Search Results (23)

Sepsis is a complex clinical syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality and organ dysfunction, most notably acute kidney injury. Early recognition determines crucial clinical decisions for septic individuals. This rapid diagnosis depends on the accuracy of biomarkers in the context of coexisting renal dysfunction. In this context, the value of presepsin has been investigated and challenged for a decade, with no definitive answers. This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the accuracy of presepsin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). We obtained 130 articles by searching for references in databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus) following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Sequential selection by three independent readers resulted in nine references retained for full analysis. Presepsin demonstrated good diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in patients with AKI, based on observations in small patient groups; however, it requires specific cutoff values, whose determination depends on new controlled and randomized studies. Full article

This descriptive ecological study evaluated the food environment of 18 public and private schools in the Federal District (DF), Brazil, by analyzing food availability within schools and in their surroundings (250 m, 400 m, and 800 m buffers). Food retail outlets (FROs) were georeferenced and classified according to the NOVA food classification. School principals were interviewed to assess the in-school food environment. Analyses considered the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI; low or medium/high) and school type. Among 911 FROs identified, 40.2% predominantly sold ultra-processed products. Most schools (83.3% within a 250 m radius) had at least one nearby FRO. Private schools—mostly in low-SVI areas—had higher densities of surrounding FROs at all buffer distances, with significance for total density at 400 m (p = 0.03) and for unhealthy outlets at 800 m (p < 0.01). Low-SVI areas had higher densities of both healthy (p = 0.01) and unhealthy (p < 0.01) outlets, with differences across multiple buffers. In canteens, sugar-sweetened beverages were the most common ultra-processed items (75%). The median ratio of ultra-processed to minimally processed food subgroups was 2.7 (0.5–6.0), and all private schools with a canteen sold at least one item prohibited by current regulations. Overall, the DF school food environment was characterized by a predominance of unhealthy foods, with disparities by school type and social vulnerability. Full article

Digestibility, together with intake, is the main factor affecting animal productivity. It can be assessed in vivo by measuring total feed intake and faecal output (time-consuming and labour-intensive) or with the aid of substances known as markers. Internal markers such as acid insoluble ash (AIA) or undigestible neutral detergent fibre (uNDF) have been alleged to be preferable for digestibility estimations. The use of AIA and uNDF for digestibility estimation in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets has been rarely documented; hence, the objectives of the present paper were to compare digestibility values obtained by total faecal collection vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 1), to compare digestibility values obtained using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 2), and to compare digestibility values obtained using AIA vs. uNDF in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets (Experiment 3). Faecal recoveries of AIA and uNDF (Experiment 1) were very variable and likely influenced by contamination of faeces and/or feedstuffs with soil and/or dust. Then, the regressions between digestibility values obtained in metabolism cages or using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker and AIA or uNDF were not significant. The use of these two latter markers for estimation of digestibility in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets is not recommended. Full article

As animal husbandry advances, the demand for premium feed has seen substantial growth, while the availability of natural forage resources remains limited. Corn stover, characterized by its high yield and rich nutritional content, has become a vital source of roughage. The application of silage technology to corn stover enhances its palatability, improves its nutritional value, and exerts positive effects on livestock production performance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different additives and their proportions on the nutrient composition, fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of corn stover silage. Specifically, Lactobacillus plantarum, cellulase preparations (commercial cellulase enzyme preparations), and xylanase preparations (commercial xylanase enzyme preparations) were employed as additives to investigate their synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms during the silage process. Furthermore, dosage gradients were established to determine the optimal dosage range, providing a robust scientific basis for the optimization of additive applications. In this experiment, corn stover was used as the substrate, with the moisture content maintained at 60%. Treatments with Lactobacillus plantarum, cellulase, and xylanase were applied, and silage samples were analyzed after 30 and 60 days of fermentation to assess fermentation quality, nutritional quality, and microbial community structure. The findings revealed that the nutritional quality of corn stover silage improved progressively with fermentation time. Compared to the control group, the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum, cellulase, and xylanase significantly increased the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, reduced the pH value, and effectively suppressed the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms. Among the treatments, xylanase demonstrated the most pronounced effects, substantially increasing lactic acid and soluble carbohydrate content while reducing levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Notably, the incorporation of 20 U/g xylanase into the silage process facilitated the breakdown of xylan in corn stover into soluble carbohydrates, thereby providing essential substrates for lactic acid bacteria and other beneficial microorganisms. This, in turn, inhibited the growth of harmful microorganisms, ultimately improving the nutritional quality, fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of the silage. These findings provide a theoretical framework and practical guidance for optimizing the production of corn stover silage, promoting efficient resource utilization, and supporting the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Full article

Sepsis is a pervasive condition that affects individuals of all ages, with significant social and economic consequences. The early diagnosis of sepsis is fundamental for establishing appropriate treatment and is based on warning scores and clinical characteristics, with positive microbiological cultures being the gold standard. Research has yet to identify a single biomarker to meet this diagnostic demand. Presepsin is a molecule that has the potential as a biomarker for diagnosing sepsis. In this paper, we present a narrative review of the diagnostic and prognostic performance of presepsin in different age groups. Given its particularities, it is identified that presepsin is a potential biomarker for sepsis at all stages of life. Full article

The sustainable meeting of the global quest for ruminant intensification dictates the need to identify alternative, eco-friendly, and safe feed ingredients. In this sense, macroalgae offer a new paradigm in sustainable ruminant feed supply. This study aimed to investigate the potential of sub-Antarctic macroalgae, including Lessonia flavicans, Macrocystis pyrifera, Gigartina skottbergii, and Ulva Lactuca, regarding their chemical composition, in vitro gas production, and CH₄ production. A completely randomized design consisted of a 96 h (h) incubation that included four different species and a control (alfalfa hay) with buffered rumen fluid. In vitro total gas, fermentation characteristics, and CH₄ production were evaluated. The highest and the lowest crude protein (CP) contents were for U. lactuca (185.9 g/kg) and G. skottsbergi (86 g/kg), respectively (p < 0.0001). All macroalage had lower levels of natural detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to alfalfa hay (p < 0.0001). The highest potential of gas production (b) was for M. pyriphera (162.8 mL gas/g DM), followed by alfalfa (119.3 mL gas/g DM). However, G. skottsbergi and M. pyriphera showed the highest dry matter degradability at 96 h (68.49 and 67.62 mg/100 mg, respectively; p < 0.0001) and microbial crude protein (679.8 and 669.8 mg/g, respectively, p < 0.0001). All four tested algae produced lower amounts of methane compared to alfalfa hay (p < 0.0001). After 24 h of incubation, M. pyriphera, L. flavicons, G. skottsbergi, and U. lactuca reduced CH₄ by 99.7%, 98.6%, 92.9%, and 79.8%, respectively, when compared with the control. Also, all tested algae had lower (p = 0.0001) CH₄ production (ml CH₄/g Dry matter degradability, DMD) than alfalfa hay. The current results suggest that M. pyriphera and L. flavicons are promising feed additives for ruminants with eco-friendly production and acceptable CP content and DMD that could effectively mitigate CH₄ emissions. Overall, these findings suggest that macroalgae hold promise as a substitute feed source for sustaining ruminant production at the onset of global warming. Full article

In order to develop new feed resources, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content, additives, and their interactions on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of mixed silage of amaranth and cornmeal. The mass ratios of amaranth and cornmeal were 69:31, 76:24, and 84:16 for adjusting the moisture content of silage to 60% (W1), 65% (W2), and 70% (W3), respectively. The silage treatments included no additives (U), the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum (L), the addition of cellulase (E), and the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) mixed reagents. The results revealed that the pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N/TN) ratios were significantly lower in W1 than in W2 and W3 (3.66,19.3 g kg⁻¹ TN vs. 3.70, 3.70, 20.0 kg⁻¹ TN, 25.1 kg⁻¹ TN, p < 0.05). Moreover, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (ivOMD), and in vitro crude protein digestibility (ivCPD) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the aerobic stability of mixed silage containing amaranth and cornmeal decreased with increasing water content. The aerobic stability of the L, E, and M treatment groups was improved by 15, 105, and 111 h, respectively, compared with that of the control group at W1. The pH and NH₃-N/TN ratios were lower with the addition of E (E and M) than with the absence of E (U and L) (3.73, 20.1 g kg⁻¹ DM vs. 3.64, 22.9 g kg⁻¹ DM, p < 0.05). NDF and ADF were significantly lower with the addition of E than without the addition of E (598 g kg⁻¹ DM, 145 g kg⁻¹ DM vs. 632 g kg⁻¹ DM, 160 g kg⁻¹ DM, p < 0.05). However, CP, ivDMD, ivOMD, and ivCPD were significantly higher (p < 0.05). AA and NH₃-N/TN were significantly lower (p < 0.05) with the addition of L (L and M) than without the addition of L (U and E). In conclusion, the best fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of amaranth and cornmeal mixed silage treated with Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) were achieved at 60% water content. The present study confirmed the potential of amaranth as silage and its potential application for improving feed quality and animal performance. Full article

Precise information about carbohydrates and proteins in relation to their utilization in the rumen is useful for the breeding purposes of perennial ryegrass cultivars used for animal nutrition. The objective of the current study was to evaluate 20 diploid perennial ryegrass accessions from the intermediary heading stage. The ruminal kinetics of different carbohydrate and protein fractions of grasses and legumes are important for forage breeding programs. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) was used to provide such information. Accession-based variation can be observed after considering dynamic degradation processes. Variation among the 20 accessions was observed. Ruminally digested (RDC) and undigested (UDC) carbohydrate and ruminally degraded (RDP) and undegraded (UDP) protein contents, total carbohydrate and total protein contents, and carbohydrate and protein fractions for the first cut and annual averages show significant differences. Although the variation was smaller for the protein fractions, the calculated usable protein content (uCP, sum of UDP and amount of synthesized microbial protein in the rumen) in the small intestine is mainly influenced by decreasing the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and increasing the sugar content among cultivars. Carbohydrate and protein fractionation is suitable for characterizing perennial grass accessions as it uses parameters relevant to ruminant nutrition, allowing a step forward in forage plant breeding for forage quality. To conclude, using parameters related to ruminal degradation kinetics should favor the selection of accessions with higher amounts of ruminally digested carbohydrates (RDC). The selection of accessions based on protein quality (proportion of UDP) is less favorable for achieving a higher usable protein content. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine rumen degradation kinetics of new low-lignin alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv. Hi-Gest^®360 (HiGest) in comparison with conventional alfalfa cv. AC Grazeland (Grazeland) in monoculture and binary mixtures at different maturity stages. Two cultivars of alfalfa (HiGest, and AC Grazeland) and their binary mixtures with hybrid bromegrass (HBG; cv. AC Success), grown in 2019 at two locations (Saskatoon and Lanigan), were cut at three maturity stages of alfalfa (1 = 10% bloom; 2 = 40% bloom; and 3 = 100% bloom). Rumen degradation characteristics, including rapidly degradable fraction (S), potentially degradable fraction (D), undegradable fraction (U), degradation rate (K_d), lag time (T₀), and effective degradability (ED) of each component were determined using in situ technique and were analyzed by a first-order kinetic equation described by Ørskov and McDonald with lag time. Generally, in alfalfa monoculture, S or D were decreased and U was increased without affecting K_d and T₀, resulting in decreased ED fraction with increasing stage of maturity. In binary mixtures, plant maturity stages have negligible effects on rumen degradation characteristics of CP. HiGest had higher effective degradability of DM (EDDM) as well as of NDF (EDNDF) than Grazeland. In conclusion, HiGest had greater DM and NDF rumen degradation potential relative to Grazeland. HiGest and Grazeland were different in DM and CP degradation patterns, with HiGest having higher EDDM and EDCP than Grazeland. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a high value crop that has been used as a forage since the early 1900s in the southern U.S. (e.g., Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida). Renewed interest has increased the use of soybean as a viable and economical high protein alternative to forage growers in the southern region. The objective of this study was to determine herbage mass (HM) and nutritive value of forage soybean managed under two row spacing (36 and 72 cm) and three stubble heights (10, 15, and 20 cm). Five cultivars were used ‘Stonewall’, ‘Laredo’, ‘Tower of Leaves’, Asgrow^® ‘AG64X8’, and Asgrow^® ‘AG79X9’ and sown at two locations (Shorter and Headland, AL). Forage was harvested in July and August during both years and HM was determined. Crude protein (CP) and fiber fractions were determined using near-infrared spectroscopy. Years and location did vary, but overall, Stonewall had the greatest (p < 0.026) HM (1706 kg DM ha⁻¹) with a high nutritive value (124 g CP kg⁻¹, 449 g NDF kg⁻¹, and 372 g ADF kg⁻¹). Laredo had the lowest HM (1169 kg DM ha⁻¹; p < 0.025). The 10 cm stubble height resulted in increased HM (1898 kg DM ha⁻¹; p < 0.0001) but decreased nutritive value (149 g CP kg⁻¹; 331 g ADF kg⁻¹; 413 g NDF kg⁻¹; p = 0.001) compared to 20 cm (179, 282, and 375 g kg⁻¹ for CP, ADF, and NDF, respectively). Row spacing did not consistently influence either HM or nutritive values. Due to its relatively good nutritive value and HM, forage soybean should be considered as a monoculture or in a mixed sward with other warm-season annual forages for inclusion in forage-based livestock diets. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of post-ruminal urea on performance, nitrogen metabolism and the ruminal environment of Nellore cattle reared on pasture during the dry season. In experiment 1 (Exp. 1), nine ruminal-cannulated Nellore steers, 30 ± 2 months old (651 ± 45 kg body weight (BW)), were allotted to a 3 × 3 Latin triple square. In experiment 2 (Exp. 2), 84 Nellore bulls, 18 ± 3 months old (315 ± 84 kg BW), were distributed in complete randomized blocks, by initial BW. Protein supplements were supplied daily, in the amount of 2 g/kg BW, and consisted of either CONT: protein + conventional urea (50% CP), PRU: protein + post ruminal urea (50% CP) and U + PRU: protein + urea conventional + post-ruminal urea (70% CP). The paddocks were composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass. In Exp. 1, there was no treatment effect for DM, OM, NDF, forage intake, and CP, but there was a higher intake for PRU (p < 0.005) and a higher digestibility for U+ PRU (p = 0.001). There was no effect on ruminal pH or NH₃-N concentration (p ≥ 0.232), but there was an interaction between treatment and time for them (p < 0.039). Furthermore, there was a treatment effect on the total SCFA concentration, with CONT being higher than the others. A difference in the acetate:propionate ratio was found (p < 0.027), with a greater relationship for PRU and U + PRU. A treatment effect (p = 0.049) was found for the propionate proportion, with a higher proportion in the CONT. Nitrogen intake was consequently lower for the CONT and higher urinary excretion for the U + PRU (p = 0.002). Animals supplemented with CONT showed a tendency to have more Bacteria and fewer Archaea (p = 0.086). In Exp. 2, there was a treatment effect for the disappearance rate of the supplement (p < 0.001). Intake was faster for PRU and CONT, but performance was not affected by PRU (p = 0.311). The use of post-ruminal urea alters the microbial population, but does not affect performance. Therefore, supplementation with post-ruminal urea presented similar results compared to conventional urea. Ruminal and blood parameters and animal performance were not influenced by treatments. Full article

The objective was to evaluate the effects of urea with post-ruminal absorption in the supplementation of growing Nellore cattle reared on pasture during a seasonal period. For the study, two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, rumen and blood parameters were evaluated using eight rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls with initial body weight (BW) of 763 ± 44 kg, distributed in a double Latin square 4 × 4. In experiment 2, 120 Nellore steers with initial BW of 380 ± 35 kg were used for performance evaluation, distributed in a randomized block design (blocking factor or initial BW). The evaluated treatments were 1: (TP-U) (control) = supplement with 24% crude protein (CP) containing urea as a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; 3%) and soybean meal, 2: (TP-PRU) = 24% CP supplement containing post-ruminal urea (PRU; 3.6%) and soybean meal; 3: (NPN-U-PRU) = 24% CP supplement containing urea + post-ruminal urea (U = 3% and PRU = 3.9%), without soybean meal; 4: (NPN-PRU) = supplement with 24% CP containing post-ruminal urea (7.5%), without soybean meal. The supplement was offered at 3 g/kg BW per animal, daily, once a day. All animals were kept on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS PROC MIXED, and the data were evaluated by the following contrasts: C1 = TP-U/TP-PRU vs. NPN-U-PRU/NPN-PRU (Soybean meal replacement by NPN); C2 = TP-U vs. TP-PRU (conventional urea vs. post-immune urea); C3 = NPN-U-PRU vs. NPN-PRU (low and high post-ruminal urea-PRU level). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and NDF was lower when soybean meal was replaced by non-protein nitrogen, also being different between the levels of post-ruminal urea used in the supplement. Ruminal pH was different when soybean meal was replaced by NPN (p = 0.003). Total concentration of short-chain fatty acids, concentrations of isobutyrate (p = 0.003), valerate (p = 0.001), and isovalerate (p = 0.001) were different, and blood urea was different when soybean meal was replaced by NPN (p = 0.006). Simpson’s diversity index was higher in the rumen of animals supplemented with TP-U than in those supplemented with TP-PRU (p = 0.05). A total of 27 phyla, 234 families, and 488 genera were identified. Nitrospirota and Gemmatimonadota phyla were detected just in the rumen of steers supplemented with TP-PRU. The performance (final BW, weight gain and gain per area) of the animals was different, being higher (p = 0.04) in animals supplemented with soybean meal, compared to NPN. The removal of soybean meal from the supplement and its replacement with either conventional urea plus post-ruminal urea or only post-ruminal urea compromises the performance of the animals. The lower the post-ruminal urea inclusion level, the lower the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and NDF, when compared to animals supplemented with higher levels. Full article

Undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) is becoming more widely recognized as an important fiber fraction in forage quality assessment because it explains a portion of NDF that is inaccessible to digestion in the ruminant digestive system and is, thus, important in modeling the digestion kinetics of the potentially degradable component of NDF. In experiment 1, uNDF was determined in several forage species in order to compare the accuracy of two reference methods: (1) a long-term in vitro ruminal fermentation (240 h) using an Ankom Daisy^II incubator and (2) a multi-step enzymatic method without ruminal fluid. The objective of experiment 2 was to construct predictive equations for uNDF estimation using acid detergent lignin (ADL) and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) in a pool (n = 264) of alfalfa hay, timothy hay, and tall fescue straw, using the most accurate reference method selected in experiment 1. Partial least squares regression analysis was used to calibrate the reference values against NIRS spectra. Several indicators were used to assess the performance of validation results, including standard error of cross-validation (SE_CrV), coefficient of determination of cross-validation (R²_CrV), and ratio percentage deviation (RPD). The findings of experiment 1 suggested that, relative to the in vitro ruminal methodology, the enzymatic approach overestimated uNDF concentration of forages. Repeatability coefficient was also greater when uNDF was determined using the in vitro versus enzymatic procedure, potentially disqualifying the enzymatic method for the uNDF analysis in forages. In experiment 2, a poor relationship was established between ADL and uNDF (R² < 0.60), suggesting the inadequacy of ADL parameter to represent the uNDF pool size in these forages. The best predictive equation using NIRS was obtained for alfalfa hay (R²_CrV = 0.92; SE_CrV = 1.16; RPD = 3.57), using the in vitro fermentation as a reference method. The predictive equations were moderately accurate for timothy hay (R²_CrV = 0.80; SE_CrV = 1.31; RPD = 2.08) and tall fescue straw (R²_CrV = 0.79; SE_CrV = 1.38; RPD = 2.18). Our findings suggested the inadequacy of the enzymatic procedure in accurately determining uNDF concentration of forages as compared with the in vitro rumen fermentation protocol. Although the NIRS equations developed using the alfalfa hay dataset were more accurate than that of timothy hay and tall fescue straw, the validation results verified applicability of the equations as a fast screening tool for qualitative prediction of uNDF in these forages, which is important in commercial settings. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of cassava pulp fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14, urea, and molasses on its chemical composition, the fermentation end-product of silage, and aerobic stability. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with a randomized complete block design was employed. The first factor: level of L. casei TH14 [L; 0 and 10⁵ cfu/kg fresh matter (FM)], the second factor: level of molasses (M; 0 and 4% DM), the third factor: level of urea (U; 0 and 4% DM), and the number of days of fermentation (7, 14, and 21 days) were evaluated using a statistical block. There were interactions among CSP fermented with different additives on DM content (p < 0.05). The control group (CON) and CSP fermented with L, L×M, and L×U had lower DM contents than U, U×M, and L×U×M. The crude protein of CSP was increased by interaction of L×U and U×M additives (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Interaction effects between L and U and NDF content were detected (p < 0.05). The L×U combination resulted in a significantly lower NDF than the other groups. The interaction between L×U×M had no effect on the change in the CSP fermentation process (p > 0.05). The combination of U×M caused a poorer pH than other groups (p < 0.01). The ammonia-N content was higher than others, when CSP was fermented with L×U (p < 0.01) or U×M (p < 0.05), respectively. The lactic acid levels in fermented CSP were higher (p < 0.01) than in other groups through the L. casei. The interaction between L×U×M had an influence on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (p < 0.01) and aerobic bacteria (p < 0.01). The highest LAB population (p < 0.01) at 10⁶ cfu/g FM was found in CSP fermented with L. casei and molasses. In conclusion, the current study shows that CSP treated with L×U×M resulted in good preservation by recovering DM, a low number of aerobic bacteria, and greater LAB than other treatments, with the exception of the L×U×M addition. A 21-day fermentation period is advised because it produces products with greater levels of crude protein, lactic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid. Full article

The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional composition and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation kinetics of brown midrib (BMR) and non-BMR genotypes within and across warm-season annual grasses. Four commercial varieties (two non-BMR and two BMR) of corn, sorghum, and pearl millet were planted in plots. Forage samples were incubated in the rumen of three rumen-cannulated cows for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 240 h. On an NDF basis, all forage types showed lower acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations for BMR genotypes, but the magnitude of the difference differed among forage types. The concentration of undegraded NDF (uNDF; NDF basis) differed among forage types and between genotypes. Corn had the least, pearl millet had the intermediate, and sorghum had the greatest concentration of uNDF. Non-BMR genotypes had greater concentrations of uNDF than BMR genotypes. No interaction existed between forage type and genotype for the concentration of uNDF. In conclusion, although BMR forages may show lower ADL concentrations in the cell wall and greater NDF degradability than non-BMR forages of the same forage type, BMR forages do not always have the least ADL concentration or the greatest NDF degradability when comparing different forage types. Full article