of amide I to II were increased linearly; although no difference existed in α-helix and β-sheet height among the combinations, the ratio of α-helix to β-sheet height was changed quadratically; 3) in the in situ 48-h residue samples, amide I and amide II peak area intensities were increased linearly and the ratio of amide I to II peak area was decreased linearly from 4.28 to 2.63; α-helix and β-sheet height of rumen residues were similar among 5 feed combinations; and 4) the ratio of α-helix to β-sheet height in original feed combinations was strongly correlation with protein chemical and nutrient profiles, but the ratio of amide I to II area had no significant correlation with all items that were tested; no correlation was found between the ratio of α-helix to β-sheet height of the in situ rumen residues and protein chemical and nutrient profiles. In conclusion, by integration of hulless barley with bioethanol coproduct of wheat DDGS, feed quality in combined feeds was improved and more optimized. Adding wheat DDGS increased linearly CP, truly digestible CP, rumen-degradable protein, rumen-undegradable protein, DVE, and OEB values in combined feeds. The molecular spectral differences of protein molecular structures (amide I and II area intensities, the ratio of amide I to amide II, and the ratio of α-helix to β-sheet height among feed combinations) were detected among the combinations. This may partially explain the biological differences in protein chemical profiles and protein utilization and availability in dairy cattle. In the original combined feeds, protein α-helix-to-β-sheet ratio had significant correlations with protein chemical and nutrient profiles, but in in situ 48-h residue samples, protein amide I-to-II ratio had significant correlations with protein chemical and nutrient profiles. This study may provide an insight into how to more efficiently use hulless barley grain (high energy and high degradation rate) and wheat DDGS (high metabolizable protein and low degradation rate) in beef and dairy production systems.     

Effects of pressure toasting on in situ degradability and intestinal protein and protein‐free organic matter digestibility of rapeseed

BACKGROUND: Rapeseed is a protein supplement that contains up to 40% crude protein (CP) on a dry matter (DM) basis, but a large part of its protein can be easily degraded in the rumen. Therefore, before inclusion in ruminant's diet, the extent of its protein degradation in the rumen must be reduced without altering its intestinal digestibility. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of pressure toasting (T, 130 °C) at two residence times (1.5 and 10 min) alone or in combination with soaking in water (ST, 4 h) on ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of CP and protein‐free organic matter (PFOM) in whole full‐fat rapeseed. RESULTS: Regardless of the processing time (1.5 or 10 min), T significantly (P < 0.05) increased the fraction of undegraded intake protein (UIP) compared to the untreated rapeseed samples. Soaking prior to further toasting did not improve the rumen degradation characteristics of rapeseed CP. Compared to the untreated rapeseed samples, both T and ST significantly (P < 0.0001) improved the true protein digested in the small intestine (DVE) and degraded protein balance (OEB), effects that were more evident in samples heated for 10 min. Soaking prior to pressure toasting, however, did not further improve the DVE or OEB in the rapeseed samples in comparison with T treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that ruminal protein degradability of rapeseed decreased after pressure toasting, without seriously affecting its intestinal digestibility. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Estimation of ruminal and intestinal digestion profiles,hourly effective degradation ratio and potential N to energy synchronization of co‐products from bioethanol processing

BACKGROUND: Little research has been conducted to determine the magnitude of the differences in nutritive value among wheat dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS), corn DDGS and blend DDGS, or between different bioethanol plants. The objectives of this study were to compare different types of DDGS and different bioethanol plants in terms of: (1) rumen degradation kinetics profile of each DDGS component and rumen availability; (2) intestinal digestion profile of rumen undegraded protein; (3) hourly effective rumen degradation ratio and potential N‐to‐energy synchronization; (4) the role of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen in the determination of nutrient availability of DDGS. In addition, these parameters were compared in DDGS as opposed to parental grain. RESULTS: (1) The effective degradability of dry matter in DDGS samples increased as the content of feedstock wheat increased. DDGS are a good source of rumen‐undegradable protein. The protein content of DDGS derived from wheat is higher relative to that derived from corn; however, the undegradability of the protein fraction increases as the proportion of corn in the feedstock augments. (2) In addition, DDGS provide significant amounts of rumen‐degradable protein, which increased as the content of wheat in the feedstock increased. This indicates a potential loss of N when high levels of DDGS are included in the diet. (3) Acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) levels were low across DDGS samples, revealing no effect on ruminal and intestinal disappearance of protein. However, consideration should be given to the numerical differences in digestibility of rumen‐undegradable protein and the relation to ADICP content. (4) Further research with a higher number of samples and higher variability in the ADICP content should be undertaken to investigate the effect of ADICP on rumen and intestinal disappearance of DDGS protein. CONCLUSION: The digestive characteristics of each DDGS component (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber), the hourly effective degradation ratio between N and organic matter, and the intestinal availability of rumen‐undegradable protein differed significantly (P < 0.05) among wheat DDGS, blend DDGS and corn DDGS, and to a lesser extent between the different bioethanol plants. These results indicate that it is inappropriate to assume fixed rumen and intestinal degradation characteristics for DDGS without considering factors such as DDGS type and bioethanol plant origin. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential protein degradation balance and total metabolizable protein supply to dairy cows from heat‐treated faba beans

The effects of pressure toasting (100, 118 and 136 °C for 3, 7, 15 and 30 min) on potential protein nutritional value of faba beans were evaluated with the NRC 2001 dairy model, by determining undegraded (RUP) and degraded rumen protein (RDP), undegraded (RUST) and degraded rumen starch (RDST), truly absorbed undegraded protein (ARUP), microbial protein (MCP_RDP) synthesized in the rumen from rumen‐available protein, truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein (AMCP), truly absorbed rumen endogenous protein (AECP), total metabolizable protein (MP) in the small intestine, and the protein degradation balance (PDB). The treatments increased RUP, RUST, ARUP and MP (p < 0.001), and decreased RDP, RDST, MCP_RDP and PDB (p < 0.001), the effects increasing with increasing temperature and time. The treatments increased (p < 0.001) ARUP without affecting AECP and AMCP, so that the net absorbable total MP in the small intestine was increased. The PDB was reduced (p < 0.001) but never became negative. These results indicated that potential microbial protein synthesis would not be impaired due to sufficient nitrogen in the rumen, but the high positive PDB values with most treatments, except 136 °C for 15 min (PDB 2.0 g kg^?1 DM) indicated that there were large potential losses of nitrogen in the rumen, particularly for the control with a value of 88.9 g kg^?1 dry matter. It is concluded that predicted potential protein degradation balance and total metabolizable protein supply from faba beans were improved by the treatments. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutrient variation and availability of wheat DDGS,corn DDGS and blend DDGS from bioethanol plants

BACKGROUND: The dramatic increase in bioethanol production in Canada has resulted in millions of tonnes of different types of new co‐products: wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), corn DDGS and blend DDGS (e.g. wheat:corn=70:30). There is an urgent need to systematically evaluate the nutritive value of different types of DDGS. Little research has been conducted to determine the magnitude of the differences in nutritive value among wheat DDGS, corn DDGS and blend DDGS and between different bioethanol plants. The objectives of this study were to compare different types of DDGS and different bioethanol plants in terms of: (1) chemical profiles; (2) mineral concentrations of sulfur (S), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P); (3) protein and carbohydrate subfractions associated with different degradation rates; (4) digestible component nutrients and energy values; and (5) in situ rumen availability of each DDGS component. RESULTS: The results showed that chemical profiles differed among wheat DDGS, corn DDGS and blend DDGS. Mineral profiles were different among the three types of DDGS with wheat DDGS lower in S (3.9 vs. 7.2 g kg^?1 DM), higher in Ca (1.8 vs. 0.5 g kg^?1 DM) and P (9.1 vs. 7.7 g kg^?1 DM) than corn DDGS, but similar to blend DDGS. Wheat DDGS had the lowest and corn DDGS had the highest energy values (TDN, DE_3X, ME_3X, NEL_3X for dairy; NE_m and NE_g beef cattle) while blend DDGS was in between. Wheat DDGS was lower in the intermediately degradable CP fraction (PB2: 277 vs. 542 g kg^?1 CP) and higher in the rapidly non‐protein degradable fraction (163 vs. 114 g kg^?1 CP) and slowly degradable CP fraction (PB3: 512 vs. 279 g kg^?1 CP) than corn DDGS, but similar to blend DDGS. For carbohydrate subfractions, wheat DDGS was higher in non‐structural carbohydrate fraction (NSC: 483 vs. 184 g kg^?1 CHO), higher in highly degradable free sugars fraction (CA: 359 vs. 91 g kg^?1 CHO), higher in unavailable CHO (CC: 204 vs. 142 g kg^?1 CHO), similar in rapidly degradable CHO fraction (average 108 g kg^?1 CHO), lower in intermediately degradable CHO (CB2: 313 vs. 674 g kg^?1 CHO) than corn DDGS. Wheat DDGS had higher in situ CP degradability and lower NDF degradability than corn DDGS, but similar degradability to blend DDGS. CONCLUSION: Among the three types of DDGS, they differed in chemical characterisation, mineral concentration (S, Ca, P), estimated energy values for both beef and dairy cattle, protein and carbohydrate subfractions, in situ degradability. Bioethanol plants also had significant impact on nutritive value of DDGS. The energy values (DE_3X, ME_3X, NEL_3X, NE_m and NE_g) in wheat DDGS were similar to wheat and corn suggesting wheat DDGS as an alternative to wheat and corn in dairy and beef diets. The energy values (DE_3X, ME_3X, NEL_3X, NE_m and NE_g) in corn DDGS were significantly higher than in corn, indicating that corn DDGS is superior to corn in dairy and beef diets. The energy values (DE_3X, ME_3X, NEL_3X, NE_m and NE_g) in the blend DDGS were higher than that in wheat DDGS but similar to corn DDGS, suggesting blend DDGS as an alternative to corn and superior to wheat and wheat DDGS in dairy and beef diets. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Suitability of some selected maize hybrids from Serbia for the production of bioethanol and dried distillers' grains with solubles

BACKGROUND: Bioethanol is mostly produced from starchy parts of the corn grain kernel leaving significant amounts of valuable by‐products such as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) which can be used as a substitute for traditional feedstuff. The suitability of six maize hybrids from Serbia was investigated for bioethanol and DDGS production. The correlation between physical and chemical characteristics of the grain, bioethanol yield and quality of the corresponding DDGS was assessed. RESULTS: All hybrids had very different chemical composition and physical characteristics which could allow various applications. The highest bioethanol yield (94.5% of theoretical) and volumetric productivity (2.01 g l^?1 h^?1) were obtained with hybrid ZP 434 and the lowest with ZP 611k. Regarding chemical composition, all DDGS samples manifested good properties as feed components. Their protein content was higher compared to the kernel. In addition, the samples showed high digestibility and high mineral content, especially of calcium and phosphorus. CONCLUSION: A hybrid ZP 434 was selected as the most promising bioethanol producer. This property is attributed to the highest level of soft endosperm which is more susceptible to starch‐hydrolysing enzymes. A high yield potential per hectare makes it the best candidate for commercial bioethanol production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Heat-induced protein structure and subfractions in relation to protein degradation kinetics and intestinal availability in dairy cattle

The objectives of this study were to reveal protein structures of feed tissues affected by heat processing at a cellular level, using the synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy as a novel approach, and quantify protein structure in relation to protein digestive kinetics and nutritive value in the rumen and intestine in dairy cattle. The parameters assessed included 1) protein structure α-helix to β-sheet ratio; 2) protein subfractions profiles; 3) protein degradation kinetics and effective degradability; 4) predicted nutrient supply using the intestinally absorbed protein supply (DVE)/degraded protein balance (OEB) system for dairy cattle. In this study, Vimy flaxseed protein was used as a model feed protein and was autoclave-heated at 120°C for 20, 40, and 60 min in treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The results showed that using the synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy revealed and identified the heat-induced protein structure changes. Heating at 120°C for 40 and 60 min increased the protein structure α-helix to β-sheet ratio. There were linear effects of heating time on the ratio. The heating also changed chemical profiles, which showed soluble CP decreased upon heating with concomitant increases in nonprotein nitrogen, neutral, and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen. The protein subfractions with the greatest changes were PB1, which showed a dramatic reduction, and PB2, which showed a dramatic increase, demonstrating a decrease in overall protein degradability. In situ results showed a reduction in rumen-degradable protein and in rumen-degradable dry matter without differences between the treatments. Intestinal digestibility, determined using a 3-step in vitro procedure, showed no changes to rumen undegradable protein. Modeling results showed that heating increased total intestinally absorbable protein (feed DVE value) and decreased degraded protein balance (feed OEB value), but there were no differences between the treatments. There was a linear effect of heating time on the DVE and a cubic effect on the OEB value. Our results showed that heating changed chemical profiles, protein structure α-helix to β-sheet ratio, and protein subfractions; decreased rumen-degradable protein and rumen-degradable dry matter; and increased potential nutrient supply to dairy cattle. The protein structure α-helix to β-sheet ratio had a significant positive correlation with total intestinally absorbed protein supply and negative correlation with degraded protein balance.     

Improving Bioethanol Yield: The Use of Solid‐State Fermentation Products Grown on DDGS

In a climate of uncertain prices for grain and fuel, conservation and efficiency are more important than ever. Many agro‐industrial residues are excellent substrates for solid‐state fermentation (SSF). Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) are an important co‐product of the ethanol industry and have potential as a substrate for solid‐state fermentation. SSF products were produced using DDGS from a distillery and DDGS from a fuel ethanol plant as the fungal growth substrate. The spent grains were inoculated with GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) organisms Aspergillus orzyae and Rhizopus oligosporus. After growth, the resultant SSF product was dried and used as an enzyme complex supplement that was added to laboratory scale standard fuel ethanol corn mash fermentations. Improved ethanol yields were consistently observed. The use of solid‐state fermentation to produce unique enzyme complexes on DDGS offers a novel way to increase the value of the DDGS and to enhance bioethanol fermentation.     

Protein fractionation byproduct from canola meal for dairy cattle

Fiber-protein is a byproduct arising from a process for fractionating high-quality protein from canola meal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fiber-protein fraction by examining the chemical profiles, rumen degradation, and intestinal digestive characteristics and determining the nutritive value of the fiber-protein fraction as dietary components for dairy cattle in comparison with commercial canola meal and soybean meal. Available energy values were estimated based on National Research Council guidelines, whereas total true protein content potentially absorbable in the small intestine (DVE) were predicted using the predicted DVE/degraded protein balance (OEB) model. The results show that fiber-protein was a highly fibrous material [neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 556; acid detergent fiber (ADF): 463; acid detergent lignin: 241 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] compared with canola meal (NDF: 254; ADF: 212; acid detergent lignin: 90 g/kg of DM) due to the presence of a higher level of seed hulls in fiber-protein. Compared with canola meal, fiber-protein contained 90 g/kg of DM less crude protein (CP), 25% of which consisted of undegradable acid detergent-insoluble CP. Most of the ruminally undegradable nutrient components present in canola meal appeared to be concentrated into fiber-protein during the manufacturing process and, as a result, fiber-protein showed a consistently lower effective degradability of DM, organic matter, CP, NDF, and ADF compared with both canola meal and soybean meal. Available energy content in fiber-protein contained two-thirds of that of canola meal. The DVE was one-third that of soybean meal and one-fifth that of canola meal [DVE value: 58 vs. 180 (soybean) and 291 g/kg of DM (canola meal)]. The OEB value of fiber protein was positive and about half of that of soybean and canola meal [OEB value: 74 vs. 162 (soybean) and 137 g/kg of DM (canola meal)]. Fiber-protein can be considered as a secondary source of protein in ruminant feed.     

Fermentation characteristics of corn‐, triticale‐, and wheat‐based dried distillers' grains with solubles in barley‐based diets determined using continuous and batch culture systems

BACKGROUND: Dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are becoming increasingly available and popular as an alternative livestock feed. This study used continuous and batch culture techniques to compare the in vitro fermentation characteristics of diets containing corn‐, triticale‐ or wheat‐based DDGS at 200 g kg^?1 diet dry matter (DM) against a barley grain‐based control diet. RESULTS: In continuous fermentation of wheat DDGS diet, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was decreased by 15.7% across sampling times and NH₃ concentration was quadrupled compared with control, whereas fermentations of corn‐ and triticale‐DDGS diets were similar to the barley‐based control. In batch cultures, corn DDGS differed from control only in increased culture pH. Compared with control diet, triticale DDGS yielded lower total gas production (140.94 versus 148.78 mL g^?1 DM) and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD; 0.509 versus 0.535). Wheat DDGS diet yielded decreased total gas production (123.49 mL g^?1 DM) and IVDMD (0.468), as well as total VFA production (105.84 versus 134.20 mmol L^?1) and substantially increased ammonia concentration (151.61 versus 58.34 mg L^?1) and acetate:propionate ratio (2.94 versus 1.11). CONCLUSION: Corn‐ and triticale‐ DDGS diets exhibited fermentation characteristics similar to the barley based control diet, consistent with in vivo findings that these diets yielded no adverse effects on production. In vitro ruminal fermentation of wheat DDGS diet differed significantly from control in several aspects including 2.6 to 6X higher ammonia concentrations. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

Mycotoxins in fuel ethanol co‐products derived from maize: a mass balance for deoxynivalenol

BACKGROUND: Three matrices—corn (maize) meal, distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and condensed distiller's solubles (CDS)—were sampled in sequence from a continuous dry‐milling process plant for the determination of mass balance of deoxynivalenol (DON). Four commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were evaluated for their ability to measure the presence of DON. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used as standard method to detect DON and other Fusarium toxins. RESULTS: The concentrations of DON in DDGS and especially CDS were overestimated or underestimated by ELISA. However, for both matrices, all ELISA methods were not significantly different in their mean results from the LC/MS/MS standard, although the variability in results was much higher. DON concentrations in the CDS and the final DDGS co‐product were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) than in the starting material (corn grain). Toxin concentration increased by a factor of 3 on a dry weight basis in DDGS compared with the starting corn and by a factor of 4 in CDS. Mean concentration of DON in CDS was four times higher (7.11 mg kg^?1) than in corn grains (1.80 mg kg^?1) and 1.4 times higher than in DDGS (5.24 mg kg^?1). Mass balance calculations showed that CDS was the main source of contamination of DON, comprising ca 70% of the toxin found in the final product (DDGS). Most DON (87%) was accounted for by this analysis. CONCLUSION: Concentrations in the grain corn entering ethanol plants should be close to the dietary values recommended for swine in Canada and the USA for DON (1 mg kg^?1). Small amounts of acetyldeoxynivalenol and DON glucoside were also found in the three matrices along with a small amount of zearalenone. Unlike the situation for DON, the DON glucoside was not concentrated into DDGS and CDS, indicating that it was hydrolysed during the fermentation process. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Benefits of β-xylanase for wheat biomass conversion to bioethanol

BACKGROUND: The efficiency of bioethanol production from wheat biomass is related to the quality of end products as well as to safety criteria of co‐products such as distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The inclusion of a new biocatalyst for non‐starch polysaccharide degradation in fermentation processes could be one of the solutions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of β‐xylanases in combination with traditional amylolytic enzymes on the efficiency of bioethanol production and DON detoxification during fermentation of Fusarium‐contaminated wheat biomass with high concentration of deoxynivalenol (DON; 3.95 mg kg^?1). RESULTS: The results showed that the negative effect of Fusarium spp. on yield and quality of bioethanol could be eliminated by the application of Trichoderma reesei xylanase in combination with amylolytic enzymes. This technological solution allowed to increase the concentration of ethanol in the fermented wort by 35.3% and to improve the quality of bioethanol by decreasing the concentrations of methanol, methyl acetate, isoamyl and isobutyl alcohols. Mass balance calculations showed that DDGS was the main source of DON contamination, comprising 74% of toxin found in wheat biomass. By using new enzyme combination for wheat biomass saccharification, a higher level of detoxification (41%) of DON was achieved during the fermentation process. CONCLUSION: The addition of Trichoderma reesei xylanase played a positive role in bioethanol production from Fusarium‐contaminated wheat biomass, indicating that the yeast‐growing medium was enriched during the enzymatic treatment. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of wheat- versus corn-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles on meat quality of feedlot cattle

A considerable amount of information has been generated on the feeding value and impact of corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) on meat quality, whereas little is known about the effects of wheat DDGS on meat quality, and no direct comparison of these two sources of DDGS has been completed. The current study was conducted to examine the objective and subjective carcass and meat quality traits of cattle fed diets containing corn or wheat (20% or 40%) DDGS (DM basis) as compared to a standard barley-based finishing diet (control). In general, meat obtained from animals fed the barley-based control diet was slightly darker in colour (lower chroma and hue at 24 h, P < 0.01) and less tender (highest proportion of tough shears at 2 d and lowest proportion of tender shears at 20 d). Meat from corn DDGS was rated as more tender and palatable than control samples (P < 0.05), and 20% corn samples were rated better for beef flavour intensity (P < 0.01) and desirability (P < 0.05) than 40% corn DDGS samples. In contrast, meat from steers fed wheat DDGS showed intermediate characteristics between steers fed control and corn DDGS diets. Hence, feeding wheat DDGS had no negative effects, and feeding corn DDGS had some positive effects on meat quality characteristics of beef.     

Evaluation of the fixed nitrogen-to-protein (N:P) conversion factor (6.25) versus ingredient specific N:P conversion factors in feedstuffs

BACKGROUND: The crude protein (CP) of feedstuffs is important as an indicator of essential and non‐essential amino acids for livestock. The protein (P) level needs to be known accurately, to minimize the feeding of excess nitrogen (N) and to reduce N pollution. Laboratory methods for determining N content report N from amino acids, but also N from ammonia and from non‐amino acid sources. The determined CP based on 6.25 × N level typically overestimates the true protein of feedstuffs. RESULTS: Determined ingredient‐specific N:P conversion factors k_A, k_P and k were not equal to the standard 6.25 factor. The k_A had the highest value in all ingredients, which leads to the estimation of specific crude protein (SCP), which is closer to true protein (the summation of the total amino acid residues from amino acid analyses). The SCP(k_A) was lower than CP and true protein in all ingredients, demonstrating that CP might overestimate the actual protein in feedstuffs. CONCLUSION: Based on data from 677 feedstuff samples from 2009, it is concluded that the mean k_A should be 5.68 for corn, 5.64 for soybean meal, 5.74 for corn DDGS, 5.45 for poultry by‐product meal and 5.37 for meat and bone meal. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Energy and nutrient digestibilities in wheat dried distillers' grains with solubles fed to growing pigs

The aim of this study was to characterize the nutritional profile and to determine the digestibilities of nutrients in wheat‐based dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing pigs. Six ileal cannulated barrows individually housed in metabolism crates were fed experimental diets which consisted of a basal wheat‐based diet or the basal diet with wheat replaced by 400 g kg^?1 mixed wheat or winter wheat DDGS in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Ileal digesta and fecal samples were collected for determining apparent ileal (AID) and apparent total tract digestibilities (ATTD), respectively. The contents of proximate components and amino acids in DDGS were about three times higher than in wheat. The AID and ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen and energy were lower (P < 0.05) in DDGS compared with wheat. The DDGS samples had lower (P < 0.05) AID of amino acids compared with wheat; average values for lysine, threonine and isoleucine in DDGS were 43.8, 62.9 and 68.0%, respectively. The ileal and fecal digestible energy content in DDGS averaged 9.7 ± 1.18 and 13.5 ± 0.61 MJ kg^?1, respectively. Respective values for wheat were 13.3 ± 0.52 and 14.6 ± 0.22 MJ kg^?1 and both were higher (P < 0.05) than in DDGS. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro degradation and in vivo passage kinetics of carvacrol,thymol, eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde along the gastrointestinal tract of piglets

BACKGROUND: The essential oils (EO) carvacrol, thymol, eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde have well‐documented antimicrobial properties and offer therefore an alternative for the antimicrobial growth promoters in pig feeds. The aim of this work was to determine the degradation and kinetics of these EO along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of piglets, which is necessary information for correct application in pig feeds. RESULTS: None of these compounds was significantly degraded in in vitro simulations of pig gastric fermentation. Carvacrol and thymol were not degraded in jejunal simulations, but significant losses of up to 29% were found in caecal simulations. Eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde showed a more pronounced degradation in jejunal and caecal simulations. A single dose mixed with feed (13.0, 13.2, 12.5 and 12.7 mg kg^?1 body weight for carvacrol, thymol, eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde respectively) was given orally to piglets. Half‐lives in total digestive tract ranged between 1.84 and 2.05 h, whereby trans‐cinnamaldehyde showed the fastest disappearance. All of these EO were mainly and almost completely absorbed in the stomach and the proximal small intestine. Plasma concentrations (sum of free and conjugated compound) peaked at 1.39, 1.35 and 0.83 h for carvacrol, thymol and eugenol respectively and this was accompanied by high concentrations in urine. CONCLUSION: The four compounds were in vitro poorly degraded in the proximal segments of the GIT of piglets, but degradation is expected in more distal segments. In vivo, the EO were mainly and almost completely absorbed in the stomach and the proximal small intestine. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry