Changes in Palatability of Raising Japanese Black Steers on Fermented Total Mixed Rations Due to Deterioration Exposed to the Air and Development of Technology to Distinguish Feed Quality by Odor Compounds

Abstract

Fermented total mixed ration (TMR) is a promising domestic feed for beef cattle, but there is concern that aerobic deterioration could reduce its palatability. The objectives of this study, conducted in January (mean air temperature at 6 °C), were to evaluate the effects of odor changes in fermented TMR made of feed rice and Soy source and/or beer lees as replacement of concentrates due to 13-day exposure to the air on palatability by raising Japanese Black steers and to investigate the quality evaluation method for these feeds using E-nose odor sensor. The palatability test of fermented TMRs (control/deteriorated) on Japanese Black steers showed that, contrary to the hypothesis, the intake of the deteriorated feed was significantly higher than that of the control feed. The released amount of thirty-three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was affected by the deteriorated treatment from the control by GC-MS analysis. It was suggested that the reduction of acetic acid emission by the aerobic deterioration treatment had an effect on the improved palatability of the deteriorated feed. E-nose analysis would distinguish the VOCs between the control and the deteriorated feeds. The possibility was demonstrated to construct a simple and objective quality determination system for fermented TMR using E-nose.

Journal of Warm Regional Society of Animal Science, Japan 68（2）: 75-85, 2025