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Evaluation of phloxine B as a possible control agent against citrus thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

We evaluated the toxicity of phloxine B photoactive dye combined with a cane molasses bait against citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton). Laboratory bioassays conducted under artificial light showed that thrips mortality followed a log-dose probit-response model with an estimated LC50 of 0.0079% dye. Diluted cane molasses plus 0.01% phloxine B then was used as a standard for comparison of eight additional baits, including three formulations of concentrated citrus peel liquor (CCPL1-3). Citrus thrips mortality ranked highest to lowest with CCPL1 and CCPL3 > CCPL2, Mo-Bait and cane molasses > concentrated beet molasses, concentrated cane molasses, hemicellulose extract, and whey. Several commercial surfactants were tested to see if their addition to the standard increased efficacy. Hyper-Active, Kinetic, and Tween 60 at 1% and Cohort, Hyper-Active, Kinetic, and Silwet at 0.25% when added to the standard, reduced citrus thrips mortality, whereas Tween 60 and Dyne-Amic at 0.25% had no effect. Cane molasses with one or 5% phloxine B dye and CCPL1 with 1% dye were sprayed on citrus trees and allowed to weather in the field. Laboratory bioassays conducted after leaves had weathered for up to 8 d indicated that bait-dye toxicity was persistent. Possible use of the bait-dye mixture in commercial control of citrus thrips is discussed.

Animal Feed↗

Fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of ruminal contents and blood ensiled with untreated or sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straw.

Bovine ruminal contents and blood were ensiled with wheat straw, either untreated or treated with 4% NaOH (DM basis), with and without addition of 5% dry molasses. Proportions of ruminal contents, blood, and straw were 45:15:40, wet basis, respectively. Wheat straw also was ensiled alone, and water was added to attain 43% DM. After 60 d, all silages had a desirable aroma. The pH of the ensiled mixtures of ruminal contents, blood, and untreated straw was 4.43 and 4.56, with and without molasses, respectively. Values for silages containing treated straw, with and without molasses, were 5.95 and 7.37, respectively. All silages had substantial levels of lactic acid (2.4 to 4.9%, DM basis). Addition of molasses increased (P less than .01) lactic acid concentrations. In a metabolism trial, 36 wethers were fed a 50% orchardgrass hay basal diet alone or supplemented with ensiled materials (1:1 ratio, DM basis) such that final diets had about 7 and 4% of their DM from ruminal contents and blood, respectively. Among the diets containing the ensiled mixtures, digestibilities of DM, OM, energy, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were 6 to 20 percentage units higher (P less than .01) for silages containing treated vs untreated straw. Addition of molasses increased apparent digestibility only of CP and only in sheep fed ensiled mixtures with treated straw (interaction of straw treatment x molasses addition, P less than .05). Nitrogen balance was increased (P less than .05) from 1.6 g/d to 2.9 g/d by NaOH treatment of straw. Metabolizable energy was higher (P less than .05) for diets containing silages with NaOH-treated straw.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Screening of different adjuvants for wastewater/wastewater sludge-based Bacillus thuringiensis formulations.

Screening of different adjuvants, namely, suspending agents, phagostimulants, stickers, antimicrobial agents, and UV screens to develop aqueous biopesticidal suspensions of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) variety kurstaki HD-1 fermented broths, specifically, nonhydrolyzed sludge, hydrolyzed sludge, starch industry wastewater, and soya (commercial medium), were investigated. The selected suspending agents [20% (wt:vol)] included sorbitol, sodium monophosphate, and sodium metabisulfite with corresponding suspendibility of 74-92, 69-85, and 71-82%, respectively. Molasses [0.2% (wt:vol)] increased adherence by 84-90% for all fermented broths. The optimal phagostimulants [0.5% (wt:vol)], namely, soya and molasses, caused entomotoxicity increase of 3-13 and 7-13%, respectively. Sorbic and propionic acids showed high antimicrobial action [0.5% (wt:vol)], irrespective of fermentation medium. Sodium lignosulfonate, molasses, and Congo red, when used as UV screens [0.2% (wt:vol)], showed percent corresponding entomotoxicity losses of 3-5, 0.5-5 and 2-16, respectively. The Bt formulations, when exposed to UV radiation, showed higher half-lives (with and without UV screens) than the fermented broths or semisynthetic soya medium and commercial Bt formulation. UV screen-amended nonhydrolyzed, hydrolyzed, and starch industry wastewater formulations showed 1.3-1.5-fold higher half-lives than commercial Bt formulation. Thus, the recommended formulation comprises sorbitol, sodium monophosphate, sodium metabisulfite (suspending agents); molasses, soya flour (phagostimulants); molasses and skimmed milk powder (rainfasteners); sorbic and propionic acids (antimicrobial agents) and sodium lignosulfate; and molasses and Congo red (UV screens). These waste-based Bt formulations offer better UV resistance in comparison with commercial formulation.

Adhesives↗

[Effect of organic substances on the growth and cobalamin genesis of Achromobacter cobalamini].

Corn steep and molasses were shown to stimulate cobalaminogenesis in Achromobacter cobalamini. Their concentrations optimal for the culture growth and vitamin B12 synthesis were found. Corn steep at a concentration of 2% accelerated the growth. The biomass yield and the content of B12 were maximal after 48 h of fermentation. In the medium with molasses, the growth was stimulated at 1% of molasses, and the vitamin biosynthesis at 5%. When 5% of molasses was added into the mineral medium, the rate of biosynthesis increased by a factor of 5 to 7 as compared to the control. A 5% aqueous solution of molasses containing 1.1 g/l of potassium phosphates produced the same effect as an addition of molasses to the complete mineral medium.

Alcaligenes↗

Derepression of galactose metabolism in melibiase producing bakers' and distillers' yeast.

Beet molasses is widely used as a growth substrate for bakers' and distillers' yeast in the production of biomass and ethanol. Most commercial yeasts do not fully utilise the carbohydrates in molasses since they are incapable of hydrolysing the disaccharide melibiose to glucose and galactose. Also, expression of genes encoding enzymes for the utilisation of carbon sources that are alternatives to glucose is tightly regulated, sometimes rates of yeast growth and/or ethanol production. The GAL genes are regulated by specific induction by galactose and repression during growth on glucose. In an industrial distillers' yeast, two genes interacting synergistically in glucose repression of galactose utilization, MIG1 and GAL80, have been disrupted with MEL1, encoding melibiase. The physiology of the wild-type strain and the recombinant strains was investigated on mixtures of glucose and galactose and on molasses. The recombinant strain started to ferment galactose when 9.7 g 1(-1) glucose was still present during a batch fermentation, whereas the wild-type strain did not consume any galactose in the presence of glucose. The ethanol yield in the recombinant strain was 0.50 g ethanol g sugar (-1) in an ethanol fermentation on molasses, compared with 0.48 g ethanol g sugar (-1) for the wild-type strain. The increased ethanol yield was due to utilization of melibiose in the molasses.

Culture Media↗

Early weaning of calves using feedstuffs. A rationalization based on inhibition of lipolysis.

The ability of broll (a combination of the wheat-milling byproducts bran and pollard, i.e., a mixture of wheat bran, husk, and flour) and blackstrap molasses (an ingredient of calf feed) to inhibit calf pregastric lipase (CPGL)-catalyzed hydrolysis of tributyrylglycerol (TBG) has been studied in vitro. Lipolysis was measured at pH 6.5 and 37 degrees C (CPGL at 0.02 mg/mL) with stirring at 300 rpm. The broll soaked in Bis-Tris buffer (50 mM, pH 6.5) at 4 degrees C for either 24 h or 15 min, and then added to an emulsion containing TBG, before initiation of the reaction by addition of CPGL, exhibited 22% inhibitory effect. A solution of blackstrap molasses (50%, v/v) exhibited inhibitory effects of 50% in the absence and 45% in the presence of Bis-Tris buffer. The initial rate of lipolysis in the presence of the dialyzed molasses retentate (10%, v/v) increased a little, compared with the same amount of crude molasses, from a mean value of 69% to a mean value of 74%. The results have been discussed in terms of the chemical nature and composition of broll and molasses and their roles as components of feedstuffs used in development of the rumen in early weaning of calves.

Animal Feed↗

Enhancing the attenuation of explosives in surface soils at military facilities: combined sorption and biodegradation.

This research evaluated soil amendments designed to enhance the adsorption and biodegradation of explosives at military training facilities, thus minimizing their potential for transport to subsurface environments. Several carbon cosubstrates were tested in soil slurries for their ability to stimulate the biodegradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (royal demolition exposive [RDX]), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (high-melting explosive [HMX]) by indigenous soil microorganisms. Crude soybean oil and molasses stimulated mineralization of RDX (30-40%) and HMX (approximately 10%). The TNT was not significantly mineralized in any of the treatments, but high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated extensive transformation of TNT to amino-containing compounds. The biodegradation of explosives was then examined in unsaturated soil microcosms amended with crude soybean oil and molasses combined with sphagnum peat moss and sawdust. Minimal TNT mineralization was observed, and HMX mineralization was only observed with molasses addition. In contrast, RDX mineralization was extensive in microcosms amended with soybean oil or molasses. The presence of peat moss decreased soybean oil-stimulated RDX mineralization by approximately 5%, but resulted in about 5% greater RDX mineralization compared with molasses only. Sawdust markedly decreased mineralization regardless of cosubstrate type. Mass balance results indicated that the formation of bound residues likely was occurring, especially for TNT. These results indicate that the application of inexpensive adsorbents and cosubstrates to soils may significantly improve the protection of groundwater resources underlying live fire ranges.

Adsorption↗

Effect of calf weaning age and cow supplementation on cow productivity.

Five years of data were collected on 124 Brangus-type cows to evaluate weaning calves at 8.5 or 10.5 mo of age and winter supplementation of the brood cow with 2.25 kg of molasses daily. Cows with calves weaned at 10.5 mg of age gained 14 kg less weight (P less than .01) during the late nursing period than did cows from which calves were earlier weaned. Age of calf at weaning had no effect on cow reproduction, but calves weaned at 10.5 mo were 2 to 3 d younger (P less than .06) and 5.3 kg lighter (P less than .05) at 8.5 mo of age. During the last 2 mo of nursing, calves weaned at 10.5 mo of age gained 37.2 kg and had a 31.9-kg heavier weaning weight than calves weaned at 8.5 mo of age. Molasses supplementation resulted in differences (P less than .01) in cow weight changes. Cows fed molasses had calving percentages 5 to 7 units higher (P less than .30) than cows not fed molasses. Feeding cows molasses for 145 d throughout the calving and breeding season increased calf weaning weight 7.7 (P less than .02) and 11.2 (P less than .03) kg, respectively, at 8.5 and 10.5 mo of age over the nonsupplemented controls.

Age Factors↗

Contents and compositions of the aroma in "Wasanbon" sugar.

"Wasanbon" sugar is handmade sugar which has been manufactured traditionally in Japan by a unique refining procedure, and is used in the making of Japanese traditional confectionary. No reports have been published on the substances responsible for the unique aroma of "Wasabon" sugar. In this paper, the contents and compositions of the aroma in "Wasabon" sugar and refinery final molasses are reported as studied by column chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and sensory evaluation. The samples are the first press-off molasses ("Ara-mitsu" molasses) refinery final molasses, "Shiroshita" sugar (prerefined sugar) and "Wasabon" sugar. The summarized results are as follows: In the acidic fraction, the aroma of 3-phenylpropionic acid is similar to the stored aroma of "Wasabon" sugar, whereas the aroma of its methyl ester was not similar to that aroma. Although aroma contents of the weakly acidic fraction in "Wasabon" sugar and refinery final molasses are 8.5 to 8.7% of those of the acidic fraction, and their main components are cyclotene and maltol, which are formed by thermal degradation of sugar. These components show a higher preference than other weakly acidic fraction aromas, by a paired preference test. Cyclotene and maltol increased about 3.7 and 1.5 times, respectively, by the heating of "Shiroshita" sugar.

Candy↗

Biological activity of phenolic compounds. Hepatic cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, and NADPH cytochrome c reductase in chicks and rats fed phenolic monomers, polymers, and glycosides.

Eight experiments were conducted to determine effects of a phenolic polymer (Kraft wood lignin, Indulin), phenolic glycosides (cane molasses and wood molasses), and phenolic monomers (vanillin, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid) on liver cytochromes P-450, cytochrome b5, and NADPH cytochrome c reductase in chicks and rats. Chicks fed 6.0% lignin had a higher (P less than 0.01) cytochromes P-450 content than did chicks fed 0% fiber, 6.0% wood cellulose (Solka Floc), or 6.0% arenaceous flour. NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity was not affected by treatment. Chicks fed 12.0% wood molasses had a higher (P less than 0.06) cytochromes P-450 level than did chicks fed 0% fiber or 6.0% wood molasses. Cane molasses incorporated at both 6.0 and 12.0% of the diet induced (P less than 0.05) cytochromes P-450 content over those of control-fed birds. Chicks fed 6.0% lignin, with or without antibiotic (bacitracin:neomycin sulfate, 2:1), had a higher (P less than 0.01) cytochromes P-450 level than did chicks fed control diets, with or without antibiotic. Additionally, chicks fed 6.0% lignin had lower (P less than 0.01) intestinal diaminopimelic acid (DAP) levels than did chicks fed 0% fiber. Rats fed 0% fiber, 6.0% wood cellulose, 6.0% arenaceous flour, or 6.0% lignin exhibited no difference in cytochrome level or activity among treatments. Chicks fed 0.5% vanillin, 0.5% vanillic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, or 0.5% p-coumaric acid had comparable cytochromes level and activity compared with chicks fed no phenolics. Chicks fed 0.5% p-coumaric acid had lower (P less than 0.05) rates of gain than did chicks fed control or other phenolic-containing diets. Rats fed these phenolics had similar cytochromes P-450 content among treatments.

Age Factors↗

[Chemical composition of earthworm (Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus) silages].

Earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus) were ensiled with ground sorghum and molasses in the following proportions: 1) 60% earthworms, 40% sorghum; 2) 60% earthworms, 40% sorghum, adjusting pH to 4.0 with HCl; 3) 60% earthworms, 20% sorghum, 20% molasses; 4) 60% earthworms, 20% sorghum, 20% molasses, adjusting pH to 4.0 with HCl. These mixtures were allowed to ferment for 15 days at 18 degrees C. pH, proximate chemical analyses, digestible protein, true protein, ammonia nitrogen, acetic, propionic and butyric acid, lactic acid and gross energy were analyzed in the ensiled mixtures. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and orthogonal contrasts. No differences (P > 0.0001) were found in the percentage of moisture, ether extract, crude fiber and crude protein (52.22, 2.96, 1.15, 22.00, 51.76, 3.48, 1.28, 20.17; 53.89, 3.23, 0.95, 20.63; 54.87, 2.99, 1.03, 21.14, for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Neither there was any difference (P > 0.0001) for true protein and gross energy (7.57, 4.37; 6.92, 4.41; 5.45, 4.37; 6.38, 4.30, for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Ash content (P < 0.0001) and nitrogen free extract (p < 0.02) were different between treatments with sorghum and treatments with sorghum and molasses (3.80, 70.09; 3.60, 71.47; 6.08, 69.11; 6.63, 68.21, for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Digestible protein was also different (P < 0.01) for treatment 1 (96.78) than 2 (94.34). pH values were lower (P < 0.03) for treatment 2 (3.80) and 4 (3.76), where HCl was added than for 1 (4.06) and 3 (4.16). Ammonia nitrogen values were very low for all treatments. Lactic:acetic acid ratio was large for all treatments (7.55, 14.83, 8.30, 7.63 for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). It is concluded that it is possible to preserve the earthworms E. fetida and L. rubellus by ensiling, adding a source of carbohydrates, such as sorghum or molasses. Not being necessary the addition of acids to have an adequate fermentation.

Animals↗

A low-cost medium for mannitol production by Lactobacillus intermedius NRRL B-3693.

The production of mannitol by Lactobacillus intermedius NNRL B-3693 using molasses as an inexpensive carbon source was evaluated. The bacterium produced mannitol (104 g/l) from molasses and fructose syrups (1:1; total sugars, 150 g/l; fructose:glucose 4:1) in 16 h. Several kinds of inexpensive organic and inorganic nitrogen sources and corn steep liquor were evaluated for their potential to replace more expensive nitrogen sources derived from Bacto-peptone and yeast extract. Soy peptone D (5 g/l) and corn steep liquor (50 g/l) were found to be suitable substitutes for Bacto-peptone (5 g/l) and Bacto-yeast extract (5 g/l), respectively. The bacterium produced 105 g mannitol per liter from the molasses and fructose syrup (1:1, total sugars 150 g/l; fructose:glucose 4:1) in 22 h using a combination of soy peptone D (5 g/l) and corn steep liquor (50 g/l). This is the first report on the production of mannitol by fermentation using molasses and corn steep liquor.

Bioreactors↗

Effect of high-cell-density fermentation of Candida utilis on kinetic parameters and the shift to respiro-fermentative metabolism.

Candida utilis NRRLY-900 was grown in a high-cell-density continuous culture without oxygen limitation. Glucose or molasses was used as carbon source at 30 g l(-1) or 100 g (reducing sugars) l(-1). At 30 g glucose l(-1), the dilution rate (D) immediately before the change in respiratory metabolism (Dr) was approximately 0.40 h(-1). At this value of D, the corresponding culture in molasses did not reach the Dr value. When the reducing sugar concentration in the feed was 100 g l(-1), the Dr was 0.15 h(-1) for glucose and 0.3 h(-1) for molasses. When D>Dr, accumulation of ethanol and organic acids occurred, due to physiological changes in C. utilis. The changes observed were a decrease in the biomass yield coefficient per gram of oxygen consumed (YO2) and a sudden increase in the specific oxygen consumption rate (qO2) for each substrate. Therefore, at growth rates above Dr in a high-cell-density culture, C. utilis acquired a flexible catabolism directed towards alternative fermentation routes. The D at which metabolic changes took place seemed to depend on the nature and concentration of the carbon source. Biomass productivity was higher with molasses than with glucose when the fermenter was operated at high D values.

Acetic Acid↗

Influence of media composition on the production of delta-endotoxin by Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis.

Powders of edible leguminous seeds, greengram (Vigna radiata) or soybean (Glycine max), were used as the major protein source with different combinations of soluble starch and/or cane sugar molasses as the major carbohydrate source for the production of delta-endotoxin by Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis serotype 1 in submerged fermentation. The primary product (lyophilized with 6 g of lactose) yield was 8.7 to 9.1 g/liter from media with dehusked greengram powder and 9.7 to 10.3 g/liter from media with defatted soybean powder in basal medium. The toxicity of primary products was assayed against fifth-instar Bombyx mori larvae by force-feeding. The primary product from the medium containing defatted soybean powder and soluble starch gave a maximum viable spore count of 91.3 x 10(6)/mg, with a corresponding potency of 35,800 IU/mg, whereas the medium containing dehusked greengram powder and cane sugar molasses gave a spore count of 49.5 x 10(6)/mg, with a highest potency of 38,300 IU/mg. Either legume protein in combination with cane sugar molasses yielded primary product 2.1 to 2.4 times more potent than the U.S. standard. The combined carbohydrate source consisting of soluble starch and cane sugar molasses, irrespective of the source of protein in the media, drastically reduced delta-endotoxin production, thereby reducing the potency of the primary products compared to the U.S. standard.

Animals↗

Column experiments to assess the effects of electron donors on the efficiency of in situ precipitation of Zn, Cd, Co and Ni in contaminated groundwater applying the biological sulfate removal technology.

BACKGROUND, AIMS AND SCOPE: In a previous study, we explored the use of acetate, lactate, molasses, Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC, which is based on a biodegradable poly-lactate ester), methanol and ethanol as carbon source and electron donor to promote bacterial sulfate reduction in batch experiments, this with regards to applying an in situ metal precipitation (ISMP) process as a remediation tool to treat heavy metal contaminated groundwater at the site of a nonferrous metal work company. Based on the results of these batch tests, column experiments were conducted with lactate, molasses and HRCI as the next step in our preliminary study for a go-no go decision for dimensioning an on site application of the ISMP process that applies the activity of the endogenous population of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Special attention was given to the sustainability of the metal precipitation process under circumstances of changing chemical oxygen demand (COD) to [SO4(2-)] ratios or disrupted substrate supply. METHODS: To optimize the ISMP process, an insight is needed in the composition and activity of the indigenous SRB community, as well as information on the way its composition and activity are affected by process conditions such as the added type of C-source/ electron donor, or the presence of other prokaryotes (e.g. fermenting bacteria, methane producing Archaea, acetogens). Therefore, the biological sulfate reduction process in the column experiments was evaluated by combining classical analytical methods [measuring heavy metal concentration, SO4(2-)-concentration, pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC)] with molecular methods [denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting and phylogenetic sequence analysis] based on either the 16S rRNA-gene or the dsr (dissimilatory sulfite reductase) gene, the latter being a specific biomarker for SRB. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All carbon sources tested promoted SRB activity, which resulted within 8 weeks in a drastic reduction of the sulfate and heavy metal contents in the column effluents. However, unexpected temporal decreases in the efficiency of the ISMP process, accompanied by the release of precipitated metals, were observed for most conditions tested. The most dramatic observation of the failing ISMP process was observed within 12 weeks for the molasses amended column. Subsequent lowering the COD/ SO4(2-) ratio from 1.9 to 0.4 did not alter the outcome of sulfate reduction and metal precipitation efficiency in this set-up. Remarkably, after 6 months of inactivity, bacterial sulfate reduction was recovered in the molasses set up when the original COD/ SO4(2-) ratio of 1.9 was applied again. Intentional disruption of the lactate and HRC supplies resulted in an immediate stagnation of the ISMP processes and in a rapid release of precipitated metals into the column effluents. However, the ISMP process could be restored after substrate amendment. 16S rDNA-based DGGE analysis revealed that the SRB population, in accordance with the results of the previously performed batch experiments, consisted exclusively of members of the genus Desulfosporosinus. The community of Archaea was characterized by sequencing amplicons of archaeal and methanogen-specific PCR reactions. This approach only revealed the presence of non-thermophilic Crenarchaeota, a novel group of organisms which is only distantly related to methane producing Euryarchaeota. DGGE on the dsrB genes was successfully used to link the results of the ISMP process to the community composition of the sulfate reducing bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of an intentional disruption of substrate supply, the ISMP process failed most likely because the growth and activity of the indigenous SRB community stopped due to a lack of a carbon and electron donor. On the other hand, the cause of the sudden temporal shortcomings of the ISMP process in the presence of different substrates was not immediately clear. It was first thought to be the result of competition between methanogenic prokaryotes (MP) and sulfate reducers, since the formation of small amounts of CH4 (0.01-0.03 ppm ml(-1) was detected. However, the results of molecular analyzes indicate that methanogens do not constitute a major fraction of the microbial communities that were enriched in the column experiments. Therefore, we postulate that the SRB population becomes inhibited by the formed metal sulfides. RECOMMENDATION AND PERSPECTIVE: Our results indicate that the ISMP process is highly dependent on SRB-stimulation by substrate amendments and suggest that this remedial approach might not be viable for long-term application unless substrate amendments are continued and environmental conditions are strictly controlled. This will include the removal of affected aquifer material from the metal precipitation zone at the end of the remediation process, or removal of metal precipitates when the microbial activity decreases. Additional tests are necessary to investigate what will happen when clear groundwater passes through the reactive zone while no more C-sources are amended and all indigenous carbon is consumed. Also, the effects of dramatic increases in sulfate- or HM-concentrations on the SRB-community and the concomitant ISMP process need to be studied in more detail.

Bacteria↗

Feeding value of dried sugar beet pulp from Egyptian production.

Dried sugar beet pulp was fed to sheep in mixture with molasses (BPM), molasses plus urea (BPMU) or with hay (BPH) in comparison to whole diet of hay (H) in four metabolic trials. There were no significant differences among the four rations although BPMU reflected the highest digestibility of nutrients. The BPH had the highest feeding value (total digestible nutrients "TDN" and metabolizable energy) and caused the highest retention of nitrogen. Blood profile revealed that there were no significant effect of the rations on packed cell volume, haemoglobin, activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, Mg and Na. Whereas glucose, total N, Ca, P and K significantly affected. The BPMU and BPH were found to be the best mixtures of the four tested rations in respect to the digestibility, feeding value and blood picture. Thus, dried sugar beet pulp could be offered to animals in a mixture with molasses and urea or with hay according to the availability and price of the other ingredients than beet pulp, i.e. molasses and urea or hay.

Animal Feed↗

Effect of finishing diets on Escherichia coli populations and prevalence of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli virulence genes in cattle faeces.

AIM: To determine the effect of different carbohydrate-based finishing diets on fermentation characteristics and the shedding of Escherichia coli and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) virulence genes in cattle faeces. METHODS AND RESULTS: The size of faecal E. coli populations and fermentation characteristics were ascertained in three experiments where cattle were maintained on a range of finishing diets including high grain, roughage, and roughage + molasses (50%) diets. Increased E. coli numbers, decreased pH and enhanced butyrate and lactate fermentation pathways were associated with grain diets, whereas roughage and roughage + molasses diets resulted in decreased concentrations of ehxA, eaeA and stx(1) genes, this trend remaining at lairage. In one experiment, faecal E. coli numbers were significantly lower in animals fed roughage and roughage + molasses, than animals fed grain (4.5, 5.2 and 6.3 mean log10 g(-1) digesta respectively). In a second experiment, faecal E. coli numbers were 2 log lower in the roughage and roughage + molasses diets compared with grain-fed animals prior to lairage (5.6, 5.5 and 7.9 mean log10 g(-1) digesta respectively) this difference increasing to 2.5 log at lairage. CONCLUSIONS: The type of dietary carbohydrate has a significant effect on E. coli numbers and concentration of EHEC virulence genes in faeces of cattle. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study provides a better understanding of the impact finishing diet and commercial lairage management practices may have on the shedding of E. coli and EHEC virulence factors, thus reducing the risk of carcass contamination by EHEC.

Animal Feed↗

The effect of carbohydrate source on nitrogen capture in dairy cows on pasture.

The objective of this study was to determine if feeding carbohydrate supplements with faster degradation rates than corn to dairy cows grazing ryegrass would improve nitrogen capture, milk production, and components. Treatments were grain supplements based on: 1) corn (CORN), 2) barley and molasses (BM), or 3) citrus pulp and molasses (CM). For BM and CM, the diet composition was the same as that of CORN except that a portion of the corn was replaced with barley and molasses or citrus pulp and molasses, respectively, on a dry matter basis. Cows grazed ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture. Yield of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, and milk fat, as well as milk fat percentage, were not different among treatments. True milk protein percentage was higher for CORN (2.81%) compared with CM (2.70%), but was not different for BM (2.77%). However, true milk protein yield was not different among treatments. Milk urea N was higher for BM (11.43 mg/dL) compared with both CORN and CM (average: 9.95 mg/dL). There were no differences among CORN, BM, and CM treatments for overall BUN (average: 10.60 mg/dL). At 0400 h, however, cows on CORN had higher BUN than cows on CM (11.43 vs. 9.96 mg/dL), but there were no differences between CORN and BM (average: 11.21 mg/dL) or BM and CM (average: 10.48 mg/dL), and there were no differences among treatments at other time points. The CM diet might have shown more advantage if the pasture crude protein content was higher. Partial replacement of corn with citrus pulp for grazing cows should be further studied using pasture with higher crude protein content. Although cows receiving CM and BM did not produce more milk than cows on CORN, if barley or citrus pulp is less expensive than corn, they may be viable replacements for a portion of the corn supplement for grazing cows.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗