Effect of the inclusion of different sources of carbohydrate in the fattening ration based on Leucaena leaves on the intake, digestibility, and weight gain of Culled Bali Cows

Abstract

An experiment with the objective of improving the utilization of leucaena leaves by culled Bali cows by the inclusion of different sources of carbohydrate was conducted following a completely randomized design using 16 thin cull Bali cows. Four diets were allotted to each animal at any period including La: the animal was offered a diet consisting of 80% dried leucaena leaves and 20% rice straw as a control, LaLb: added with pumpkin, LaJg: added with cornmeal, and LaLbJg: added with pumpkin and cornmeal. All supplemented diets were set to have similar energy and protein level. Variables measured included intake and digestibility of nutrients, rumen environments, and daily weight gain. Results showed that the inclusion of pumpkin and especially cornmeal significantly increased (P<0,05) dry matter and nutrient intake. DM and nutrient digestibility did not differ among treatments except for crude fiber. Rumen concentration of volatile fatty acids was significantly increased but rumen ammonia concentration was reduced with the addition of carbohydrate. Daily weight gain was significantly (P<0,05) improved and the inclusion of cornmeal produced the highest daily weight gain. It can be concluded that the intake and the utilization of leucaena leaves for weight gain by culled Bali cows was improved by the inclusion of carbohydrates with cornmeal exert a better effect over pumpkin.