Nirawan Gunun

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of tomato pomace silage (TPS) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, immune response, milk yield, and composition in dairy cows.Methods: Sixteen Thai Holstein dairy cows with a mean body weight of 621±20 kg and 240±15 d in milk were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design. The TPS was added at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) in a fermented total mixed ration. Each cow was given the diet ad libitum.Results: The nutrient intake was similar among treatments except for ether extract intake, which increased linearly (p<0.01) with the addition of TPS. The inclusion of TPS at 20% and 30% linearly increased the digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract (p≤0.01). The addition of TPS did not affect the blood chemicals or hematology except for monocytes, which increased cubically (p<0.05) when TPS were added. The immune function (IgA, IgM, and IgG) did not change with added TPS. There was no difference in milk yield and milk composition among treatments. Vitamin A and vitamin E in milk marginally elevated (p<0.01) by increasing levels of TPS. The inclusion of TPS increased the oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9), linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9,12+trans-9,12), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 cis-9,12,15) in milk (p<0.05). The unsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids in milk increased linearly (p<0.05) in cows fed TPS, but TPS did not impact polyunsaturated fatty acids.Conclusion: The inclusion of 30% (on a DM basis) of TPS in the diets enhanced the digestibility of nutrients, milk vitamins, and milk fat (unsaturated fatty acids) without affecting the feed intake, blood parameters, or milk yield in late-lactating dairy cows.

This study evaluated the effects of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation combined with different CP levels on rumen fermentation characteristics and CH₄ production using an in vitro gas production technique. A 3 × 4 factorial arrangement was used, consisting of three CP levels (12, 14, and 16%) and four levels of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of substrate dry matter), with incubation run included as a random effect in the statistical model. Rumen fluid from Thai native beef cattle was incubated under anaerobic conditions. Gas production kinetics, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen (NH₃–N), protozoal populations, digestibility, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and CH₄ production were determined. Significant interactions between CP level and Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation were observed for gas production kinetics. Ruminal pH was influenced by CP level at 24 h, while NH₃–N increased with higher CP levels but decreased with increasing supplementation. Protozoal populations were reduced by Nypa fruticans fruit pellets. Methane production was affected by CP level, Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation, and their interaction. A clearer reduction was observed at 24 h, particularly at higher supplementation levels. At 24 h of incubation, total VFA, propionate, and butyrate concentrations increased with supplementation, whereas no clear effects were observed at 12 h. In vitro dry matter digestibility was affected at 24 h (p < 0.05), but no effect was observed at 48 h, while organic matter digestibility remained unchanged. In conclusion, Nypa fruticans fruit pellets, in combination with CP level, modified rumen fermentation patterns and were associated with lower CH₄ production under in vitro conditions, without negatively affecting digestibility. These findings suggest potential for further in vivo evaluation.

The rubber seed kernel is a byproduct of rubber plantations and has potential as a source of protein and lipids. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, blood chemistry, and growth performance. Twelve crossbred (Brahman × Thai native) bulls with a body weight (BW) of 285 ± 17 kg were randomly assigned to three treatments for 60 days in a completely randomized design (CRD). RUSKEP was supplemented at 0, 200, and 400 g/animal/day. Animals were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) at 2.3% BW. The dry matter (DM) intake was similar among treatments ( p > 0.05). The addition of RUSKEP did not influence nutrient intake ( p > 0.05), whereas ether extract (EE) intake increased with the increasing levels of RUSKEP ( p < 0.001). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) and EE increased with increasing levels of RUSKEP ( p ≤ 0.03). Supplementation of RUSKEP had no effect on blood metabolites ( p > 0.05), except for cholesterol, which increased with adding RUSKEP ( p ≤ 0.005). Average daily gain (ADG) increased with the RUSKEP supplementation ( p = 0.03). ADG was highest at 200 g/animal/day, suggesting a potential optimal level for cattle. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased with the RUSKEP supplementation ( p = 0.04). Supplementation with 200 g/animal/day of RUSKEP improves ADG and feed efficiency in tropical beef cattle.

This study investigated how varying the ensiling period and the level of mixed microbes fermented liquid (MMFL) influences the chemical composition, in vitro degradability, rumen fermentation profile, and microbial ecology of fermented total mixed rations (FTMR). A completely randomized 4 × 4 factorial design was used, incorporating four fermentation durations (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) and four MMFL inclusion rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of DM). Both factors exerted significant effects on FTMR quality (p < 0.05). The combination of a 14-day fermentation period with 0.5% MMFL consistently produced the most desirable outcomes. Under these conditions, crude protein concentration rose from 12.0% to 14.3% of DM, while neutral-detergent fiber declined from 54.2% to 49.1%. Improvements were also observed in in vitro digestibility, with DM and OM increasing by 9–12% relative to the untreated control (p < 0.05). Fermentation end-products were enhanced, as total volatile fatty acids increased by 15% (92.4 vs. 80.1 mmol/L), and the molar proportion of propionate increased from 24.5 to 29.2 mol/100 mol, thereby lowering the acetate-to-propionate ratio (2.4 vs. 3.0; p < 0.05). Estimated methane production declined by 18% (p < 0.01). Microbial counts reflected a shift toward a more efficient fermentative community, with bacterial and fungal populations increasing by 21% and 18%, and protozoa decreasing by 25% (p < 0.05). Overall, moderate MMFL supplementation during a 14-day ensiling phase enhanced nutrient conservation and fermentation efficiency, suggesting practical value for improving FTMR utilization in ruminant systems. Further in vivo and economic evaluations remain necessary.

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and safety of Tectona grandis leaf extracts at four maturity stages. Ethanolic extracts were screened for secondary metabolites and analyzed using GC–MS, together with heavy metal determination, phenolic profiling, and antioxidant assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and coumarins, with clear variation among leaf stages. GC–MS analysis detected multiple bioactive constituents, including phytol, n-decanoic acid, and heptadecenal. These compounds have been previously reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Heavy metal analysis showed very low cadmium concentrations (0.001–0.004 mg/kg), undetectable lead levels (50 values ranging from 22.93–50.35 mg/mL, whereas the ascorbic acid standard showed an IC₅₀ of 0.0767 mg/mL, confirming the expected lower potency of crude plant extracts. The strong correlation between phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity suggests enhanced defense against oxidative stress. The absence of detectable heavy metal contamination, together with the high polyphenolic content, suggests that T. grandis leaves may serve as a safe natural source of antioxidants. These findings demonstrate the strong antioxidant potential of T. grandis leaf extracts, providing a basis for future studies evaluating their functional applications in biological systems.

Objective: Rubber seed kernel is a by-product of rubber cultivation and are high in oil and protein. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen fatty acid profiles, blood parameters, and immune response in swamp buffalo.Methods: Four male swamp buffalo with an initial body weight (BW) of 254±10 kg and 26 months of age were used in this research. The experimental design was a 4×4 Latin squared design with RUSKEP supplementation at 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of dry matter intake (DMI). Animals were fed concentrate at 1.0% BW, while rice straw was fed ad libitum.Results: Supplementation with RUSKEP did not change DMI or nutrient digestibility (p>0.05), while ether extract digestibility increased cubically with the addition of RUSKEP (p0.05). The proportion of propionate (C3) increased linearly (p≤0.04), leading to a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (p≤0.04) with the addition of RUSKEP. Furthermore, the butyrate (C4) proportion decreased linearly with RUSKEP supplementation (p = 0.03). The addition of RUSKEP did not affect on linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9,12+trans-9,12), or α-linolenic acid (C18:3 cis9,12,15) (p>0.05). With RUSKEP supplementation, the stearic acid (C18:0) content increased quadratically (p0.05).Conclusion: Supplementing RUSKEP with up to 8% of DMI could improve rumen fermentation efficiency without affecting feed utilization, rumen PUFA profile, or immune response in swamp buffalo.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rumen-protected rubber seed oil (RPRSO) supplementation on feed digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition in tropical dairy cows.Methods: Twelve crossbred Holstien-Friesian dairy cows (75% Holstein-Friesian, 25% Thai native breed) with a mean body weight of 460±30 kg and 20±5 days in milk were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments according to a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: a basal diet without rumen-protected fat (RPF) (control) or supplementation of rumen-protected palm oil (RPPO) at 300 g/h/d and RPRSO at 300 g/h/d. Each cow was fed a total mixed ration ad libitum.Results: The nutrient intake was similar among treatments (p>0.05). Adding RPF did not affect nutrient digestibility, while organic matter (OM) digestibility increased in dairy cows receiving RPRSO (p0.05), while triglycerides and cholesterol were increased when cows were fed RPPO (p<0.01). Adding RPF increases milk yield in cows (p<0.01). The supplementation of RPRSO increased milk fat (p = 0.04). Milk fat yield was higher in RPPO and highest in RPRSO (p<0.01). The addition of RPF increased the oleic acid (OA, C18:1 cis-9) in milk (p = 0.01). In addition, cows fed RPRSO increased linoleic acid (LA; C18:2ω6 cis-9,12+trans-9,12) and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18-3ω3 cis-9,12,15) in milk (p<0.01). The addition of RPF increased milk unsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (p≤0.04). The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in milk increased with RPRSO supplementation (p<0.01).Conclusion: Supplementation of RPRSO during early lactation can increase feed digestibility and the concentration of milk fat with PUFA (LA and ALA) in tropical dairy cows.

Cricket ( Gryllus bimaculatus ) is a high‐protein insect species with a favorable amino acid and fatty acid profile, widely recognized as an alternative to soybean meal in nonruminant diets. However, research on its use in ruminant nutrition remains limited, particularly regarding its effects on feed efficiency and performance. This study evaluated the impact of completely replacing soybean meal with cricket meal on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and growth performance in Thai native beef cattle. Eight male Thai native beef cattle (150 ± 15 kg; ∼2 years old) were used in a completely randomized design with two dietary treatments ( n = 4 per group). One group received a conventional soybean meal–based diet, while the other received a diet in which 100% of the soybean meal was replaced with cricket meal at an inclusion level of 12% of dry matter. Both diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Feed intake was similar between treatments. Crude protein digestibility was higher in the cricket meal group (67.5%) compared to the soybean meal group (63.7%; p = 0.04), while other digestibility parameters showed no differences. Blood metabolites, rumen fermentation characteristics, and microbial populations were unaffected by dietary treatment. Cattle fed the cricket meal‐based diet showed greater average daily gain (+55.7%; p = 0.02) and a 32.9% improvement in feed conversion ratio ( p = 0.02) compared to cattle fed the soybean meal–based diet. These results suggest that cricket meal can serve as a complete replacement for soybean meal in beef cattle diets, enhancing protein digestibility and growth performance without compromising rumen function.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different additives in fermented indigo waste on feed availability, rumen fermentation patterns, blood chemistry, and hematology in beef cattle. Four male crossbred beef cattle with a body weight (BW) of 230 ± 14 kg and 25 months of age were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The indigo waste was ensiled without additive (CON) and with calcium hydroxide (CH), molasses (M), or cellulase (C). The indigo waste silage was incorporated into a fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was lower in C-treated silage. The feed intake did not alter among treatments (p > 0.05). The ensiled indigo waste with additives had no influence on nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05), whereas the ensiled indigo waste with M increased CP digestibility (p < 0.01). The rumen pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N), or volatile fatty acid (VFA) proportions did not change by additive (p > 0.05). However, adding M increased the acetate-to-propionate ratio (C2:C3) (p = 0.04). In addition, the total protein in the blood was higher in C-treated silage (p = 0.01). The homological indices did not change by additive (p > 0.05), except for lymphocytes, which decreased when M and C were added (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding M and C to indigo waste silage could enhance its nutritional value and improve digestibility, blood chemistry, or health status in beef cattle.

The current issue of ruminant methane emissions is still being researched by animal nutritionists in an effort to find new approaches. In this study, five beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to examine the effects of supplementation with high-tannin and -polyphenol plant materials on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen partitioning. Cattle offered total mixed ration (TMR) silage diets with or without tannin-rich tree leaf or plant herbs, such as Piper sarmentosum Roxb., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Anacardium occidentale L., and Careya arborea Roxb., were supplemented at a dose of 10 g/d. Prior to TMR feeding, the animals’ meals were supplemented with 10 g of fortified plant materials twice a day, along with 100 g of rice bran. The animals in the control group received only 100 g of rice bran and no other plant materials. The result showed that there was no difference in nutrient intake or digestibility between the supplemented and control groups. Although the effect of ruminal pH, NH₃-N, Total VFA, acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) was not significant (p > 0.05), the proportion of propionate (C3) tended to increase with supplementation (p = 0.07). There was no difference in the excretion of purine derivatives or the amount of microbial nitrogen supply, even though supplemented animals had significantly lower protozoal populations than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, when A. occidentale or C. arborea was added to the TMR silage diet, the nitrogen intake and retention increased considerably, although total nitrogen excretion decreased. In this approach, the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. and Careya arborea Roxb. were particularly promising for strategic supplementation.