Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
The livestock industry in arid and semi-arid regions faces challenges such as limited feed resources and reduced production efficiency. Using low-cost and eco-friendly additives like biochar, due to its porous structure and high cation exchange capacity, can positively influence the ruminal fermentation processes and animal health, As well as adsorbing harmful compounds, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more stable environment for rumen microbiota. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of organic and mineral biochars on fermentation processes, and performance, of Holstein calves using both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Materials and methods
Organic and mineral biochars were added to a basal diet at levels of 1 to 10% and evaluated through in vitro and in vivo systems. Parameters such as ruminal pH, gas pressure, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia (NH₃) concentration were measured and compared. Statistical analysis were performed using SAS software, and Tukey’s tests. In in vivo study 18 Holston calves were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments including; 1) The control ordinary diet, 2) ordinary diet +1% mineral biochar and 3) ordinary diet +1% organic biochar. The experimental calves were fed for 5 weeks. The required data were recorded for the last 4 weeks of the whole experimental period.
Results
Biochar supplementation, particularly the mineral type, resulted in a highly significant reduction in ruminal pH and ammonia concentration compared with the control (P<0.001). Lower inclusion levels (1–2.5%) maintained an optimal balance between reducing harmful compounds and preserving fermentation efficiency, while higher levels led to further reductions in VFA and gas pressure. Mineral biochar showed superior performance in maintaining pH stability and ammonia adsorption. Feeding organic or mineral biochars had no significant effects on calves live weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio.
Conclusions
Biochar, especially the mineral form, can be considered as an effective feed additive in feeding of Holstein calves due to its high adsorption capacity and beneficial effects on rumen environment balance. Lower inclusion levels (1–2.5%) offer maximum nutritional benefits without a notable fermentation impairments, while reducing ammonia and stabilizing pH to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts.
Introduction
The livestock industry in arid and semi-arid regions faces challenges such as limited feed resources and reduced production efficiency. Using low-cost and eco-friendly additives like biochar, due to its porous structure and high cation exchange capacity, can positively influence the ruminal fermentation processes and animal health, As well as adsorbing harmful compounds, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more stable environment for rumen microbiota. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of organic and mineral biochars on fermentation processes, and performance, of Holstein calves using both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Materials and methods
Organic and mineral biochars were added to a basal diet at levels of 1 to 10% and evaluated through in vitro and in vivo systems. Parameters such as ruminal pH, gas pressure, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia (NH₃) concentration were measured and compared. Statistical analysis were performed using SAS software, and Tukey’s tests. In in vivo study 18 Holston calves were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments including; 1) The control ordinary diet, 2) ordinary diet +1% mineral biochar and 3) ordinary diet +1% organic biochar. The experimental calves were fed for 5 weeks. The required data were recorded for the last 4 weeks of the whole experimental period.
Results
Biochar supplementation, particularly the mineral type, resulted in a highly significant reduction in ruminal pH and ammonia concentration compared with the control (P<0.001). Lower inclusion levels (1–2.5%) maintained an optimal balance between reducing harmful compounds and preserving fermentation efficiency, while higher levels led to further reductions in VFA and gas pressure. Mineral biochar showed superior performance in maintaining pH stability and ammonia adsorption. Feeding organic or mineral biochars had no significant effects on calves live weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio.
Conclusions
Biochar, especially the mineral form, can be considered as an effective feed additive in feeding of Holstein calves due to its high adsorption capacity and beneficial effects on rumen environment balance. Lower inclusion levels (1–2.5%) offer maximum nutritional benefits without a notable fermentation impairments, while reducing ammonia and stabilizing pH to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts.
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