Can dietary fermented total mixed ration additives biological and chemical improve digestibility, performance, and rumen fermentation in ruminants?
The quantity and quality of animal feed are important factors for efficient and profitable animal farming. Feed ingredients and supplementation with high-density energy and nitrogen would be potentially useful on the farm. The new approach to feeding has shifted from animal-based diets to more readily fermentable feedstuffs in ruminants to meet the increased production of high-yielding animals. These methods encourage the use of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). An advantage of feeding FTMR as opposed to total mixed ration (TMR) is the opportunity for a development alternative to efficiently handle ruminant diets. FTMR is a method to promote progressive nutrient utilization, extend the preservation of feed by preventing spoilage, and reduce anti-nutritive substances in feeds. Ruminal protein and starch degradability were increased due to proteolysis during storage by ruminants fed ensiled rations. The results found that FTMR can reduce the pH level and increase the lactic acid content of ensiled materials, which results in better quality feed and longer storage times. In addition, it can increase dry matter intake, growth rate, and milk production when compared with TMR. It was shown that the use of FTMR diet was effective for animal production. However, FTMR was rapidly spoiled when exposed to air or feed-out, particularly in hot and humid climates, resulting in a decrease in lactic acid concentration, an increase in pH, and the loss of nutrients. Thus, the appropriate method for enhancing the quality of FTMR should be considered.
Keywords: Ruminant; fermented total mixed ration; feed utilization efficiency; rumen fermentation; ruminant production
Introduction
Total mixed rations (TMR) may have started in the 1950s.[1] By combining roughage and concentrate of varying nutritional densities, TMR is a feeding approach for cows that can meet both maintenance and production requirements. Many nutritional aspects of feeding TMR evade eating selection and enhance rumen fermentation. Compared to separate feeding of diet components, TMR feeding improves feed intake, rumen ecology, stimulates microbial activity to be digested, and then increases ruminants' production.[1] However, because TMR are highly deteriorative feedstuffs, they need to be prepared near the time of use. This rapid deterioration restricts its use on some farms due to a labor shortage. Thus, fermented total mixed ration, also known as FTMR, is an opportunity that may be employed in the process of feeding ruminants. FTMR has the potential to improve TMR in terms of its agronomic qualities, offers high concentrations of nutrients, and ensiles very effectively.[2] They reduce the loss of nutrients from harvesting through storage. It simplifies feeding and, in many cases, allows for more efficient and quick mixing and handling of farm feed than would otherwise be possible.[3] FTMR is a potential solution for adjusting during the rainy season, with benefits, such as seasonally flexible privatization. In addition, FTMR provided a steady supply of homogenous feed for ruminant farms and a high level of aerobic stability.[4] Measuring the chemical composition and physical properties of FTMR are critical to determining the proper ration formulation and troubleshooting its quality.
A distinctive feature of FTMR is the change in nutritional value due to the production of smaller metabolites during various fermentation periods.[5] When compared to TMR, ruminants fed FTMR had improved apparent digestibility of nutrients, dry matter intake, and ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N).[6] Ruminants' eating behavior and intake are influenced by the amount and fermentability of silage's fiber, starch, and protein, as well as by the end products of fermentation.[7] The physical and social environment in which the forage is fed will also have a modulating effect on the feeding and productive response of the cow. Dairy cows fed FTMR can improve feed intake and nutrient digestion.[8] According to Vasupen et al.,[9] reported FTMR increased the digestibility of fiber, non-structural carbohydrates, dry matter (DM), and organic matter (OM). The purpose of this work was to review recent research on the effects of FTMR vs. TMR on silage quality and nutritional value, as well as rumen fermentation and ruminant production.
Total mixed ration
TMR was first used in the early 1950s and has since become the dominant feeding system used worldwide.[1] The TMR feeding system results in the construction of a mixed machine as well as other feeding-related aspects. The length of time spent mixing and the sequence in which ingredients are added to the mixer both contribute to the blending of the ingredients. In general, it was advised to add low-density components with long particle lengths first, followed by high-density grains and minerals with small particle sizes.[10]
TMR feeding has various advantages, one of which is the ability to reduce feed costs due to the small number of byproducts it generates for the diet.[1] Reportedly, feeding animals roughage and concentrates separately results in lower slaughter performance and lower meat quality than TMR methods.[11] TMR use is restricted in some farms due to a lack of personnel because it requires fresh preparation before each use and is associated with a high level of aerobic degradation.[12] The TMR diet is amenable to quantitative formulation for the purpose of feeding animals. In addition, the animals are not permitted to choose their own meals, ensuring that each bit of their diet is consistent, recognizable, and comprehensive nutritionally.[13] However, if the TMR is not correctly mixed and fed, animal performance may be reduced by undersupplying critical nutrients, dry forages, such as hay or straw may not mix well in some TMR mixers and short time to storage. Shelf-life feed has an effect on moisture changes in forages or high-moisture feed ingredients. Regular monitoring of feed moisture is essential to a successful TMR system. Therefore, alternative feed processing methods, such as preservation feed, should be implemented. In which the fermentation process can increase digestibility and preservation. To solve the TMR problem, FTMR is a practical way to improve the digestibility of ruminant feed, which improves aerobic stability and lessens anaerobic fermentation's deterioration of nutrients.[14] According to Jiang et al.,[15] feeding animals on FTMR enhances their growth performance, carcass qualities, and meat quality. Furthermore, FTMR enhances digestion and lowers ruminal methane emissions.[16]
Fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) feeding
Over the course of the past few years, research into the advantages that FTMR cow feeding provides over TMR has become more widespread. It is possible that an FTMR will improve feed intake, encourage the use of low-cost alternative feed substitutes, make it possible to exert more control over the forage concentrate ratio, reduce the number of cases of digestive and metabolic disorders, and reduce the amount of labor needed to feed animals.[1] FTMR is an appropriate type of animal feed, especially when it is a by-product of low-moisture agriculture. The FTMR is the fundamental process of maintaining nutrients, extending preservation, and reducing antinutritive substances in animal feed.[17] Four steps of fermentation are typically accomplished within 2–3 weeks following ensiling to convert TMR to fermented FTMR (Fig. 1). If faulty silage production procedures result in unwanted or irregular silage fermentation, a fifth phase may emerge.[18] FTMR diet is intended to allow each animal to consume the necessary amount of nutrients. The dietary process known as FTMR consists of including high-quality forages, a ratio of grains to proteins, vitamins, and minerals in a feed ration that is administered under anaerobic conditions. Particle size, moisture content, mixing method, and ensiling time are all factors to consider while using FTMR feeding. Each of these elements necessitated investigation, trial, and error, with many of the results published in the extension type or manufacturer's publication.
PHOTO (COLOR): Figure 1. The stoichiometry of the ensilage process. Source: Ishler et al.[18]
The ensiling time of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR)
By-products from the food and beverage industries have been used as animal feed, and ensiling has been employed to preserve moisture in preparation for further feeding. In addition, the production of acetic and butyric acid may increase, especially during the long period of storage,[18] and spoilage might occur when by-products come into contact with the air after opening the silo. The stability of the silage was achieved even with a large amount of yeast (106 cfu/g) at silo opening,[4] despite the fact that silage with more than 105 cfu/g of yeast tends to deteriorate when it is airborne.[19] Furthermore, the stability is improved by prolonging the period because the amount of yeast that decreases below the detected level (i.e., <102 cfu/g) in TMR fermentation is stored for a long time.[4] From stable air fermentation, it was isolated Lactobacillus buchneri, an important strain among lactic acid bacteria. In previous reports, it was reported that hay had a significant effect on the fermentation and aerobic stability of FTMR stored in the short term (Table 1).[12]
Table 1. Effects of ensiling times of the fermented total mixed ration.
| Ensiling time | Effects | References |
| 7 days | Cattle fed FTMR containing fresh cassava root can increased microbial protein synthesis, efficiency of digestibility, and concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, propionic acid, and improve blood thiocyanate. | Supapong et al.20 |
| 21 days | Performance of animals was increased when fed the quality of TMR for long-time storage without negative affect | Wongnen et al.17 |
| 56 days | Unfermented TMR when exposed to air deteriorates rapidly. Which results in the loss of high nutritional components and greatly reduce the DM digestibility. | Hao et al.21 |
| 60 days | FTMR improved fermentation quality and nutrient digestibility, milk fat concentration, decreased fecal N excretion and feed cost | Zhang et al.6 |
| 60 days | Sheep fed FTMR can increases digestibility. In addition, methane emissions were decreases and results in a lower loss of energy as methane | Cao et al.16 |
| 0–60 days | Effects of various ensiling days on nutritive values showed stable crude protein and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) contents. The concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and NH3–N were increased following all FTMR treatments after 15 day, while the concentration of water soluble carbohydrates was decreased. | Yang et al.4 |
1 TMR: total mixed ration; FTMR: fermented total mixed ration.
Moreover, the concentration of butyric acid, an undesirable clostridial fermentation product, could generate a loss in DM and a reduction in feed intake. The high moisture content of the FTMR is ∼60% which could have delayed modifications of the NH3–N, acetic acid, and propionic acid contents until day 15 of ensiling. FTMR with a high DM content of 50–60% was maintained outdoors for more than 4 months with a pH of 4.3 and minimal dry matter loss during the summer.[22]
Nutrient of FTMR compared TMR
The nutrients of FTMR in anaerobic conditions depend on the fermentation of soluble carbohydrates, feed particle size, moisture content, etc. Silage results in a wide range of final products, forage crops are eventually preserved as silage. The assessment of pH and the quantification of organic acid and ethanol generation are the most important factors for determining the quality of silage.[3] When the rumen is supplied with a consistent amount of nutrients throughout the day, there should be a more uniform ruminal environment for microbial growth.[23] If, on the other hand, the feeding environment promotes fast eating rates or selective feeding, large diurnal fluctuations in acid production may occur, leading to subacute rumen acidosis related issues.[22] FTMR enhances lactate metabolism, which is particularly important when fermented feed containing lactate-producing inoculum is offered to cows.
Nkosi and Meeske[24] examined both maize (320 g DM/kg) and potato hash (as fed basis) ensiled for 90 days in 210 L drums for lamb growth and digestibility. Treatments were ensiled with L. buchneri, containing 3 × 105 CFU/g was mixed in water (1 g in 200 ml) and sprayed over 100 kg of TMR. In comparison to the control group, L. buchneri inoculation lowered (p < 0.05) pH, butyric acid, NH3-N, fiber fractions, CO2 production, and yeast population while increasing (p < 0.05) concentrations of lactic, acetic, and propionic acids. Han et al.[25] conducted a study on the survival of silage-derived lactic acid bacteria in dairy cows' guts. The lactic acid content (5.49–5.95% of DM) was similar in all of the silage samples examined (Table 2).[28] The gut lactic acid bacteria community is durable and unaffected by the silage conditions; several lactic acid bacteria species can populate both silage and feces. This indicates the potential of using silage as a transport vehicle for probiotics.
Table 2. Comparison of chemical quality between total mixed ration (TMR) and fermented total mixed ration (FTMR).
| Treatments | p-Value | References |
| TMR | FTMR |
| Nutrient composition |
| Dry matter (% DM) | 30.0 | 35.4 | 0.61 | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| 47.5 | 54.5 | | Han et al.25 |
| 68.8 | 44.5 | – | Cao et al.16 |
| 52.1 | 53.4 | | Vasupen et al.9 |
| 47.5 | 46.1 | | Zhang et al.6 |
| 58.7 | 60.0 | | Yang et al.4 |
| Fermentation profile |
| pH | 5.24 ± 0.2 | 3.97 ± 0.1 | – | Cao et al.16 |
| 4.1 | 3.9 | 0.004 | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| 4.49 | 4.07 | – | Han et al.25 |
| 6.5 | 6.1 | 0.02 | Supapong and Cherdthong26 |
| 4.25 | 4.14 | 0.01 | Dai et al.27 |
| Lactic acid (g/kg DM) | 5.5 ± 1.5 | 73.4 ± 4.6 | | Cao et al.16 |
| 80.3 | 95.7 | 0.003 | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| 54.9 | 59.5 | – | Han et al.25 |
| 54.7 | 62.4 | 0.004 | Xu et al.28 |
| 6.2 | 84.8 | | Zhang et al.6 |
| 43.7 | 47.0 | 0.01 | Dai et al.27 |
| NH3-N (g/kg total nitrogen.) | 26.3 ± 3.1 | 54.3 ± 3.7 | – | Cao et al.16 |
| 83.6 | 60.8 | – | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| 46.9 | 27.6 | 0.001 | Xu et al.28 |
| 21.4 | 21.5 | 0.95 | Supapong and Cherdthong29 |
| 25.6 | 52.8 | | Zhang et al.6 |
2 TMR: total mixed ration; FTMR: fermented total mixed ration; NH3-N: ammonia nitrogen; DM: dry matter.
Cao et al.[16] evaluated the effects of TMR and FTMR on Suffolk sheep after FTMR was added to Lactobacillus plantarum, and discovered that the amounts of lactic acid in each were 5.5 and 73.4 g/kg, respectively (Table 1). The FTMR had higher quantities of digestible crude protein (CP) and digestible energy than the control TMR, as well as higher apparent digestibilities of CP, ether extract (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and gross energy (GE). The fermentation process and nutrient loss are responsible for the majority of losses in low-DM silages.[30] In addition, after feed fermentation, there were increases in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lactic acid, acetic acid, and NH3-N (p < 0.05). Moreover, FTMR decreased daily methane emissions and energy used to produce methane (p < 0.01). These results show that FTMR, compared to non-fermented TMR, increases digestibility and decreases ruminal methane emissions and energy loss. Additionally, the findings suggest that the rumen's ability to convert lactic acid into propionic acid may be aided by the FTMR's depression of methane release.[31] Similarly, Shioya[32] reported that FTMR had a lower pH and higher lactic acid, acetic acid and reduced butyric acid compared to the TMR. The purpose of inoculating lactic acid bacteria is to make a dominant population of microorganisms of ensiling material and promote lactic acid fermentation for restraining the generation of undesired microbes.[33] Lactic acid bacteria produce sufficient lactic acid and decrease pH below 4.2 during ensiling, which has been widely applied in forage and TMR silage.[2],[29] Furthermore, after fermentation for 56 days, Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus acidilactici were found to be dominant in FTMR, while no dominant bacteria were found in fresh TMR.[4]
Moisture content
Moisture levels above 55% in diets may be advantageous for a variety of reasons. Ingredient separation in full diets may be avoided or minimized with adequate hydration. Diets high in moisture would permit the liberal use of liquid substances and wet by-products. Due to their ease of preservation, lower harvest losses, and higher quality, silages or high-moisture grains may be preferred over drier feeds. Increased moisture contents may improve texture, which may make food more palatable, or they may mute off-putting flavors.[34] High-moisture content in dairy cattle diets, on the other hand, has a number of drawbacks and may impede cattle from producing and consuming to their full potential. The amount of moisture in the diet has an effect on dry matter intake and the compatibility of ingredients. Because of gut fill constraints, a diet with <45% DM may limit dry matter intake.[35]
According to previous research[36] and industry surveys, giving some of the liquid as sugars, such as molasses was more effective than water in reducing feed sorting. Hao et al.[21] reported that no changes in chemical composition were observed in the parts of CP, soluble carbohydrates, and NDF in FTMR containing different moisture levels (40, 45, or 50% as fed) after ensiling for 56 days. Additionally, as the degree of moisture grew, the quantities of fermentation by-products, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, and NH3-N increased.[37] All FTMR remained aerobically stable for more than 21 days after feedout, regardless of moisture content. In recent years, researchers have identified that the best DM content of silage should be more than 45 and <60% DM.[4],[6],[38] To maintain nutritionally balanced diets, it is critical to consistently check the DM content of moist dietary components and change the amounts of ingredients fed on a DM basis as needed.[39] To evaluate diets with different moisture contents, feed consumption is typically expressed as dry matter intake. It also makes it easier to incorporate commodity by-products into the diet and make formulation changes without significantly affecting animal consumption.[40]
Fermentation and feed consumption
Nkosi and Meeske's[24] revealed that South African dorper lambs feeding FTMR inoculant L. buchneri for 3 months increased feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention (p < 0.05) and final body weights compared to those fed the other silages. Higher DM and CP concentrations in clover silage, which increase ruminant dry matter intake and growth rates, may be responsible for this issue.[41] Broderick et al.[39] investigated FTMR inoculants with L. buchneri and L. plantarum at 5 mg/kg was increasing dry matter intake of dairy cow (Table 3). This corresponds to the study of Shioya[32] who revealed an improvement in dry matter intake (DMI) in ruminants, lambs, and cows fed FTMR[16],[43] (Table 3). FTMR improvement in NDF may result in high digestion of CP, EE, and GE. Supapong et al.[20] also reported that FTMR moisture is 45% supplemented with 2.0% sulfur in a beef cattle diet increases DM digestibility by 4.2% when compared to the control group.
Table 3. Effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on dry matter intake.
| | Treatments | SEM | p-Value | References |
| DMI (kg/d) | Animal | TMR | FTMR |
| Lamb | 0.72 | 1.32 | 5.04 | 0.001 | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| Lamb | 1.19 | 1.32 | 0.04 | 0.38 | Yusuf et al.42 |
| Sheep | 2.54 | 2.52 | 16.3 | 0.486 | Xu et al.28 |
| Cattle | 6.6 | 7.0 | 0.38 | 0.39 | Supapong et al.20 |
| Cows | 12.3 | 15.5 | 5.10 | 0.35 | Supapong and Cherdthong26 |
| Cows | 25.40 | 26.70 | 0.57 | 0.01 | Broderick et al.43 |
3 DMI: dry matter intake; TMR: total mixed ration; FTMR: fermented total mixed ration; SEM: standard error of mean.
Digestibility and rumen fermentation
The fiber properties of silages, including their quantity, size, and digestibility, influence ruminal fill, chewing, dry matter intake, and sorting behavior. Some silage sources also contain a high fraction of starch, which has the ability to significantly affect feed intake and meal patterns. The quantity of starch varies according to the hybrid, growth conditions, and harvesting time. Starch digestibility in silage is influenced by harvest maturity, processing method, and duration of silage fermentation, among other variables.
Cao et al.[16] found that whole crop rice FTMR had higher contents of CP on improve quality, digestibility, and preference in sheep. Diets high in CP increase the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in ruminal fluid. Russell and Wallace[44] reported that when the rumen content with lactic acid could promote Megasphaera elsdenii, Selenomonas ruminantium, and Veillonella parvula can increase propionate concentration in the rumen. As electrons are necessary for the creation of propionate, this could limit methanogenesis. Although hydrogen is used by microorganisms in the rumen to convert lactic acid to propionic acid,[24] the amount of hydrogen in the rumen will decrease, inhibiting the conversion of H2 and CO2 to CH4. Supapong and Cherdthong[26] reported that total VFA increased after feeding FTMR for 2 and 4 h, respectively. Since the concentration of non-fiber carbohydrate feed or effective fiber is provided after the non-fiber carbohydrate feed. In addition, microbe may turn FTMR into propionic acid, causing the A/P ratio and ruminal pH in cows to decrease[13],[45] (Table 4). The rumen may use hydrogen from the fermentation reaction to impact the concentration of NH3-N and further increase the amount of propionic acid.[46] Lactic acid from either the FTMR or rumen bacterial fermentation. Following digesting tests with cows, Miron et al.[47] development of a TMR ensiling that can adequately preserve the freshly harvested forage for several months until feeding is essential for any new forage used in feeding for lactating cows, reduce nutrient loss during preparation, and result in a highly digestible TMR ensiled product.
Table 4. Effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on volatile fatty acid (VFA).
| Animals | Treatments | SEM | p-Value | References |
| TMR | FTMR |
| Total VFA (mM) | Sheep | 88.4 | 127.2 | 7.9 | 0.01 | Cao et al.15 |
| Cattle | 105.8 | 110.3 | 0.79 | 0.01 | Supapong et al.20 |
| Cows | 108.1 | 129.4 | 1.21 | 0.01 | Supapong and Cherdthong26 |
| Acetic acid (mmol/mol) | Sheep | 531.7 | 546.1 | 24.6 | 0.69 | Cao et al.16 |
| Cattle | 66.6 | 66.3 | 0.47 | 0.10 | Supapong et al.20 |
| Cows | 34.95 | 59.51 | 1.29 | 0.01 | Meenongyai et al.46 |
| Propionic acid (mmol/mol) | Sheep | 370.5 | 392.4 | 5.4 | 0.02 | Cao et al.16 |
| Cattle | 22.5 | 22.9 | 1.42 | 0.46 | Wongnen et al. 17 |
| Cows | 20.54 | 18.99 | 1.41 | 0.03 | Meenongyai et al.46 |
| Butyric acid (mmol/mol) | Sheep | 138.9 | 86.6 | 7.3 | 0.01 | Cao et al.16 |
| Cattle | 11.8 | 10.9 | 0.43 | 0.15 | Supapong et al. 20 |
| Cows | 20.54 | 18.99 | 1.41 | 0.03 | Meenongyai et al.46 |
| A/P | Sheep | 1.47 | 1.40 | 0.12 | 0.68 | Cao et al.16 |
| Cows | 3.22 | 3.10 | 3.57 | 0.55 | Wongnen et al.17 |
| Cows | 0.80 | 3.05 | 0.30 | 0.01 | Meenongyai et al.20 |
4 FTMR: fermented total mixed ration; VFA: volatile fatty acids; A/P: acetic acid/propionic acid ratio; SEM: standard error of mean.
Effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on meat and milk production
Table 5 shows the effects of FTMR on animals' production. Ensiling is occasionally used to preserve moist by-products for later feeding. Many by-products from the food and beverage industries have been used as animal feeds.[12] When compared to crop silages, a shorter ensiling duration should be employed, frequently because the storage space available to silage producers is insufficient to accommodate a high number of bags. Vasupen et al.[9] investigated FTMR with rice straw as the fiber source after ensiling it at three different moisture levels (45, 55, and 65%) in a plastic bag. The results demonstrated that ensiling TMR at 45% moisture increased milk yield. However, Nha and Pattarajinda[49] found that FTMR containing 60% moisture content with rice straw chop as the base roughage could be the best level to improve NDF and ADF digestibility, leading to increased acetate concentration and percentage of milk fat. In a series of experiments with animals grazing sorghum forages, it was shown that usually, but not invariably, the provision of inorganic sulfur supplements increased animal production. In three experiments with sheep grazing on sorghum plants, live weight gain increased by 15, 32, and 58% when the animal had access to salt licks containing 18% sulfur compared to salt licks alone.[49]
Table 5. Effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on milk yield and average daily gain.
| Animals | Treatments | SEM | p-Value | References |
| TMR | FTMR |
| Cows | Milk yield (kg/d) | 16.6 | 17.0 | 1.47 | 0.68 | Wongnen et al.17 |
| Cows | Milk yield (kg/d) | 14.39 | 14.84 | 0.96 | 0.75 | Vasupen et al.9 |
| Cows | Milk yield (kg/d) | 36.6 | 38.6 | 0.95 | 0.06 | Broderick et al.43 |
| Cows | Milk yield (kg/d) | 12.4 | 12.5 | 0.83 | 0.81 | Supapong and Cherdthong26 |
| Sheep | Milk yield (kg/d) | 2.26 | 2.36 | 0.036 | 0.05 | Leibovich et al.48 |
| Sheep | Live weight (kg) | 60.0 | 79.2 | – | 0.05 | Wheeler et al.49 |
| Sheep | ADG (g/d) | 162 | 282 | 1.39 | 0.001 | Nkosi and Meeske24 |
| Lamb | ADG (g/d) | 212.3 | 222.1 | 5.67 | 0.32 | Yusuf et al.42 |
5 TMR: total mixed ration; FTMR: fermented total mixed ration; ADG: average daily gain; SEM: standard error of mean.
Meenongyai et al.[46] determined the effects of forage ensiling and ration fermentation and found that grass silage‐TMR and FTMR of crossbred Holstein steers can be used to maintain growing performance. Dairy cows can also increase milk production by 0.45 kg/day and milk protein by 30 g/day. According to Yuangklang et al.,[8] an improved intake and digestibility of DM and CP were observed in milk cows, due to a high amount of lactose. After 90 days of ensiling, the DMI and ADG were highly significant (p < 0.05) when compared to the control, and milk production increased.[48] Moreover, sheep supplemented with FTMR high grains increased milk production and ADG.[16],[50] Supapong and Cherdthong[20] showed that milk fat, and total solids increased when cows were fed FTMR. Because glucose is produced rather than utilized by rumen microbes, as nutrient digestibility increases, propionate is eventually converted to glucose in the liver. Higher DM and CP contents in FTMR are known to increase DMI and growth rates in ruminants.[27]
The losses during FTMR production
The FTMR materials for a considerable amount of time after being enclosed in a silo to produce an anaerobic environment. It eliminates the need for daily TMR preparation while also improving palatability through anaerobic fermentation of odors and flavors. However, TMR is easily spoiled when exposed to air or feed-out, especially in hot and humid climates. Aerobic microbes, such as yeasts and aerobic bacteria, may be stimulated by air or feed-out, resulting in a decrease in lactic acid content, an increase in pH, and nutrient loss. Meanwhile, poor palatability and decreased intake are possible. As a result, it is critical to look for effective ways to avoid or reduce aerobic deterioration. Chemical additives that inhibit the proliferation of aerobic microorganisms are good choices for improving aerobic stability.[51] Chemical additives have primarily focused on calcium propionate[46] and sodium compound.[52] These sodium ions can ionize to form organic acids and salt ions with acidic and antibacterial properties.
Dai et al.[51] found that FTMR treatments with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate had higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, NH3-N content, aerobic bacteria, and yeast counts than the control group. Lactic acid bacteria count (>1 × 105 cfu/g) is one of the key factors to ensure good fermentation quality.[53] One of the key indicators of fermentation quality is pH, and a fermentation requires a pH value of <4.20.[54] Zhang et al.[55] demonstrate that the FTMR contained less NH3-N than 55.0 g/kg, which suggests reduced proteolysis. Chemical additives demonstrated a decrease in NH3-N content and an increase in CP content, which may be related to the inhibition of proteolytic clostridial activity. McDonald et al.[22] proposed that the antimicrobial functions of fatty acids increased with increasing molecular weight, indicating that benzoic and sorbic acids have intensive antimicrobial functions. Chemical additives clearly reduced NH3-N content, implying that proteolysis was inhibited. In addition, the FTMR uses rice straw and cassava pulp vacuum-aged for 14 days on base and can be considered for feeding cattle because it is the most economical diet while providing similarly tender longissimus thoracis. Vacuum aging for 14 days, can be practiced for meat quality improvement[42] and increased DMI in lamb.[56]
Effect of biological and chemical additives on fermentation quality, microbial community in r...
Table 6 present the effect of biological and chemical additives on fermentation quality. FTMR has a number of benefits, including the opportunity to incorporate unpleasant byproducts, homogeneous composition during storage, and a reduced need for equipment and manpower.[57] To assure the silage's quality, several additives should be used because FTMR made with high-moisture wastes may be more susceptible to aerobic deterioration.[58] Ensiling can happen naturally when epiphytic microorganisms on the plant material are present, or it can be aided by the addition of inoculants to speed up the process and produce higher-quality silage. L. buchneri and P. acidilactici were utilized to improve the aerobic stability of silage.[59],[64] Organic acid salts with antifungal characteristics include sodium diacetate, potassium sorbate, and calcium propionate. Due to its capacity to limit mold and other microbial populations, calcium propionate has been widely utilized as the primary preservative in forage and feed.[60] Knický and Spörndly[61] reported that spore-forming bacteria, yeasts, and molds could all be effectively suppressed by potassium sorbate. Antibacterial properties, potassium sorbate was employed in maize silage to prevent aerobic degradation. During ensiling, sodium diacetate can easily ionize into acetic acid, which inhibits the activity and proliferation of dangerous microbes.[62] The aerobic stability of maize silage treated with sodium diacetate was similarly observed to be significantly enhanced following exposure to air by Okur et al.[63]
Table 6. The effect of biological and chemical additives on fermentation quality.
| Biological and chemical additives on FTMR | References |
| Sodium diacetate, calcium propionate and potassium sorbate were well preserved with a low pH and acceptable levels of NH3-N, butyric acid and evidently enhanced the IVDMD and IVNDFD | Wang et al.57 |
| The P. pentosaceus 1 × 105 cfu/g with L.s buchneri 4 × 105 cfu/g and L. plantarum 1 × 105 cfu/g inoculant with silages had increased acetic acid concentrations. Aerobic stability was increased by 64% by P. pentosaceus with L. buchneri and by 35% by sodium benzoate. | Queiroz et al.58 |
| The numbers of yeasts were lower in silages treated with L. buchneri ≤ 100,000 cfu/g and further decreased in silages treated with L. buchneri at >100,000 cfu/g compared with untreated silages. Untreated corn silage spoiled after 25 h of exposure to air but corn silage treated with L. buchneri ≤ 100,000 cfu/g did not spoil until 35 h, and this stability was further enhanced with L. buchneri at >100,000 cfu/g. | Kleinschmit and Kung59 |
| By adding a buffered propionic acid-based addition, the transition to clostridial fermentation was stopped and the decrease in digestion was avoided. | Mills and Kung60 |
| The additives, composed of sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate and/or potassium sorbate, were used to treat a grass forage crop before ensiling. All tested additives significantly (p < 0.001) reduced butyric acid, ammonia-N formation and reduce (p < 0.001) the presence of clostridia spores in low-dry-matter silages. | Knický and Spörndly61 |
| After 60 d of conservation in silos, were increased acetic acid and aerobic stability when treated with L. plantarum and L. buchneri | Li et al.62 |
| The effect of sodium diacetate 1% addition positively affected high moisture maize grain of aerobic stability at storage conditions. Aerobic stability and infrared thermography analysis indicated that sodium diacetate additions to silages had promising effects. | Agma et al.63 |
Conclusions
Feeding FTMR is one method for simplifying nutritional management, which can help livestock producers contribute to society and expand their businesses. Increased protein content and starch digestibility (which frequently results in increased feed efficiency) are among the nutritional alterations typically recorded during FTMR. As evidenced by better feed intake, nutritional digestibility, VFA, growth performance, and milk production, it was determined that FTMR can be included in ensiled, packaged TMR for productive ruminants. Lactic acid bacteria, organic acid salts and propionic acid-based can additives on fermentation to improve quality of FTMR. This study provides additional evidence that feeding FTMR to ruminants increases their performance. Nonetheless, when FTMR was exposed to air or feed-out, particularly in hot and humid environments, lactic acid concentration decreased, pH increased, and nutrients were lost. Consequently, the most suitable method for enhancing FTMR quality can be considered.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express our sincere thanks to the Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University (KKU) for the use of their material facilities.
Ethical approval
The authors confirm that the ethical policies of the journal, as noted on the journal's author guidelines page, have been adhered to. No ethical approval was required as this is a review article with no original research data.
Consent to participate
Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.
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By Chanadol Supapong and Anusorn Cherdthong
Reported by Author; Author
