Acid Detergent Fiber Intake Research Articles

Developmental changes of nutrient digestion in young lambs are influenced by weaning and associated with intestinal microbiota

Understanding the effects of weaning on the changes of digestive function could help to design efficient intervention strategies for promoting the development of the lamb during the early stages of life. In this study, 24 lambs were divided into two groups (control group, lambs were not weaned; and weaning group, lambs were weaned at 21 days of age). The growth, nutrient digestion, gastrointestinal enzyme activity, plasma biochemical indicators, and intestinal microbiota at 7–49 days were determined, as well as the impact of early weaning. The nutrient digestion changed rapidly with age, especially at 14–28 days (p < 0.05). Weaning reduced the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) intake and digestion, but increased the starch, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake and digestion (p < 0.05). Weaning did not affect the overall jejunal microbiota (p > 0.05), but affected the relative abundance of certain bacteria taxa (p < 0.05). Lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Olsenella, Bacillus, Sharpea, and Bifidobacterium are closely related to CP or EE digestion and growth performance (p < 0.05). In summary, we delineated the pattern of nutrient digestion and intestinal microbiota development in young lambs, and the impact of early weaning.

Effect of Feeding Discarded Durian Peel Ensiled with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and Additives in Total Mixed Rations on Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Mitigation, and Nitrogen Balance of Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian Goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented discarded durian peel with Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses separately or in combination in total mixed rations on feed utilization, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in growing crossbreed Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian goats. Five crossbreed Thai Native–Anglo-Nubian goats (50%) at 9 to 12 months of age and 20 ± 1 of body weight (BW) were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Evaluated treatments were fermented discarded durian peel without additives (FDP), fermented discarded durian peel with 5% of molasses (FDPM), fermented discarded durian peel with 2% of cellulase (FDPC), fermented discarded durian peel with 1.0 × 105 cfu/g fresh matter of L. casei TH14 (FDPL), and fermented discarded durian peel with 5% of molasses and 1.0 × 105 cfu/g fresh matter of L. casei TH14 (FDPML). This study showed that acid detergent fiber intake was different (p &lt; 0.05) between goats fed FDP and those fed FDPLM, 0.24 g/d and 0.20 g/d, respectively. The FDPML ration had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) greater apparent nutrient digestibility and a better propionate concentration compared with other treatments. FDPML treatment significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio, methane production, and urinary nitrogen. Therefore, treated discarded durian peel with molasses and L. casei TH14 in combination could add 25% of dry matter into the diet for growing goats without a negative impact.

Cattail (Typha domingensis) silage improves feed intake, blood profile, economics of production, and growth performance of beef cattle.

Sixteen Rahaji breed beef cattle (112.00 ± 0.15 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to one of four rations differing in the degree of substitution of sorghum straw with Cattail (Typha domingensis) silage. Growth performance, feed intake, blood profile, and economics of production were evaluated. Completely randomized design was used, and the feeding trial lasted for 42 days. Cattle were fed a total mixed ration of roughage:concentrate (400:600) g/kg dry matter and gamba hay free choice. The control diet (T0) contained 400 g/kg sorghum straw, expressed on a dry matter basis (DM). For additional treatments, Typha silage (TS) was included at 100 (T10), 200 (T20), and 300 (T30) g/kg of the mix replacing an equal DM weight of sorghum straw. Growth rate was similar (P > 0.05) regardless of the TS level. DM (5160.77–5524.96 g/d) and crude protein (846.36–955.82 g/d) intakes were higher (P < 0.05) in T20 and T30 diets, while the acid detergent fiber intake (471.27–512.46 g/d) reduced (P < 0.05) in TS-based diets. Red blood cell concentrations of cattle fed TS-based diets increased (P < 0.05). The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations of cattle fed T20 diet decreased (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control. Sodium and albumin concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in cattle fed TS-based diets. Total cost of feeding ($ 49.60–61.62) decreased (P < 0.05) in TS-based diets, while the gross benefit of cattle fed 300 g/kg TS diet ($ 74.98) was enhanced relative to cattle fed T0 and T10 diets. TS can be considered a new resource of feed for cattle.

Nitrogen Intake and Its Partition on Urine, Dung and Products of Dairy and Beef Cattle in Chile

Nitrogen that is excreted through the urine and dung of cattle is an important source of nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. In Chile, several studies have evaluated nitrogen (N) intake and its partitioning into urine and dung from beef and dairy cattle, however, there are no studies collating all data into one central database, which would allow an estimation of N excretion and its key variables to be developed. The aim of this study was to determine the N partition (milk or meat, urine and dung) and variables influencing the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and urinary N excretion of cattle based on a database generated from Chilean studies. The search of studies was carried out using a keyword list in different web-based platforms. Nitrogen excretion into urine and dung was calculated using equations reported in the literature for beef and dairy cattle. Mixed models were used to identify variables influencing the N partitioning. Nitrogen intake and its partitioning into the animal product, urine and dung were higher for dairy compared to beef cattle. For dairy cattle, NUE was influenced by milk yield, the non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC)/crude protein ratio, acid detergent fiber intake and milk urea N (MUN), while urinary N excretion was influenced by milk yield, MUN and NFC intake. For beef cattle, N intake and its excretion were greater for grazing compared to the confined system, while NUE was greater for confined animals. This database supplies new information on N intake and its partitioning (milk, meat, urine and dung) for dairy and beef cattle, which can be used for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based livestock in Chile. Additionally, our study supplies new information on nutritional variables determining NUE and urinary N excretion for dairy cattle, which can be used by farmers to reduce N excretion into the environment.

Gentiana straminea supplementation improves feed intake, nitrogen and energy utilization, and methane emission of Simmental calves in northwest China.

ObjectiveNative plants can be used as additives to replace antibiotics to improve ruminant feed utilization and animal health. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Gentiana straminea (GS) on nutrient digestibility, methane emissions, and energy metabolism of Simmental calves.MethodsThirty-two (5-week-old) male Simmental clves, with initial body weight (BW) of 155±12 kg were fed the same basal diet of concentrates (26%), alfalfa hay (37%), and oat hay (37%) and were randomly separated into four treatment groups according to the amount of GS that was added to their basal diet. The four different groups received different amounts of GS as a supplement to their basal diet during whole experiment: (0 GS) 0 mg/kg BW, the control; (100 GS) 100 mg/kg BW; (200 GS) 200 mg/kg BW; and (300 GS) 300 mg/kg BW.ResultsFor calves in the 200 GS and 300 GS treatment groups, there was a significant increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p<0.01), average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05), organic matter intake (p<0.05), DM digestibility (p<0.05), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (p<0.05), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (p<0.05). Dietary GS supplementation result in quadratic increases of DM intake (p<0.01), ADG (p<0.05), NDF intake (p<0.05), and ADF intake (p<0.05). Supplementing the basal diet with GS significantly increased nitrogen (N) retention (p<0.001) and the ratio of retention N to N intake (p<0.001). Supplementing the basal diet with GS significantly decreased methane (CH4) emissions (p<0.01), CH4/BW0.75 (p<0.05) and CH4 energy (CH4-E) (p<0.05). Dietary GS supplementation result in quadratic increases of CH4 (p<0.01) and CH4/DM intake (p<0.01). Compared with 0 GS, GS-supplemented diets significantly improved their gross energy intake (p<0.05). The metabolizable energy and digestive energy intake were significantly greater for calves in the 100 GS and 200 GS calves than for 0 GS calves (p<0.05).ConclusionFrom this study, we conclude that supplementing calf diets with GS could improve utilization of feed, energy, and N, and may reduce CH4 emissions without having any negative effects on animal health.

PSXV-23 Effects of a nutritional packet composed of live yeast, vitamins, and electrolytes on the feeding behavior of intensively managed beef steers

Abstract The effect of a nutritional-packet was evaluated on time spent ruminating, eating, and chewing (ruminating + eating) by intensively managed beef steers consuming a finishing diet during the final 65 d of feeding prior to slaughter. Furthermore, the influence of behavior on CH4 production was determined. Twenty-four Angus-crossbreed steers were distributed into pens with SmartFeed (C-Lock) technology in which they were treated with: control or nutritional-packet [0.29% DM basis; live yeast (8.7 Log CFU/g); Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg); Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg); NaCl (80 g/kg); KCl (80 g/kg)]. An ear tag containing multiple accelerometers (CowManager) was placed on steers, and such device continuously recorded rumination and eating time (min/day). Enteric CH4 emissions were measured for 15 d using the SF6 tracer technique. Feeding behavior data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. Steer was considered experimental unit. The GLM procedure of SAS was used for regressing behavior and CH4 production data. There were no differences between treatments for time (within 24 h) spent ruminating, eating, or chewing (P ³ 0.197). When nutrient intake was taken into account, no differences (P ³ 0.139) were observed between treatments for time spent ruminating, eating, and chewing per kg of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber intake, and acid detergent fiber intakes. The production of CH4 was not affected by time spent ruminating (0.93 g/min; R2 = 0.0003; P = 0.935), eating (3.34 g/min; R2 = 0.03; P = 0.409), or chewing (0.69 g/min; R2 = 0.006; P = 0.728). The feeding behavior of intensively managed beef steers during the final 65-d of feeding was not driven by the nutritional-packet supplied, neither was CH4 production associated with feeding behavior variables measured.

Improvement of feed intake, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and lactation performance of dairy cows fed mixed silage of sugar beet pulp and rice straw inoculated with lactic acid bacteria

A study was conducted to investigate the inclusion effects of sugar beet pulp and rice straw mixture silage with inoculation (BRMS), in place of whole-plant corn silage (CS), on the dry matter intake, total-tract nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance in high-production dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (body weight, 622 ± 35 kg; days in milk, 90 ± 11 d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in our experiments; the experiments were based on a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21 d, and each experimental period consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 7 d of data collection. The 4 dietary treatments used were (dry matter basis): (1) 0% BRMS and 28.6% CS (0BRMS); (2) 4.3% BRMS and 24.3% CS (15BRMS); (3) 8.60% BRMS and 20.0% CS (30BRMS); and (4) 12.9% BRMS and 15.7% CS (45BRMS). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS was observed to linearly increase the total volatile fatty acids and the propionate concentration. The dry matter intake and digestibility values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly as the percentage of BRMS increased up to 45%. Milk yield linearly increased with the increase in the content of BRMS (39.0, 39.8, 40.9, and 40.3 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS induced a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration, leading to a linear increase in milk protein production (1.15, 1.26, 1.35, and 1.27 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). In conclusion, the diets with the replacement of CS with BRMS up to 45% were beneficial to the production performance of high-production dairy cows, indicating that this method may be an appropriate use of sugar beet pulp and rice straw.

Enteric methane emission from growing yak calves aged 8–16 months: Predictive equations and comparison with other ruminants

Many prediction equations are available for enteric methane (CH4) emission in cattle; however, these are not suitable for yaks, as CH4 emission differs between these species. To our knowledge, no equation has been generated for yaks and, consequently, the aim of this study, at least in part, is to fill this gap. Feed and energy intakes, dry matter digestibility, and CH4 emissions were measured in 16 yak calves (8 males and 8 females) at 8, 12, and 16 months of age. Concentrate (C) and forage (F) were offered the calves at a ratio of 60:40. There was no difference (P = 0.92) in body mass (mb) between sexes, but there was a difference (P < 0.001) among ages. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in the dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI), acid detergent fiber intake (ADFI), gross energy intake (GEI), digestive energy intake (DEI), and metabolizable energy intake (MEI) among ages and between sexes. The CH4 emission (g/d) and the energy equivalent of CH4 emission (MJ/d) increased (P < 0.005) with increasing age, and they were higher (P < 0.005) in males than in females. There was no difference (P = 0.22) in CH4 emission between sexes in g CH4/kg DMI. Using simple linear regressions, DMI, OMI, and NDFI each explained 49–50% of the variation in CH4 emission; whereas, GEI explained 49% of the energy loss due to CH4 emission. In multiple regressions, NDFI and either mb or ADFI explained 49–50% of the variation in CH4 emission. It was concluded that CH4 emission in yaks: (1) tended to be lower than emissions reported in the literature for cattle and Murrah buffalo calves fed diets of similar C:F ratios; and, (2) as in cattle, can be predicted by dry matter intake.

Replacement of alfalfa hay for tropical legumes in goats diets / Substituição do feno de alfafa pelo de leguminosas tropicais em dietas de caprinos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alfalfa hay replacement by tropical legume hay on goat diets. Four diets were formulated using: 1) perennial soybean hay; 2) tropical kudzu; 3) macrotiloma and 4) alfalfa, in a roughage/concentrate ratio of 25/75. Eight castrated crossbred (Boer x Saanen) animals, with a mean weight of 17.8 kg (4 months of age), were arranged in a 4 x 4 double Latin Square Design. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), total carbohydrates (TC), ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were not affected by the legume species. On the other hand, the intake of acid detergent fiber (ADF) was lower in the diet formulated with alfalfa, compared to the other legumes (P&lt;0.05), since this presented lower levels in this diet. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, ADF, TC and NFC did not differ among the four treatments (P&gt;0.05). However, EE digestibility was lower in the diet with alfalfa compared to ration with tropical kudzu and perennial soybeans. The digestibility of this constituent between the diet formulated with tropical kudzu and those formulated with macrotiloma and perennial soybean (P &lt; 0.05), and the digestibility of the NDF of the ration prepared with perennial soybean was higher than the other legumes. There was no difference for the nitrogen balance between the different diets, indicating that these legumes are options for replacement of alfalfa hay in goat diets.

Addition of Active Dry Yeast Could Enhance Feed Intake and Rumen Bacterial Population While Reducing Protozoa and Methanogen Population in Beef Cattle

Urea–lime-treated rice straw fed to Thai native beef cattle was supplemented with dry yeast (DY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to assess total feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen microorganisms, and methane (CH4) production. Sixteen Thai native beef cattle at 115 ± 10 kg live weight were divided into four groups that received DY supplementation at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/hd/d using a randomized completely block design. All animals were fed concentrate mixture at 0.5% of body weight, with urea–lime-treated rice straw fed ad libitum. Supplementation with DY enhanced total feed intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p &lt; 0.05), but dry matter, organic matter and crude protein were similar among treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) increased (p &lt; 0.05) with 3 g/hd/d DY supplementation, while acetic acid (C2) and butyric acid (C4) decreased. Protozoal population and CH4 production in the rumen decreased as DY increased (p &lt; 0.05). Populations of F. succinogenes and R. flavefaciens increased (p &lt; 0.05), whereas methanogen population decreased with DY addition at 3 g/hd/d, while R. albus was stable (p &gt; 0.05) throughout the treatments. Thus, addition of DY to cattle feed increased feed intake, rumen fermentation, and cellulolytic bacterial populations.

The impact of lamb diets containing either barley or corn on growth performance and carcass quality

Background and Aim:Grains, such as barley (BAR) and corn (CORN), are major energy sources for small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the impact of feeding either BAR or CORN-based diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics.Materials and Methods:Awassi male lambs, average body weight of 20.4±0.49 kg, were chosen randomly. Lambs were acclimated for 10 days and assigned to one of two diets (1) BAR and (2) CORN. Feeding continued for 70 days with 60 days of data collection. Daily intake was recorded. Measurements of body weight were taken starting from day 1 then once per week throughout the study period. On day 40, six lambs were randomly chosen from each group and placed in metabolism cages to assess digestibility and N balance. Lambs were slaughtered on the last day of the study to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality.Results:Neutral and acid detergent fiber and ether extract intake were greater (p≤0.05) for lambs fed the BAR diets. Nitrogen loss in feces tended to be greater (p=0.09) for the CORN diet. Eye muscle depth (mm) tended to be greater (p=0.07) for the BAR diet. Nutrient digestibility, daily weight gain, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were not different (p≥0.1) between diets.Conclusion:The results herein demonstrate that feeding BAR grain improved nutrient intake efficiency and consistency and did not affect weight gain and carcass traits. BAR-based diets might be a useful alternative to CORN for feeding growing lambs.

Growth performances, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and energy partition of Thai native steers fed exclusive rice straw and fermented sugarcane bagasse with Lactobacillus, cellulase and molasses.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sugarcane bagasse feeding treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (L. casei TH14), cellulase and molasses (BG) on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, energy partition and growth performances of Thai native steers compared to conventional feeding of rice straw (RS). Eight Thai native steers (144±19.5kg of initial body weight) were randomly allocated to two roughage sources in a completed randomized design: RS (n=4) and BG (n=4). The feeding trial lasted for 90days plus 21days for treatment adaptation. The results showed that the BG group showed (p<0.05) greater intake (2.34 vs 2.02kg/day), total intake (3.90 vs 3.55kg/day) and average daily gain (0.27 vs 0.23kg/day) while feed conversion ratio was lower compared to RS group. The BG group had a greater (p<0.05) organic matter and acid detergent fibre intake than the RS group as well as dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The steers fed RS and BG were significantly (p<0.05) different for total volatile fatty acids and propionic acid at 4h after offering the diet. The intake of nitrogen (g/day) and apparent nitrogen absorption was significantly (p<0.05) higher for BG than the RS group while nitrogen excretion in faeces was significantly lower in RS than the BG group. BG group showed significantly (p<0.05) greater gross energy intake and digestible energy partition when compared to the RS group. In conclusion, feeding BG enhanced feed utilization, growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization and energy utilization.

Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Indices of Rabbits fed Varying Levels of Sugarcane Rind Meal

The potential of sugarcane peels as a substitute for maize offal in rabbit diets and its effect on growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics were studied. Twenty five growing rabbits of mixed breeds and average body weight of 894±26.14g were used in a 7-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated in which sugarcane rind (SCR) was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level to replace maize offal (weight for weight). The rabbits were balanced for weight and allotted to the treatments (n=5 rabbits/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, hemicellulose, acid and neutral detergent fibre intake and digestibility decreased with increasing level of sugarcane rind inclusion. Crude fibre intake (5.59-8.67 g/day) and digestibility (20.60-40.80%) however increased (P&lt;0.05) as level of sugarcane rind increased in the diet. The 30% inclusion of sugarcane rind gave body weight gain (5.35 g/d) comparable to the control (6.41 g/d), 10 (7.78 g/d) and 20% (7.12 g/d) inclusion of sugarcane peels. Feed intake (44.61-40.59 g/d) decreased as the level of sugarcane rind increased in the diets. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of sugarcane rind on metabolic body weight and feed efficiency. Inclusion of sugarcane rind at 30% level increased (P&lt;0.05) thigh and head percentage but without any adverse effect on chest, loin, shoulder and skin. Based on the results, it is concluded that sugarcane rind is a good fibre source that can be used to replace maize offal up to 30% in rabbit diets.

Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Indices of Rabbits fed Varying Levels of Sugarcane Rind Meal

The potential of sugarcane peels as a substitute for maize offal in rabbit diets and its effect on growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics were studied. Twenty five growing rabbits of mixed breeds and average body weight of 894±26.14g were used in a 7-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated in which sugarcane rind (SCR) was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level to replace maize offal (weight for weight). The rabbits were balanced for weight and allotted to the treatments (n=5rabbits/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, hemicellulose, acid and neutral detergent fibre intake and digestibility decreased with increasing level of sugarcane rind inclusion. Crude fibre intake (5.59-8.67 g/day) and digestibility (20.60-40.80%) however increased (P&lt;0.05) as level of sugarcane rind increased in the diet. The 30% inclusion of sugarcane rind gave body weight gain (5.35 g/d) comparable to the control (6.41 g/d), 10 (7.78 g/d) and 20% (7.12 g/d) inclusion of sugarcane peels. Feed intake (44.61-40.59 g/d) decreased as the level of sugarcane rind increased in the diets. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of sugarcane rind on metabolic body weight and feed efficiency. Inclusion of sugarcane rind at 30% level increased (P&lt;0.05) thigh and head percentage but without any adverse effect on chest, loin, shoulder and skin. Based on the results, it is concluded that sugarcane rind is a good fibre source that can be used to replace maize offal up to 30% in rabbit diets

EFFECTS OF SOURCE AND LEVEL OF NITROGEN ON THE UTILIZATION OF SORGHUM STOVER BY YANKASA RAMS

The effects of cotton seed cake (CSC) or urea in supplying either 12% or 16% crude protein on sorghum stover utilization by Yankasa rams was studied for twelve weeks, using a 2 x 2 factorially designed experiment. Nutrient intake, digestibility, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored. In vitro volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH,-N) concentrations were also determined. The result of the study indicated that the source and/or level of nitrogen (or crude protein) significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected crude protein intake (CPI), digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) and in vitro NH,-N concentration. Total feed intake, live weight gain (LWG), FCR and DCPI were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by source x level interaction. Acid detergent fibre (A DF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intakes, CP, ADF and NDF digestibilities, digestible ADF and NDF intakes, stover intake and in vitro VFA concentration were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by either main effects of CP source and level or their interaction. The rams on the 16% CSC and 12% urea ration gained more weight and had lower FCR than those on the 12% CSC and 16% urea. The 16% CSC ration gave the best result in terms of sorghum stover supplementation. The 12% urea treatment which also had a good result in terms of weight gain and FCR could also be recommended for use.

Lactation performance of Awassi ewes fed diets containing either Atriplex halimus L. or olive cake

The objective of the two studies was to evaluate t effects of feeding on lactating Awassi ewes (study 1) and lambs (study 2), fed on a diet of Atriplex halimus L. (ATR) or olive cake (OC), as a foraging source substitute for wheat straw. In study 1, 33 newly lambed ewes and their lambs were randomly assigned one of three diets: The control diet (CON), 250 g/kg of OC, or 250 g/kg of ATR dry matter (DM). Ewes and lambs were housed in individual pens. Ewes fed CON diet had greater DM, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre intakes than OC and ATR groups. Ether extract (EE) intake was greater (p < .0001) in OC diet compared to CON and ATR diets. Milk yield was similar (p = .99) among treatments. Content of milk total solids and fat were greater in ATR diet than CON and OC diets. Milk production cost was lower in the OC and ATR compared to the CON group. In study 2, 18 ewe lambs were assigned the same diets used in study 1 to evaluate the effects of OC and ATR on nutrient digestibility and N balance. Dry matter digestibility was greater in ATR compared to CON and OC groups. The digestibility of EE was greater in the OC group than in CON and ATR groups. Results showed that the inclusion of OC and ATR did not negatively impact lactation performance. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production. Highlights Olive cake and Atriplex halimus L. were fed to Awassi ewes at a level of 250 g/kg of dietary DM. The inclusion of olive cake and A. halimus L. at 250 g/kg of dietary DM, as a source of fibre, did not negatively impact the lactation performance of sheep. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production.

Effects of Guar (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cyamopsis tetragonoloba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Residues on the Performance and Nutrients Digestibility in Finishing Awassi Lambs

The nutritive quality of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) residues (GR) was investigated and the effects of partial replacement of wheat straw by GR on nutrients intake, digestibility, and growth performance. Twenty four male lambs, with average body weight (BW) of 40.3 ± 2.5 kg were divided into three groups. Lambs were fed individually for 104 days with concentrate mixture (18% crude protein) and wheat straw as a total mixed ration. Wheat straw was replaced with 0, 100 and 145 g/kg dry matter guar residues. All rations were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The fattening trial lasted 104 days. At the end of week 10 of the trail, a digestion trial was performed using six lambs from each group. The composition of nutrients in the GR was 87%, 8.5%, 56.4% and 40.1% for DM, CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. DM and crude protein (CP) intake were not affected by the inclusion of GR. However, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intake were lower in lambs fed GR compared to control lambs. At the end of the experiment, lambs fed 100 and 145 g GR/kg DM diets gained more weight (P version (CR). Results from this work suggested that GR had advantages compared to regular roughage (wheat straw) in regard to parameters investigated as well as the significant reduction in fattening diets cost.

Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestion, Growth and Reproductive Performances of Boran-Friesian Cross Breed Dairy Heifers Through Different Wheat Straw to Concentrate Feeds

This study was conducted to examine the effect of different wheat straw and concentrate proportions on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth and reproductive performances of F1 cross breed (Boran X Friesian) dairy heifers. Wheat straw (WS) with 93% dry matter content was chopped (3-5 cm in length) and mixed with concentrate, molasses and water. The amount of water used for the preparation of total mixed ration was three fold of the molasses amount. Twelve dairy heifers (90.45 ± 7.37 kg LW, mean ±S.D) were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments (WS80= 80% WS: 20% concentrate; WS60 = 60% WS: 40% concentrate) and WS40 = (40% WS: 60% concentrate) in a completely randomized block design. The diets were offered <i>ad-libitum</i> and allowing 15-20% refusal. The experiment was consisted of 345 days of feeding trial and 7 days for the measurement of digestibility. Different wheat straw and concentrate proportion had no significant effect on organic matter intake of dairy heifers. In contrast, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes were greater when the heifers were fed WS40 versus the other treatments. The greater (P<0.001) DM, CP, ADF and NDF digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and growth rate were observed in WS40 than the other treatments. The greater (P<0.001) body weight at first service for dairy heifers was perceived in WS80 than the other dietary treatments. Conversely, the smallest age at first service, age at first conception and number of service per conception for dairy heifers was noticed in WS40 than the other dietary treatments. Raising dairy heifers by using 40% wheat straw and 60% concentrate can be recommended for practical application.

Nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of and as supplements to Afzelia africana Newbouldia laevis Panicum maximum

The study was conducted to determine nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of Afzelia africana and New bouldia laevisas supplements to Panicum maximum. Twenty female West African dwarf goats aged between 5 and 7 months old with mean live weight of 6.62±0.41kg were allotted to five dietary treatments with two replicates of two goats per treatment in a completely randomised design. The compared diets were: T (100% Panicum maximum), T (25%Afzelia africana and 75% Panicum maximum), T (50% Afzelia africana and 50% Panicum maximum), T (25% New bouldia laevis and 75% Panicum maximum) and T (50% Newbouldia laevis and 50% Panicum maximum). A metabolism trial was conducted at the end of the feeding trial to assess the diets on nutrient digestibility after the nutrient intake study of the goats. Results obtained showed that total hemicelluloses intake (62.48g.day ) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T compared with other diets. Total crude protein intake(43.45g.d) and hemicelluloses digestibility(92.20%)were higher significantly (p&lt;0.001) and (p&lt;0.01) respectively in T . Total lignin intake (36.22g.d )and organic matter digestibility (77.70%) were significantly better (p&lt;0.05) and (p&lt;0.01) respectively in T . Digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre (55.71% and 49.79%) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) and (p&lt;0.001) while dry matter digestibility (83.49%) was significantly better (p&lt;0.01) in T than other treatment diets. Total dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and cellulose intakes with digestibility of crude protein, lignin and cellulose were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected by treatment diets. It was concluded that the combination of Panicum maximum based diet with Newbouldia laevis in a ratio of 50:50 had the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility in goats.

Intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout

A twelve-week trial was conducted to determine the nutrients intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout (AMSP) using Panicum maximum as the basal diet. A total number of sixteen (16) WAD goats with an average live weight; 5.8 ± 0.6 kg were allotted on weight equalization into four (4) dietary treatments consisting of four goats per treatments in a completely randomized design. Four (4) diets were formulated to contain 0, 20, 40 and 60% AMSP. Data was collected on nutrients intake, digestibility and Nitrogen utilization parameters. Significant difference (P&lt;0.05) were observed in all the nutrient intake parameters observed except for dry matter intake. Goats fed 40% AMSP recorded the highest total ash intake (27.01%), total acid detergent fibre (11.46%) and total cellulose intake (83.13%) compared with other dietary treatments. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in all the nutrient digestibility parameters except the ether extract, ash, cellulose and hemicellulose. The highest Ash (66.16%), cellulose (82.47%) and hemicellulose (82.26%) contents were obtained in goats fed 40% AMSP. There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) among the Nitrogen metabolism variables observed except total nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance. Goats fed 40% AMSP based diet recorded the highest Nitrogen retention (62.18%). It can therefore be concluded that 40% AMSP can be used as potential sources of supplements in ruminants feed most especially during dry season as it enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance.