ADF Ratio Research Articles

Farklı Zamanlarda Ekilen Maş Fasulyesinin (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Bazı Tarımsal Özellikleri ve Ot Kalitesi Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Bu çalışma Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümüne ait araştırma alanında yürütülmüştür. Araştırma Kahramanmaraş ekolojik koşullarında maş fasulyesi (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) bitkisinin en uygun ekim zamanını tespit etmek üzere gerçekleşmiştir. Deneme tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Beş farklı zamanda (30 Mart, 15 Nisan, 30 Nisan, 15 Mayıs ve 30 Mayıs) ekim yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre bitki boyu, bakladaki tohum sayısı ve NDF oranı değerleri haricindeki tüm özelliklere ait ortalamalar arasındaki farkın önemli olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada; çıkış süresi 6,33-14,67 gün, %50 çiçeklenme dönemi 50,00-67,33 gün, %50 bakla bağlama 57-70 gün, %50 olgunlaşma dönemi 73,67-99,00 gün, bitki boyu 36,43-41,70 cm arasında tespit edilmiştir. Bakla oluşumu ile ilgili değerler incelendiğinde; ilk bakla bağlama yüksekliğinin 11,82-21,70 cm, bakla boyunun 9,06-10,63 cm, bakla sayısının 9,43-23,93 adet/bitki, bakladaki tohum sayısının 9,90-10,27 adet/bakla ve tane veriminin 25,00-74,21 kg/da arasında değiştiği bulunmuştur. Ayrıca yaprak sayısının 47,30-73,77 adet/bitki, yeşil ot veriminin 960,00-1512,38 kg/da, kuru ot veriminin 232,35-316,59 kg/da, ham kül oranının %13,03-16,91, ADF oranının %22,17-29,12 ve NDF oranının %55,06-56,05 değerleri arasında olduğu bulunmuştur.

Mürdümük (Lathyrus sativus L.) ve Tritikale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) Karışımlarının Silaj Kalitesinin Belirlenmesi

Bu çalışmada, Mardin ili Kızıltepe ilçesi ekolojik koşullarında, sulu şartlarda yetiştirilen Mürdümük (Lathyrus sativus L.) ile Tritikale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) hasıllarının farklı oranlarda karıştırılması ile elde edilen silajların kalite özelliklerinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Kızıltepe ilçesi Köprübaşı Mahallesi çiftçi arazisinde 2016-2017 ve 2017-2018 yetiştirme sezonun yürütülen bu çalışmada bitki materyali olarak GAP Mavisi mürdümük çeşidi ile Tatlıcak-97 tritikale çeşidi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada %100 mürdümük, %100 tritikale, %80 mürdümük + %20 tritikale, %60 mürdümük + %40 tritikale, %40 mürdümük + %60 tritikale, %20 mürdümük + %80 tritikale karışım oranları kullanılmıştır. Silajlanacak materyal, gofrajlı vakum poşetlerine 1 kg’lık karışımlar halinde konularak lavion marka vakum makinesi ile içinde hava kalmayacak şekilde 3 tekerrür olarak hazırlanıp vakumlanmıştır. Vakumlanmış poşetler 45 gün sonra açılarak fiziksel (renk, koku ve strüktür) ve kimyasal (silaj pH değeri, ADF, NDF, ham protein, ham kül, kuru madde ve laktik asit oranları) özellikleri incelenmiştir. Fiziksel özellikler bakımından nitelik sınıfı en yüksek %100 tritikale silajından elde edilmiştir. Kimyasal özellikler açısından bakıldığında; pH değeri için %100 tritikale silajı, kuru madde oranı %100 tritikale silajı, ADF oranı %100 mürdümük silajı, NDF oranı %100 mürdümük silajı, ham protein %100 mürdümük silajı, ham kül %100 tritikale silajı, fleig puanı ise %100 tritikale silajından elde edilmiştir. Tüm analiz sonuçları incelendiğinde farklı oranlarda karıştırılan Mürdümük+Tritikale silajı için %80 mürdümük + %20 tritikale silaj karışımı uygun bulunmuştur.

BAZI YONCA GENOTİPLERİNİN (Medicago sativa L.) KES VERİMİ VE KES KALİTESİ AÇISIN

This research was carried out to compare some alfalfa cultivars and populations in terms of straw yield and straw quality (crude protein, ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter, dry matter intake and relative feed value) in the Bingol ecological conditions. The field experiment was carried out three replications according to the random blocks trial pattern. Eight genotypes, four of which are registered cultivars and four are populations, were used in the study. There were statistically significant differences between the genotypes in terms of all features studied (p <0.01). The plant height of the genotypes 58.8-86.7 cm, straw yield 293-860 kg/da, crude protein ratio 8.7-13.9%, ADF ratio 30.6-41.8%, NDF ratio 39.6-54.3%, digestible dry matter ratio 56.4-65.1%, dry matter intake 2.21-3.03% and relative feed value varied between 97-152. In the study, it was determined that registered alfalfa cultivars give better results than populations in terms of straw yield and quality. Among the populations, it has been determined that the population obtained from the village of Üçdere stands out in terms of yield, and the population obtained from the district of Varto stands out in terms of quality. It was determined that these populations gave close values to the registered cultivars.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Dose and Sources as Top-Dressing on Yield and Silage Quality Attributes of Silage Maize

Effects of different nitrogen doses and sources applied as top-dressing on dry matter yield and quality of maize silage were investigated in this study. Along with 7.5 kg N da-1 application as starter at sowing in the form of 15-15-0+Zn, nitrogen doses of 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5 kg da-1 were applied as top-dressing at 6-leaf stage of plants in the forms of ammonium nitrate, urea, DMPP blended ammonium sulphate nitrate and urea with NBPT urease inhibitor. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks-factorial experimental design with 3 replicates in 2013 and 2014. The greatest dry matter yield were obtained from 15 and 22.5 kg N da-1 in 2013 and from 22.5 kg N da-1 in 2014. Nitrogen sources had also significant effects on dry matter yield. According to the average of two years, both DMPP blended ammonium sulphate nitrate and urea with NBPT urease inhibitor increased yield respectively by 7 and 3% as compared to ammonium nitrate and urea fertilizers. Nitrogen doses significantly improved the silage quality attributes. Nitrogen treatments increased silage protein ratio and decreased ADF and NDF ratios of silage samples. The greatest relative feed value was obtained from 15 kg N da-1 treatment. It was concluded based on present findings that besides the nitrogen doses, nitrogen sources also significantly improved yield.

Çukurova İkinci Ürün Koşullarında Yetiştirilen Silajlık Mısır (Zea mays L.) Çeşitlerinin Verim ve Silaj Kalite Performanslarının Değerlendirilmesi

Araştırma Doğu Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü Hacıali işletmesinde 4 tekerrürlü olarak tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 2013-2014 yıllarında yürütülmüştür. Denemelerde materyal olarak 13 adet kamu ve 1 adet özel sektör mısır tohumluğu kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre incelenen mısır çeşitlerinin bitkisel özelliklerinde, kuru otunda ve silaj kalitesinde istatistiksel olarak önemli farklılıklar gösterdikleri saptanmıştır. Çeşitlerin bitkisel özelliklerinde ortalama bitki boyu, yaprak sayısı ve oranı, sap çapı, koçan sayısı, sap oranı, koçan oranı ve yeşil ot verimi sırasıyla 249,9 cm, 12,97 bitki/adet, %19,24, 22,08 mm, 0,93 bitki/adet, %42,32, %38,40, 4.251,57 kg/da olarak saptanmıştır. Çeşitlerin kuru otunda ortalama ham protein oranı (HP) %8,80, asit deterjanda çözünmeyen lif oranı (ADF) %34,91, nötr deterjanda çözünmeyen lif oranı (NDF) %59,7, ham kül oranı (HK) %7,2, sindirilebilir kuru madde oranı (SKMO) %61,7, ham protein verimi (HPV) 99,39 kg/da, kuru madde oranı (KMO) %29,4, kuru madde verimi (KMV) 1.164 kg/da ve kuru ot verimi ise 1.257 kg/da olarak saptanmıştır. Çeşitlerin silajında ortalama ham protein oranı (HP) %8,22, ADF oranı %29,27, NDF oranı %50,48, pH 3,57, sindirilebilir kuru madde oranı (SKMO) %66,1, kuru madde oranı (KMO) %28,14, ham protein verimi (HPV) 92,6 kg/da, ve Fleig puanı ise 118,35 olarak saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak Burak, Sasa 1 (AĞA çeşidi) ve Ada 334 çeşitlerinin araştırmada yer alan diğer çeşitlere göre daha iyi performans göstererek dekara daha yüksek yeşil ot verimi (5.365, 5.029 ve 4.563 kg/da) ve kuru madde verimi (1.471, 1.281 ve 1.241 kg/da) sağladıklarını ortaya koymuştur. Söz konusu çeşitler bölgemizde ikinci ürün koşullarında silajlık mısır yetiştirilmesi amacıyla üreticilerimize tavsiye edilebilir.

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN DOSES AND IRRIGATION LEVELS ON YIELD, NUTRITIVE VALUE, FERMENTATION AND GAS PRODUCTION OF CORN SILAGE

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different irrigation levels and nitrogen doses on yield, yield parameters, silage characteristics, digestibility, gas and methane production of corn silage. Three different irrigation levels (50%, 75% and 100% of depleted water) and 3 different nitrogen doses (100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 N) were applied to corn silage. Experiments were implemented in split-split plots design with three replications during the growing seasons of 2013-2014. Plants were harvested at milk-dough stage and yield and morphologic characteristics were determined. Then, harvested plants were silaged and chemical characteristics were investigated. Irrigation level x nitrogen dose interaction was not found to be significant. Increasing nitrogen doses increased plant height, plant diameter, green herbage yield, crude protein, metabolic energy, gas production and organic matter digestibility and decreased pH levels, ADF and NDF ratios. Increased irrigation levels positively affected green herbage yield, plant height, plant diameter and increased ADF and NDF ratios. Gas production, metabolic energy and organic matter digestibility decreased with increasing irrigation levels. Increasing irrigation levels improved corn yields, but reduced the quality. On the other hand, increasing nitrogen doses had positive contributions both to yield and quality characteristics.

Effects of a combining feed grade urea and a slow-release product on performance, dietary energetics and carcass characteristics of steers fed finishing diets

Recent findings have shown that microbial nitrogen flow and digestible energy of diet are increased when urea (U) is combined with a slow-release urea product (SRU) in diets with a starch:acid detergent fibre (S:ADF) ratio of 4.5, while feed grade U has shown greater effects on growth performance or dietary energy utilization when the diet contains a S:ADF ratio of greater than 5.0. These results can be partially explained by the better synchronization of ruminal degradation rates between those U sources with the carbohydrates of the diets. Therefore, 60 crossbreed steers (372.4 ± 15 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of combining U and SRU in a diet with a S:ADF ratio of 4.5 vs. U that was supplemented in diets with different S:ADF ratios (3.5, 4.5 and 5.5) on growth performance, dietary energetics and carcass characteristics. U combination did not affect average daily gain (ADG), but reduced dry matter intake [DMI, as % of body weight (BW)] enough to increase feed efficiency (G:F) and dietary net energy (NE). As the S:ADF ratio increased, the DMI, ADG, G:F and NE of diet increased linearly. Irrespective of the S:ADF ratio, U diets did not modify neither the observed-to-expected NE ratio nor the apparent retention per unit DMI, while U combination increased by 7.2% and 8.4%, respectively, the observed-to-expected dietary ratio and the apparent retention per unit DMI. U combination had no effect on carcass characteristics. As the S:ADF ratio increased, carcass weight and LM area were increased linearly. Combining feed grade U and SRU in diets with a 4.5 starch:fibre ratio resulted in positive effects on the efficiency of utilization of dietary energetics.

Effects of Combining Feed Grade Urea and a Slow-release Urea Product on Characteristics of Digestion, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Digestible Energy in Steers Fed Diets with Different Starch:ADF Ratios.

As a result of the cost of grains, the replacement of grains by co-products (i.e. DDGS) in feedlot diets is a common practice. This change produces diets that contain a lower amount of starch and greater amount of fibre. Hypothetically, combining feed grade urea (U) with slow release urea (Optigen) in this type of diet should elicit a better synchrony between starch (high-rate of digestion) and fibre (low-rate of digestion) promoting a better microbial protein synthesis and ruminal digestion with increasing the digestible energy of the diet. Four cannulated Holstein steers (213±4 kg) were used in a 4×4 Latin square design to examine the combination of Optigen and U in a finishing diet containing different starch:acid detergent fibre ratios (S:F) on the characteristics of digestive function. Three S:F ratios (3.0, 4.5, and 6.0) were tested using a combination of U (0.80%) and Optigen (1.0%). Additionally, a treatment of 4.5 S:F ratio with urea (0.80% in ration) as the sole source of non-protein nitrogen was used to compare the effect of urea combination at same S:F ratio. The S:F ratio of the diet was manipulated by replacing the corn grain by dried distillers grain with solubles and roughage. Urea combination did not affect ruminal pH. The S:F ratio did not affect ruminal pH at 0 and 2 h post-feeding but, at 4 and 6 h, the ruminal pH decreased as the S:F ratio increased (linear, p<0.05). Ruminal digestion of OM, starch and feed N were not affected by urea combination or S:F ratio. The urea combination did not affect ADF ruminal digestion. ADF ruminal digestion decreased linearly (p = 0.02) as the S:F ratio increased. Compared to the urea treatment (p<0.05) and within the urea combination treatment (quadratic, p<0.01), the flow of microbial nitrogen (MN) to the small intestine and ruminal microbial efficiency were greater for the urea combination at a S:F ratio of 4.5. Irrespective of the S:F ratio, the urea combination improved (2.8%, p = 0.02) postruminal N digestion. As S:F ratio increased, OM digestion increased, but ADF total tract digestion decreased. The combination of urea at 4.5 S:F improved (2%, p = 0.04) the digestible energy (DE) more than expected. Combining urea and Optigen resulted in positive effects on the MN flow and DE of the diet, but apparently these advantages are observed only when there is a certain proportion of starch:ADF in the diet.

Effects of Mixture Ratio and Row Spacing in Hungarian Vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) and Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Intercropping Sys

This study was conducted at the Middle Kizilirmak basin of Turkey (40°20′N, 33°58′E, elevation 550 m), during the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 growing seasons, to determine the effects of different mixture ratios (sole Hungarian vetch (HV), annual ryegrass (AR); 80%HV+20%AR, 60%HV+40%AR, 40%HV+60%AR, and 20%HV+80%AR) and row spacings (20, 30, and 40 cm) on the forage yield and quality of the HV and AR intercropping system. The experiment was planned in a randomized complete block design, where a split-plot arrangement of mixture ratios was considered as the main plot with the row spacings considered as subplots. According to the mean of 2 years, the different mixture ratios and row spacings had a statistically significant effect on all of the properties. At the end of the research, among the different mixture ratios and row spacing interactions, the highest green herbage yield (33.4 t ha–1), hay yield (7.5 t ha–1), lowest neutral detergent fiber (52.2%), and crude ash (7.8%) rates were obtained from the 60%HV+40%AR mixture and 30-cm row spacing interaction. The highest crude protein (CP) rate (17%), CP yield (1156 kg ha–1) and ADF (39.5%) ratios were obtained from the 80%HV+20%AR mixture and 30-cm row spacing interaction. The highest RFV value (107) was obtained from the 80%HV+20%AR mixture and 20-cm row spacing interaction. These results show that increasing the HV ratio in the mixture has positive effects on the yield and quality, whereas raising the row spacing has adverse effects on the forage values. Therefore, 80%HV+20%AR or 60%HV+40%AR with a 30cm row spacing interaction can be suggested for forage production in an HV and AR intercropping system

Effects of Row Spacing and Seeding Rate on Hay and Seed Yield of Eastern Anatolian Forage Pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) Ecotype

The Eastern Anatolian forage pea ecotype generally has a thin stem, small leaves and small seeds. The ecotype is different from the improved breeds and thus cultural techniques for this ecotype are somehow different. Current study was conducted to investigate the effects of row spacing and seeding rate on yield and some other characteristics of the Eastern Anatolian forage pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) ecotype. Experiments were carried out in randomised complete blocks design with three replications under irrigated conditions of Erzurum during the years 2010 and 2011. Three different row spacing (20, 40 and 60 cm) and four different seeding rates (60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1) were used in experiments. Hay yield, hay crude protein, ADF and NDF ratios, seed yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index parameters were investigated in this study. Results can be summarised as follows: Row spacing and seeding rate had significant effects on dry matter and seed yield of the forage pea. Based on the results of the present study and under Erzurum conditions, it was recommended that the Eastern Anatolian forage pea ecotype should be cultivated with 40 cm row spacing and 120 kg ha-1 seeding rate for hay yield and with 40 cm row spacing and 90 kg ha-1 seeding rate for seed yield

Effects of Different Sowing and Harvesting Times on Yield and Quality of Forage Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) Grown as A Second Crop

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different sowing and harvesting times on yield and quality of forage turnip (Brassica rapa L.) grown as a second crop in Isparta in 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. The field experiment was established in randomized complete block design with three replications. Three different sowing times (20 June, 5 July, 20 July) and three different harvesting times (1 October, 15 October, 30 October) were applied in this research. Root length, root diameter, root yield, leaf yield, dry matter yields, crude protein ratios, ADF and NDF ratios of root and leaf were investigated. According to the results, the effects of sowing and harvesting times were statistically significant at all components. The crude protein ratios increased with late sowing while root length, root diameter, root yield, leaf yield, dry matter yields, ADF and NDF ratios of root and leaf decreased. The root length, root diameter, root yield, leaf yield, dry matter yields, ADF and NDF ratios of root and leaf increased with late harvest while the crude protein ratios decreased.

Methane yield from dry and lactating cows diets in the Po Plain (Italy) using an in vitro gas production technique

The aim of the study was to measure total gas and methane (CH4) production from 30 total mixed rations (TMRs) fed to dry and lactating cows in 20 commercial dairies in the Po Plain (Italy). Samples were analysed for chemical composition, in situ 48 h fibre digestibility (NDFD) and in vitro gas production (GP) and CH4 concentration at 24 h of incubation. NDFD of TMRs from dry and lactating cows was identical (52.1%; P=0.995). The TMRs fed to dry and lactating cows differed for GP (43.0 and 54.4 mL/200 mg DM, respectively; P<0.001) and CH4 (7.24 and 8.85 mL/200 mg DM, respectively; P=0.001), but not for CH4 as percentage of GP (24.3 and 23.7%, respectively; P=0.286). The data were analysed dividing the TMRs into quartiles depending on starch:ADF ratio; the average ratios of the groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 37, 77, 116 and 138, respectively. Increasing starch:ADF ratio determined a higher GP: 42.2, 51.4, 55.1 and 56.2 mL/200 mg DM for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P<0.001), whilst CH4 (ml/200 mg DM) was lower (P<0.001) for group 1 (7.12) in comparison with the others (8.82 on average). Acetate (% on total VFA) decreased for increasing starch:ADF ratio (P=0.009), whereas butyrate tended to increase (from 8.11 to 9.23% on total VFA; P=0.069) and the acetate:propionate ratio to decrease (from 3.35 to 3.09; P=0.082). The lack of a higher CH4 concentration in GP from diets richer in fibre might be attributed mainly to the relatively short time of incubation.

Digestible fibre to ADF ratio and starch level in diets for growing rabbits

To evaluate the effect of digestible fibre (DF, hemicelluloses+pectins)/ADF ratio (1.0 and 1.3) and starch level (12, 15, and 18%) on health status, digestive physiology, growth performance, and carcass traits, 246 rabbits weaned at 27 d were fed until slaughter (76 d) with six diets formulated according to a bifactorial arrangement (2 DF/ADF ratios by 3 starch levels). Increasing DF/ADF improved DM digestibility (P<0.01), but did not affect growth performance, caecal content characteristics and slaughter traits. Increasing starch level improved digestibility efficiency and conversion index (P<0.001), decreased ileal mucosa villi height (P=0.04), without affecting growth performance, caecal fermentation and slaughter results. The increase of DF/ADF ratio tended to reduce mortality (25.0 vs 17.6%; P=0.11), whereas the raise of starch greatly increased mortality (from 6.9 to 43.1%; P<0.001) and sanitary risk (from 13.9 to 63.9%; P<0.001).

Effect of starch to ADF ratio and grinding procedure in diets for growing rabbits

RiassuntoEffetto del rapporto amido/ADF e delle modalità di macinazione della dieta in conigli in accrescimento – Allo scopo di valutare l’effetto del rapporto amido/ADF e della modalità di macinazione, 216 conigli sono stati alimentati da 32 a 76 giorni di età con 6 diete ottenute a partire da 2 diete a basso o alto rapporto amido/ADF (0,70 e 1,04) macinando tutte le materie prime con griglia da 3 mm o da 6 mm o macinando le materie prime fibrose con griglia da 6 mm e le altre con griglia da 3 mm prima della pellettatura della dieta. L’aumento del rapporto amido/ADF ha migliorato la digeribilità della dieta e la conversione alimentare e ha stimolato la produzione di butirrato e valerato nel cieco, senza effetti sullo stato di salute. La modalità di macinazione ha modificato la granulometria della dieta, soprattutto per la frazione maggiore di 0,60 mm, ma non ha influenzato le prestazioni produttive e l’attività fermentativa ciecale.

Increasing dietary starch to ADF ratio in phase feeding programs for early weaned rabbits

RiassuntoProgrammi alimentari con diete a rapporto crescente amido/ADF in conigli svezzati precocemente - Allo scopo di valutare l’effetto di programmi alimentari a rapporto crescente amido/ADF su stato di salute, prestazioni produttive e qualità della carcassa e della carne, 240 conigli ibridi sono stati alimentati da 25 a 42 d di età con le diete L1 (amido: 10,9%, ADF: 19,5%) o M1 (amido: 14,6%; ADF: 17,8%), da 42 a 56 d con le diete L2 (amido: 10,7%; ADF: 20,1%), M2 (amido: 15,9%; ADF: 17,6%) o H2 (amido: 17,1%; ADF: 15,7%) e da 56 d alla macellazione (75 d) con una dieta unica, F3 (amido: 22,0%; ADF 13,6%). L’aumento del rapporto amido/ADF nelle diete del secondo periodo ha migliorato la conversione alimentare (da 2,92 a 2,86; P<0,05), senza effetti sullo stato di salute e la qualità della carcassa e della carne.

Nitrogen cycling in semi-arid Mediterranean zones: removal and return of nitrogen to pastures by grazing sheep

The intake of nitrogen and its removal, return, and partition between urine, faeces, and milk was measured over 5 months in Awassi ewes grazing medic pasture or barley. Total faeces and urine were collected in bags carried by the ewes for 5-day collection periods at monthly intervals. Bags were changed in the morning and evening so that excreta produced in the field or in the yards at night were collected separately. Nitrogen was partitioned between the urine and faeces on the basis of the N: ADF ratio of samples of faeces taken directly from the rectum of the animal when the bags were changed. Outputs of excreta and N were very similar in the field and at night in the yard. When N output in the milk was included, 20% more N was removed from the field than was returned. The partitioning of N output between urine and faeces changed markedly during the season and corresponded with changes in the quality of the herbage. Fifty per cent and 65% of the removal of N in faeces and urine, respectively, occurred in the first 2 months of the experiment.

Technical note: evaluation of acid detergent lignin, alkaline peroxide lignin, acid insoluble ash, and indigestible acid detergent fiber as internal markers for prediction of alfalfa, bromegrass, and prairie hay digestibility by beef steers.

Six steers (BW = 436 +/- 15 kg) were assigned randomly to alfalfa, bromegrass, or prairie hay diets in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to evaluate the efficacy of different internal markers for estimating OM digestibility (OMD). Internal markers used to estimate OMD included ADL, alkaline peroxide lignin (APL), AIA, and indigestible ADF (IADF), which consisted of a 144-h in vitro incubation (IADFWOUT), indigestible ADF with acid/pepsin pretreatment of feed and orts samples (IADFFEED), or acid/pepsin pretreatment of feed, orts, and fecal samples (IADFALL). Marker-derived estimates of OMD were compared with OMD measured by total fecal collection (TFC). For the alfalfa diet, all marker estimates differed (P less than .05) from the TFC measurement; however, lignin-based procedures (ADL and APL) and IADF with acid/pepsin pretreatment (IADFFEED, IADFALL) were numerically closest to TFC values. Estimates of bromegrass and prairie hay OMD by ADL, APL, and AIA ratio were not different (P greater than .05) from TFC measurement, although AIA seemed to provide the most accurate estimate for prairie hay. All indigestible ADF procedures yielded estimates of forage OMD that differed (P less than .05) from TFC for all forages; acid/pepsin pretreatment of samples (IADFFEED and IADFALL) improved accuracy of the OMD estimates in all forages. Likewise, recovery of indigestible ADF was consistently least among the markers evaluated. These results indicate that APL ratio performed similarly to ADL ratio in estimating forage OMD, that AIA estimated grass OMD very accurately, and that estimation of OMD by indigestible ADF ratio was improved when the procedure was accompanied by an acid/pepsin pretreatment of samples.

Complexing Properties of Amide Oxime of Picolinic Acid (APA) I. Investigation of the APA- 99Tc Reaction and of the Biological Distribution of 99mTc-APA Complex

As a result of APA labelling with 99mTc reduced by SnCl2 at pH 1.9 about 90% of 99mTc-APA complex was obtained. Experiments in vivo were carried out on 10 Swiss mice who had Ehrlich tumor inplanted. After 8 days the 99mTc-APA complex was administered i. p. – The ADF ratio tumor blood was 2,5. Renoscintigraphy showed that the decline of renal activity, in the stage when excretion prevailed (phase III), was slow and of cumulative nature. Simple synthesis, labelling and low toxity of APA are the factors that advocate further experiments in searching its utility in diagnostics.