Abstract
Fifty-one Simmental crossbred steers (357.0±16.5 kg) were used to compare a standard total mix ration (TMR) with variants on animal performance, ruminal fermentation, blood biochemical parameters, and carcass characteristics. Corn grain and cotton seed meal were partially replaced by ensiled mulberry leaves (EML) or sun-dried mulberry fruit pomace (SMFP). Experimental diets had similar amounts of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and metabolizable energy (ME). Animals were divided into three groups: control group (CONT), 8% EML group, and 6.3% SMFP group. Performance, including average daily weight gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI), was measured. Blood and rumen samples were collected at the end of the experiment (16 weeks). There were no differences in final body weight (P = 0.743), ADG (P = 0.425), DMI (P = 0.642), or ADG/DMI (P = 0.236) between the groups. There were no differences (P = 0.2024) in rumen pH values; ammonia N was lower (P = 0.0076) in SMFP than in the EML and CONT groups. There were differences in the concentrations of total and individual volatile fatty acids, while no differences were determined in blood biochemical parameters (i.e., plasma glucose, urea concentrations, triglycerides, total protein, insulin, IgG, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase, P ≥ 0.098). No differences were observed in carcass characteristics (P ≥ 0.513), tenderness (P = 0.844), adipose and lean color values (P ≥ 0.149), and chemical composition (P ≥ 0.400); however, intramuscular fat was lower in the EML and SMFP groups compared to the CONT animals (P = 0.034). In conclusion, diets supplemented with these two mulberry products in an isocaloric and isonitrogenous manner have similar effects to corn grain and cotton seed meals on steer performance, blood biochemical parameters and carcass characteristics, with the exception of ruminal VFA concentrations and lower intramuscular fat content.
Highlights
There is an increased demand for animal products in China and other developing countries, thereby increasing the demand for adequate and inexpensive animal feed
The silage bacteria acts on carbohydrates in the leaves to produce lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, which act as natural preservatives for mulberry leaves
Ensilaged mulberry leaves had the same effect as the corn grain and cotton seed meal they replaced on animal growth performance (P . 0.1) after 16 weeks, which indicated that ensiled mulberry leaves (EML) and sun-dried mulberry fruit pomace (SMFP) could be used in finishing steers without negative effects on animal growth performance
Summary
There is an increased demand for animal products in China and other developing countries, thereby increasing the demand for adequate and inexpensive animal feed. Mulberry has been used as feed for silk worms for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that mulberry trees are potential protein sources for herbivores [9,10]. The addition of mulberry leaves to lamb feed reduces the need for expensive protein supplements [11]. The silage bacteria acts on carbohydrates in the leaves to produce lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, which act as natural preservatives for mulberry leaves. This preservative method is important during winters, when green forage is unavailable
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
