Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Improvement of the predictions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), a computer program widely used in the beef and dairy industries to predict animal productivity and nutrient excretion, is the primary goal of this project. We hope to minimize adverse environmental impacts of the livestock industries in New York and nationally by carefully balancing rations and minimizing use of safety factors that can result in increased excretion of pollution-causing nutrients. New York State has adopted the CNCPS to develop recommendations for farmers for nutrient management plans. The emphasis of this project is on characterization of feeds, an essential component of the model. Because of the importance of dairy to the New York economy, we have emphasized dairy feeds. This project has made several important contributions to the CNCPS: 1) prediction of dry matter intake, 2) evaluation of forages, 3) evaluation of the effects of anti-nutritive factors on feed
digestibility and 4) evaluation of shifts of microbial populations due to diet and in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. We did both station- and farm-based experiments to assess the validity of using alkanes for intake predictions. The CNCPS originally was developed for use with cattle but, with the leadership of Italian scientists at the University of Sassari, a version of the model appropriate for sheep has been released. Our group contributed to a review paper on the development of the CNCPS that represents the most recent release of the model. This will make is possible for others to use the model equations for their own purposes. In addition, we have collaborated with plant breeders with the goal of improving alfalfa varieties so that the improved forages more closely meet the requirements of dairy cattle. This effort has specifically involved selection for pectin, a component of the plant cell wall that primarily yields acetate when it is fermented in the rumen.
As a result, acidosis in dairy cattle should be reduced. We have undertaken a second project to evaluate the ability of the model to predict nutrient excretion from cattle fed poor quality forages. By characterizing both the feed and the manure, our goal is to ensure that the CNCPS makes accurate predictions of the nutrients excreted. As part of this project, we are developing an NIRS calibration for manure samples. This effort is in its preliminary stages and no data are yet available. An important part of the model is prediction of fiber-digesting and non-fiber-digesting bacteria. We have used molecular methods to assess the diversity of microbial populations in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract and feces and have found that modest changes in dietary protein levels did not cause shifts in microbial populations but that the bacteria and archaea in the rumen differed from those in the duodenum, ileum and feces. No archaea were found in the duodenum but they were found
in both the rumen and the ileum.
Impacts
This project has contributed to the refinement of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) by contributing to the development and evaluation of intake predictions, microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract and feed attributes. The broader impact of this project is to provide a tool to members of the beef and dairy industries to more precisely balance feed rations. This will have important economic and environmental consequences to producers.
Publications
- Mbugua, D.M., Pell, A.N., Fox, D.G. and Schofield, P. 2005. The effects of proanthocyanidins from Calliandra calothyrsus and the alkaloid spartein on in vitro fiber digestion. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol.121:1-2:89-107.
- Frey, J.C., Angert, E.R. and Pell, A.N. 2004. Ruminal Bacteria for the Assessment of Biases in Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, A.S.M. Annual Meeting. May, 2004.
- Tecle, I.Y., Viands, D.R., Hansen, and Pell, A.N.. 2004. Evaluation of progress from selection for pectin in alfalfa populations. Joint Meeting 39th North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference and the 18th Trifolium Conference, Quebec City, Canada, July 18-21, 2004
- Rueda, B.T., Blake, R.W., Fox, D.G., Tedeschi, L.O., Pell, A.N., Fernandes, E.C.M., Valentin, J.F., and Carneiro, J.C. 2003. Production and economic potentials of cattle in pasture-based systems of the Western Amazon of Brazil. J. Anim. Sci. 81: 2923-2937.
- Tedeschi, L. O., Fox, D.G., Pell, A.N., Lanna, D. P., and Boin, C.. 2002. Development and evaluation of a tropical feed library for the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System model. Scientia Agricola 59:1-18.
- Lanzas, C., and Pell, A.N. 2003. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of prediction of digestion rates for cereal grains. J. Dairy Sci. 81:Suppl 1:152.
- Molina, D.O., Matamoros, I., Almeida, Z., Tedeschi, L.O. and Pell, A.N.. 2003. Evaluation of the DMI predictions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System model with Holstein and dual-purpose lactating cattle in the tropics. J. Dairy Sci. 81:Suppl 1:123.
- Seo, S., Pell, A.N., Schofield, P. Lee, S.C., Lee, K.H., and Ha, J.K.. 2002. Measurement and kinetic analysis of ruminal carbohydrate degradation of concentrates using automated gas production technique. Proc. 4th Joint Symposium of Korea and Japan on Rumen Metabolism and Physiology, p 114.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Over the past year, we have published several papers that have made substantive contributions to the development of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), a widely used computer model to predict animal performance and the environmental impact of beef and dairy cattle. One of the most difficult variables to predict accurately, yet one of the most important, is dry matter intake. We did both station- and farm-based experiments to assess the validity of using alkanes for intake predictions. The CNCPS originally was developed for use with cattle but, with the leadership of Italian scientists at the University of Sassari, a version of the model appropriate for sheep has been released. Also, a paper was published that reflects the effort of the entire team involved in the development of the CNCPS that presents all of the equations in the current release of the model. This paper will make it possible for others in the industry to adopt parts of the model
for their own purposes. In addition, we have collaborated with plant breeders with the goal of improving alfalfa varieties so that the improved forages more closely meet the requirements of dairy cattle. This effort has specifically involved selection for pectin, a component of the plant cell wall that primarily yields acetate when it is fermented in the rumen. As a result, acidosis in dairy cattle should be reduced. We have undertaken a second project to evaluate the ability of the model to predict nutrient excretion from cattle fed poor quality forages. By characterizing both the feed and the manure, our goal is to ensure that the CNCPS makes accurate predictions of the nutrients excreted. As part of this project, we are developing an NIRS calibration for manure samples. This effort is in its preliminary stages and no data are yet available.
Impacts
The goal of this project is to improve the predictions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein (CNCPS) system, a widely used computer model to predict animal performance including both milk production and growth and to predict nutrient excretion with an emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus. Refinement of this model has two primary benefits to the beef and dairy industries in both New York State, in the rest of the United States and internationally: 1) the ability to minimize adverse environmental impacts of these industries by fine-tuning ration formulation, and 2) reduction of feed expenses by avoiding costly safety factors in dietary recommendations. The CNCPS has been adopted as an important tool in New York State to develop recommendations of how farmers can ensure that their farms are in compliance with environmental regulations. We focus on characterization of feeds commonly fed to dairy animals.
Publications
- Cannas, A., Tedeschi, L.O., Fox, D.G., Pell, A.N., and Van Soest, P.J.. 2004. A mechanistic model for predicting the nutrient requirements and feed biological values for sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 82:149-169.
- Fox, D.G., Tedeschi, L.O., Tylutki, T.P., Russell, J.B., Van Amburgh, M.E., Chase, L.E., Pell, A.N., Overton, T.R.. 2004. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System for predicting herd nutrition and nutrient excretion. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 112: 29-78.
- Tecle, I.Y.,Viands, D.R., Hansen, J.L. and Pell, A.N. 2004. Progress from phenotypic selection for cell wall components in alfalfa. A.S.A. Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, October 31-November 4, 2004.
- Molina, D.O., Matamoros, I. and Pell, A.N. 2004. The accuracy of estimates of herbage intake of lactating cows using alkanes: Comparison of two types of capsules. 114:241-260.
- Molina, D.O., Matamoros, I., Almeida, Z., Tedeschi, L. and Pell, A.N. 2004. Evaluation of the DMI predictions of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System model with Holstein and dual-purpose lactating cattle in the tropics. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 114:261-278.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The goal of this project is to provide data for use in the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) to permit precision feeding of dairy cows to increase farm profitability and to decrease nutrient excretion without compromising milk production. We ran two studies, one on alfalfa management and the other on Brown Mid Rib (BMR) sorghum sudan grass. The data from each study were used in CNCPS simulations to predict animal responses to changes in forage quality. In the mowing management study, alfalfa plots were mowed into alternating narrow and wide swaths with four replicates per treatment. Four samples were taken of each forage: 1) at cutting, 2) when the forage from each treatment was 30% dry matter and 3) after ensiling in a narrow minisilo, and 4) after ensiling in a wide minisilo. The rates of digestion of the fiber fraction (B2 carbohydrate) of the samples that had not been ensiled were lower than those that had been ensiled except for the fresh
samples taken from the narrow swaths. The sugar contents from the feeds that had not been ensiled were higher than those of feeds that had been fermented. Soluble protein levels were higher in the fermented feeds. When starch and fiber levels among treatments were compared, the wide swath treatments had more starch and less fiber than those that were dried in narrow swaths. Simulations with the CNCPS showed that potential milk production was higher from forages dried in wide swaths than in narrow rows. Brown midrib sorghum sudan grass is a forage that has the potential to produce high quality forage in areas where growing corn silage is not possible. To realize this potential, understanding how to manage the grass to optimize the quality and quantity of forage produced is essential. In this study, forage was harvested at 11.8, 15.0, 18.1 and 21.3 cm. The digestion rates of the A+B1 fractions (starch, sugars, organic acids and digestible fiber) were similar but the neutral detergent
fiber rates differed among treatments (the shorter treatments had faster digestion rates). The crude protein contents of the three shorter treatments were significantly higher than that of the forage cut at 21.3 cm. Despite these differences, when simulations were run with the CNCPS, there were no differences in milk produced per ton of forage. Based on these results, yield rather than changes in forage quality should dictate when BMR sorghum is harvested.
Impacts
By fine tuning ration balancing for dairy cattle, it will be possible to improve farm profitability and to reduce nutrients excreted in manure that may cause environmental damage. The information collected through this research will be made available through the feed library of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System.
Publications
- Fox, D.G., L.O. Tedeschi, T.P. Tylutki, J.B. Russell, M.E. Van Amburgh, L.E. Chase, A.N. Pell, T.R. Overton. 2004. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System for predicting herd nutrition and nutrient excretion. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 112: 29-78.
- Arcuri, P.B., M.L. Thonney, P. Schofield and A.N. Pell. 2003. Polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone effects on bacterial rRNA extraction and hybridization from cells exposed to tannins. Brazilian Journal of Agricultural Research (Pesquisa Agropecuia Brasileira 38:1073-1081.
- Cannas, A, P.J. Van Soest, and A.N. Pell. 2003. Use of animal and dietary information to predict rumen turnover. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 106:95-117.
- Ruiz, R., L.O. Tedeschi, J.C. Marini, D.G. Fox, A.N. Pell, G. Jarvis, and J.B. Russell. 2003. The effect of a ruminal nitrogen deficiency in dairy cows: Evaluation of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System ruminal N deficiency adjustment. J. Dairy Sci. 85:2986-2999.
- T. Kilcer, P. Cerosalletti, P. Barney, A. Pell, D. Molina, Q. Ketterings, J. Cherney, S. Hadcock. 2003. Harvest Height Management of BMR Sorghum-Sudan Grass in the Northeast. Am. Soc. for Agronomy, NE Regional Meeting, June 29 - July 2, 2003, Burlington Vermont.
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