This review focuses on the introduction and investigation of pangola grass as a tropical forage species especially in Thailand. Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud., synonym D. decumbens) is one of recent examples of grasses that have been successfully introduced to Southeast Asia and is often considered as one of the highest quality tropical grasses popularly grown as pasture. Pangola grass is utilized extensively as grass for animal grazing, hay and silage making. Its crude protein content is commonly in the order of 5 to 14% of dry matter and may exceed 15% of dry matter with young regrowth under high fertilization. It has been documented that the type and number of ruminants receiving pangola grass can determine the success of its use. Results obtained when pangola grass in fresh, hay or silage form was fed to ruminant animals as supplements showed better performances in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, meat quality, and milk yield and composition. In conclusion, pangola grass is a promising forage and a source of high quality feed for ruminant animals in tropical countries.

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal digestibility of napier Pakchong 1 silage combined with maize cob and husk in different ratios. The napier Pakchong 1 grass was harvested at 45 days of maturity. The napier Pakchong 1 grass was ensiled with maize cob and husk at ratios of 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15. Three rumen fistulated Thai native cattle (White Lamphun cattle) with an average weight of 154 ± 4.7 kg were used to determine ruminal digestibility by in vitro gas-production technique. Gas production was recorded after incubating for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The microbial biomass yield was determined after incubating for 24 h. DM, NDF and ADF of maize cob and husk mixed with napier Pakchong 1 silage declined by increasing the proportion of napier Pakchong 1 grass, while gas production after 4–10 h of incubating maize cob and husk mixed with napier Pakchong 1 grass increased by increasing the proportion of napier Pakchong 1 grass. The metabolisable energy, organic matter digestibility and microbial biomass yield did not differ among the different ratios. The results of the study suggested a recommended ratio of maize cob and husk to napier Pakchong 1 grass of 1:10. The ensiling fermentation increased the proportion of protein in the roughage, which lead to increased in vitro gas production of roughage.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of UV-B irradiated vitamin D-enriched yeast supplementation on milk yield, milk composition, vitamin D in milk, milk fatty acids, blood chemistry, and 25(OH)D status in dairy cows.Methods: Six Thai Friesian cows (milk production, 11.2±2.0 kg/d; body weight, 415.0±20.0 kg; and days in milk, 90.0±6.0) were allocated to each treatment in a 3×3 Latin square design, with three treatments and three periods. Each period of the Latin square lasted 49 days consisting of 14 days for diet adaptation and 35 days for sample collection. Dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: i) feeding a basal diet without yeast (CON); ii) basal diet + 5 g of live yeast (75 IU/head/d of vitamin D2; LY); and iii) basal diet + 5 g of UV-B irradiated vitamin D enriched yeast (150,000 IU/head/d of vitamin D2; VDY). Feed intake and milk production were recorded daily, milk sample collection occurred on days 14 and 35 of each collection period, and blood plasma was collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 of each collection period.Results: The results show that after a trial period of 14 and 35 days, the VDY group had significantly higher vitamin D content in milk than the LY and CON groups (376.41 vs 305.15, 302.14 ng/L and 413.46 vs 306.76, 301.12 ng/L, respectively). At days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 of the experiment, cows fed the VDY group had significantly higher 25(OH)D2 status in blood than the CON and LY groups (51.07 vs 47.16, 48.05 ng/mL; 54.96 vs 45.43, 46.91 ng/mL; 56.16 vs 46.87, 47.16 ng/mL; 60.67 vs 44.39, 46.17 ng/mL and 63.91 vs 45.88, 46.88 ng/mL), respectively.Conclusion: In conclusion, UV-B irradiated vitamin D-enriched yeast supplementation could improve vitamin D content in the milk and 25(OH)D status in dairy cows during the lactation period.

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of SFO and LP supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and serum biochemical indices in crossbred (Boer × Saanen) buck goats. Twenty-eight bucks (4 months old; 18.42 ± 2.03 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatments (n = 7): control, SFO (5–10 mL/day), LP (10 mL containing 10⁷ CFU/goat on alternate days), and SFO+LP. Growth performance was not affected; however, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved significantly (p < 0.001) in supplemented groups, with improved efficiency observed in SFO+LP, indicating enhanced feed utilization efficiency despite differences in feed intake. Carcass traits were unchanged. Meat quality improved in SFO and SFO+LP groups, as evidenced by lower pH at 45 min postmortem (p = 0.045) and reduced Warner–Bratzler shear force (p = 0.036), indicating enhanced tenderness. The combined SFO+LP treatment significantly increased C18:2 n6t (p = 0.036), total CLA (p = 0.003), and total PUFA (p = 0.001), indicating improved nutritional value of the lipids. Significant treatment × time interactions (p < 0.05) were observed for lipid and enzyme parameters, with values increasing over time in the supplemented groups, while glucose remained unchanged. These results indicate a synergistic interaction between SFO and LP, likely through modulation of rumen biohydrogenation and lipid metabolism, enhancing feed efficiency and meat functional quality without compromising metabolic health.