SUMMARY This study investigated the impacts of dietary yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility and rumen microbial population in sheep. Three digestibility trials were carried out using fifteen Sohagi rams randomly assigned into three groups (5 rams/ each). Each trial lasted for three weeks, the first two weeks were considered as a preliminary period followed by one week collection period.The groups were a control group fed basal diet without yeast supplement and treated groups fed either 0.5 (T1) or 1% (T2) yeast culture (YC) mixed with concentrate diet. All animals were fed 60% of their requirements as concentrate mixture while, chopped corn stover was given as roughages ad libitum. The results referred that, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre and hemicellulose were significantly (P0.05) improved for yeast treated diets compared with basal diet. Live yeast culture either 0.5 or 1% in concentrate diet increased (P 0.05) the pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate and propionate, while rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration was decreased (P0.05). Live yeast supplementation (0.5 or 1%) improved (P0.05) N retention. The rumenal bacterial and protozoal counts increased (P0.05) due to YC supplementation. In conclusion, dietary live yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) particular 1% of concentrate mixture may improve nutrient digestibility, fermentation patterns and rumen microbial population.

SUMMARY This study investigated the impacts of dietary yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility and rumen microbial population in sheep. Three digestibility trials were carried out using fifteen Sohagi rams randomly assigned into three groups (5 rams/ each). Each trial lasted for three weeks, the first two weeks were considered as a preliminary period followed by one week collection period.The groups were a control group fed basal diet without yeast supplement and treated groups fed either 0.5 (T1) or 1% (T2) yeast culture (YC) mixed with concentrate diet. All animals were fed 60% of their requirements as concentrate mixture while, chopped corn stover was given as roughages ad libitum. The results referred that, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre and hemicellulose were significantly (P0.05) improved for yeast treated diets compared with basal diet. Live yeast culture either 0.5 or 1% in concentrate diet increased (P 0.05) the pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate and propionate, while rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration was decreased (P0.05). Live yeast supplementation (0.5 or 1%) improved (P0.05) N retention. The rumenal bacterial and protozoal counts increased (P0.05) due to YC supplementation. In conclusion, dietary live yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) particular 1% of concentrate mixture may improve nutrient digestibility, fermentation patterns and rumen microbial population.

Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplying two levels of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) pods to rations of sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen liquor parameters (pH, total protozoa count, protein concentration and enzymes activity). Twelve mature rams (50 ± 1.25 kg B.W.) were distributed into three groups, each with four rams. Animals in group one were considered as a control which fed a basal diet, consisting of concentrate mixture and Egyptian clover. The second group and the third one received the same basal diet with supplying the concentrate mixture by 1.5% and 3.0% of A. nilotica pods meal respectively. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks. It was found that supplementation of A. nilotica pods to the concentrate mixture at a rate of 1.5% and 3.0% significantly improved the total feed intake compared to the control. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was significantly reduced with A. nilotica supplements, whereas the gestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. All of nitrogen intake and N-retained were significantly increased in rams fed on concentrates with 1.5% and 3.0% A. nilotica pods when compared to the control. The pH of ruminal fluid was not affected by the dietary treatments. Nevertheless, the total rumen protozoa count was significantly decreased in A. nilotica pods supplemented groups. Also, the rumen protein concentration and the ruminal enzymes activity, especially α-amylase, cellulase and protease, were lower in A. nilotica pods supplemented treatments. In conclusions, inclusion of low levels of A. nilotica pods (1.5% and 3.0%) in the concentrates can be used as a natural protein protectant in ruminants by forming tannin protein complexes in the rumen to maximize the amino acids available in the lower digestive tract. Also, these levels can increase the protein digestibility as well as the N-retained in the body .

Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplying two levels of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) pods to rations of sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen liquor parameters (pH, total protozoa count, protein concentration and enzymes activity). Twelve mature rams (50 ± 1.25 kg B.W.) were distributed into three groups, each with four rams. Animals in group one were considered as a control which fed a basal diet, consisting of concentrate mixture and Egyptian clover. The second group and the third one received the same basal diet with supplying the concentrate mixture by 1.5% and 3.0% of A. nilotica pods meal respectively. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks. It was found that supplementation of A. nilotica pods to the concentrate mixture at a rate of 1.5% and 3.0% significantly improved the total feed intake compared to the control. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was significantly reduced with A. nilotica supplements, whereas the gestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. All of nitrogen intake and N-retained were significantly increased in rams fed on concentrates with 1.5% and 3.0% A. nilotica pods when compared to the control. The pH of ruminal fluid was not affected by the dietary treatments. Nevertheless, the total rumen protozoa count was significantly decreased in A. nilotica pods supplemented groups. Also, the rumen protein concentration and the ruminal enzymes activity, especially α-amylase, cellulase and protease, were lower in A. nilotica pods supplemented treatments. In conclusions, inclusion of low levels of A. nilotica pods (1.5% and 3.0%) in the concentrates can be used as a natural protein protectant in ruminants by forming tannin protein complexes in the rumen to maximize the amino acids available in the lower digestive tract. Also, these levels can increase the protein digestibility as well as the N-retained in the body .

intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fermentation parameters and ruminal enzymes activity. The barley sprouts were prepared in a hydroponic sprouting unit under controlled environment. Barley grains were first washed, soaked for one day using tap water, and then covered with a wet towel for another one day for germination. Thereafter, they were spread out in trays and were irrigated three times daily by tap water. The trays contained green fodder were removed after 8 days and the harvested carpets were exposed to air ventilation,then weighed and shredded to small pieces before feeding to the animals. Twenty mature rams (50 ± 1.30 kg bw) were randomly distributed into four groups, each with five rams. The rams in group 1 and 2 were fed on Egyptian clover and hydroponic barley sprouts only, respectively, while the animals in group 3 and 4 were offered the same forage sources used in previous groups but with supplying a concentrate mixture. The experiment lasted for three weeks. It was found that feeding of sprouted barley alone reduced total DM intake by about 61.5% than that of the clover alone, but this effect was ameliorated when fed with the concentrate. However, the digestibility of different nutrients was increased in sprouted barley diet by an average of 10.0% compared to the clover. The nitrogen retention % was similar in rams fed barely sprouts or clover without concentrate. Total volatile fatty acids and propionate production was higher by 18.5% and 8.31%, respectively, in rumen of rams fed the sprouts alone or with concentrate than the clover alone. In addition, feeding of barley sprouts increased the total rumen protozoa count by about 31.3% and most of ruminal enzyme activities (45.0, 9.0 and 23.2% for amylase, cellulose and protease, respectively) compared to the clover. Providing the concentrate with sprouted barley or clover improved the nutrients digestibility (by about 14.0%) and nitrogen retention (by 46.0%) as well as amylase (by 60.0%) and urease (by 15.0%) activity in comparison to feeding of these ingredients alone. In conclusion, feeding of barley sprouts alone to sheep reduced the DM intake, however, it can improve the nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation and ruminal enzyme activities. Moreover, use of sprouted barley in sheep diets could result in better digestibility and fermentation results than the clover. Feeding of concentrate with sprouted barley increased its positive effect on nutrients digestibility and rumen fermentation and improved the total DM intake. Thus, it can be recommended to feed the hydroponic barley sprouts with the concentrate to obtain an optimal DM intake as well as a high animal performance

intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fermentation parameters and ruminal enzymes activity. The barley sprouts were prepared in a hydroponic sprouting unit under controlled environment. Barley grains were first washed, soaked for one day using tap water, and then covered with a wet towel for another one day for germination. Thereafter, they were spread out in trays and were irrigated three times daily by tap water. The trays contained green fodder were removed after 8 days and the harvested carpets were exposed to air ventilation,then weighed and shredded to small pieces before feeding to the animals. Twenty mature rams (50 ± 1.30 kg bw) were randomly distributed into four groups, each with five rams. The rams in group 1 and 2 were fed on Egyptian clover and hydroponic barley sprouts only, respectively, while the animals in group 3 and 4 were offered the same forage sources used in previous groups but with supplying a concentrate mixture. The experiment lasted for three weeks. It was found that feeding of sprouted barley alone reduced total DM intake by about 61.5% than that of the clover alone, but this effect was ameliorated when fed with the concentrate. However, the digestibility of different nutrients was increased in sprouted barley diet by an average of 10.0% compared to the clover. The nitrogen retention % was similar in rams fed barely sprouts or clover without concentrate. Total volatile fatty acids and propionate production was higher by 18.5% and 8.31%, respectively, in rumen of rams fed the sprouts alone or with concentrate than the clover alone. In addition, feeding of barley sprouts increased the total rumen protozoa count by about 31.3% and most of ruminal enzyme activities (45.0, 9.0 and 23.2% for amylase, cellulose and protease, respectively) compared to the clover. Providing the concentrate with sprouted barley or clover improved the nutrients digestibility (by about 14.0%) and nitrogen retention (by 46.0%) as well as amylase (by 60.0%) and urease (by 15.0%) activity in comparison to feeding of these ingredients alone. In conclusion, feeding of barley sprouts alone to sheep reduced the DM intake, however, it can improve the nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation and ruminal enzyme activities. Moreover, use of sprouted barley in sheep diets could result in better digestibility and fermentation results than the clover. Feeding of concentrate with sprouted barley increased its positive effect on nutrients digestibility and rumen fermentation and improved the total DM intake. Thus, it can be recommended to feed the hydroponic barley sprouts with the concentrate to obtain an optimal DM intake as well as a high animal performance

Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease of wheat. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, a set of 330 genotypes representing two nurseries (DUP2015 and TRP2015) were evaluated for resistance to a Nebraska stem rust race (QFCSC) in two replications. The TRP2015 nursery was also evaluated for its resistance to an additional 13 stem rust races. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes in both populations for stem rust resistance. Nine stem rust genes, Sr6, Sr31, Sr1RSAmigo, Sr24, Sr36, SrTmp, Sr7b, Sr9b, and Sr38, were expected and genotyped using gene-specific markers. The results of genetic analysis confirmed the presence of seven stem rust resistance genes. One genotype (NE15680) contained target alleles for five stem rust resistance genes and had a high level of stem rust resistance against different races. Single marker analysis indicated that Sr24 and Sr38 were highly significantly associated with stem rust resistance in the DUP2015 and TRP2015 nurseries, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium analysis identified the presence of 17 SNPs in high linkage with the Sr38-specific marker. These SNPs potentially tagging the Sr38 gene could be used in marker-assisted selection after validating them in additional genetic backgrounds.

Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease of wheat. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, a set of 330 genotypes representing two nurseries (DUP2015 and TRP2015) were evaluated for resistance to a Nebraska stem rust race (QFCSC) in two replications. The TRP2015 nursery was also evaluated for its resistance to an additional 13 stem rust races. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes in both populations for stem rust resistance. Nine stem rust genes, Sr6, Sr31, Sr1RSAmigo, Sr24, Sr36, SrTmp, Sr7b, Sr9b, and Sr38, were expected and genotyped using gene-specific markers. The results of genetic analysis confirmed the presence of seven stem rust resistance genes. One genotype (NE15680) contained target alleles for five stem rust resistance genes and had a high level of stem rust resistance against different races. Single marker analysis indicated that Sr24 and Sr38 were highly significantly associated with stem rust resistance in the DUP2015 and TRP2015 nurseries, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium analysis identified the presence of 17 SNPs in high linkage with the Sr38-specific marker. These SNPs potentially tagging the Sr38 gene could be used in marker-assisted selection after validating them in additional genetic backgrounds.

Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease of wheat. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, a set of 330 genotypes representing two nurseries (DUP2015 and TRP2015) were evaluated for resistance to a Nebraska stem rust race (QFCSC) in two replications. The TRP2015 nursery was also evaluated for its resistance to an additional 13 stem rust races. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes in both populations for stem rust resistance. Nine stem rust genes, Sr6, Sr31, Sr1RSAmigo, Sr24, Sr36, SrTmp, Sr7b, Sr9b, and Sr38, were expected and genotyped using gene-specific markers. The results of genetic analysis confirmed the presence of seven stem rust resistance genes. One genotype (NE15680) contained target alleles for five stem rust resistance genes and had a high level of stem rust resistance against different races. Single marker analysis indicated that Sr24 and Sr38 were highly significantly associated with stem rust resistance in the DUP2015 and TRP2015 nurseries, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium analysis identified the presence of 17 SNPs in high linkage with the Sr38-specific marker. These SNPs potentially tagging the Sr38 gene could be used in marker-assisted selection after validating them in additional genetic backgrounds.

Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease of wheat. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, a set of 330 genotypes representing two nurseries (DUP2015 and TRP2015) were evaluated for resistance to a Nebraska stem rust race (QFCSC) in two replications. The TRP2015 nursery was also evaluated for its resistance to an additional 13 stem rust races. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes in both populations for stem rust resistance. Nine stem rust genes, Sr6, Sr31, Sr1RSAmigo, Sr24, Sr36, SrTmp, Sr7b, Sr9b, and Sr38, were expected and genotyped using gene-specific markers. The results of genetic analysis confirmed the presence of seven stem rust resistance genes. One genotype (NE15680) contained target alleles for five stem rust resistance genes and had a high level of stem rust resistance against different races. Single marker analysis indicated that Sr24 and Sr38 were highly significantly associated with stem rust resistance in the DUP2015 and TRP2015 nurseries, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium analysis identified the presence of 17 SNPs in high linkage with the Sr38-specific marker. These SNPs potentially tagging the Sr38 gene could be used in marker-assisted selection after validating them in additional genetic backgrounds.