Ammoniated Wheat Straw Research Articles

Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Ammoniated Wheat Straw by Anhydrous Ammonia in Fattening Calves Feeding

Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Ammoniated Wheat Straw by Anhydrous Ammonia in Fattening Calves Feeding

Evaluation of Gas Production, Fermentation Parameters, and Nutrient Degradability in Different Proportions of Sorghum Straw and Ammoniated Wheat Straw

The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimum proportion of sorghum straw and ammoniated wheat straw in vitro and in vivo to apply in ruminant diets. One-factor and two-factor experimental designs were used in the in vitro tests, with different ratios of sorghum straw to ammoniated wheat straw (S:AWS) of 2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2 to measure the in vitro total gas production, CH4 production, in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) and in vitro fermentation parameters. Additionally, the nylon bag technique was used to determine the dynamic degradation of these different ratios of mixed feedstuffs for incubating in sheep rumen for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. The results show that IVDMD, IVOMD, and the molar ratio of propionate were the highest when the ratio of S:AWS was 8:2 (p < 0.05) in vitro; however, this ratio released much more CH4 (p < 0.05). In addition, the degradability of DM, OM, CP, and ash and the effective degradability of DM and CP were the highest when the ratio of S:AWS was 8:2 cultured in sheep rumen for 48 h (p < 0.05). In the in vitro and in situ nylon bag tests, IVDMD, IVOMD, rumen nutrient degradability, and effective degradability of DM and CP increased with the increase in the sorghum straw proportion. In conclusion, the higher the proportion of sorghum straw, the higher the nutrient degradability in vivo and in vitro, but also the higher the emissions of CH4. Therefore, when the ratio of S:AWS is 8:2, ruminants can effectively utilize nutrients in feed.

STUDIES ON MIXING TANNINIFEROUS PLANTS WITH AMMONIATED WHEAT STRAW IN BARKI SHEEP RATIONS ON DIGESTIBILITY, PERFORMANCE AND SOME BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL

Five dietary treatments in three trails were conducted with Barki sheep as follows: 60% Concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 20% Ammoniated wheat straw ( AWS) as basic diet with 20% Cassava (C) in T1, 20% Prosopis juliflora (P) in T2, 20% Acacia Saligna (A) in T3, 10% C + 10% A in T4 and 10% C + 10% P in T5. In Trial 1, Fifteen Barki rams (43± 1.85 kg) divided into equally five treatment groups to evaluate the effect of condensed tannin sources on apparent nutrients digestibility. The results indicated that the rams fed with T3 (20 % A. Saligna) at a maximum level of tannin (8.33 g /Kg DM) had a lower DMI (9.72 %) than the comparable group (T1) (P 0.05) of DM, OM, CP, EE and CF than that on T1 diet by 3.90, 3.57, 1.87, 3.16 and 1.04%, respectively. Rumen ammonia concentrations were decreased with increasing of CT content in experimental diets (T3, T4, T1, T5 and T2, respectively).In Trial 2, Twenty five healthy Barki ewes at late pregnancy, weighing 41±2.29 kg at 3-5 years of age were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments to determine the milk yield and composition and some blood components changes due to tannin sources and productive performance of their offesprings. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in milk yield with decreasing level of CT (6.42%) for ewes fed T2 ration when compared with the T1 group and there is no considerable variability in milk composition traits among all groups. And no significantly differences in average live body weight (ALBW) of offesprings among the all groups. The experimental diet T2 and T5 had significant increased (P<0.05) total protein and globulin (G) compared with the other experimental diets. No significant differences among different treatments regarding albumin was observed. Groups T3 and T4 have higher levels (P<0.05) of Urea-N and Creatinine when compared with the other groups. Values of AST and ALP were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the ewes in group T3 as compared to all groups, and the highest values of ALT were recorded (P<0.05) with T3.In Trial 3, Twenty-five healthy male Barki lambs after weaning, weighing 12±0.64 kg, aged 3- 4 month divided into five groups to evaluate the effect of tannin sources on growth performance and some blood components. The lambs fed diets T2 and T5 produced totally (P<0.05) higher final live body weight (29.03 Kg and 28.16 Kg, respectively) at the end of the experimental period (90 days) compared to the other groups. The results indicate that the experimental tanniniferous plants can be incorporated up to 20 % with ammoniated wheat straw without compromising the body health of the animals and the best impact of tanniniferous plants on the performance of Barki sheep was Prosopis juliflora (leaves & twigs), Cassava and Acacia Saligna, respectively.

Potential of Tannin Ferrous Plants to Improve Efficiency of Sheep Production in Dry Areas

ABSTRACTKeywords: Acacia saligna – Cassava – Economic efficiency- Growing SheepINTRODUCTIONFeed resources deficiency considers one of the basic constraints to improve animal production in arid and semi-arid regions of Egypt. Improving nutritional status of livestock graze in desert (sheep, camels and goats), particularly during the prolonged dry seasons, could increase the average annual animal production by approximately 27%. Attention directed towards the necessity of utilizing the marginal resources, i.e. saline soils and underground water for producing unconventional animal feeds. The native natural rangelands constitute the principal feed resources in the Egyptian deserts. They are widely distributed throughout several regions of Egypt due to presence of numerous salines along the Mediterranean and Red Seas shores and inlands). Halophytes represent a major part of the natural range, particularly perennials and shrubby ones. The less and unpalatable plant species represent approximately 70% of the total coverage. Several attempts made towards utilization of such low value or unpalatable halophytic plants through proper processing methods to improve their palatability and nutritional utilization. Under semi-arid area condition, small ruminant fed on trees and shrubs such as Cassava and Acacia to solve the attendant problems of low productivity (El ShaerThis research was performed to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw and its mixture with Cassava or/and Acacia Saligna on methane emission and growth performance of Barki lambs under semi-arid condition. The study conducted at Animal Production Research Station, Borg El Arab, belonging to Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. A total number of twenty five Barki lambs were randomly allocated into six groups. These animals often depend on low quality crop residues and limited feed supplement. Egyptian desert consider a source of tannin-ferrous plants (TFP) along the year. These plants had lot of nutritive problems need to solve before depending on them as a fodder. In vitro experiments conducted to evaluate the effect of several mixtures of TFP with urea treated wheat straw (TWS) on dry matter degradation, ammonia-N and methane production. Six treatments were examined(G1) CFM+ Acacia Saligna (A): TW Sat (50:50), (G2) CFM+ Prosopis Juliflora (P): TWS at (50:50), (G3) CFM+ Cassava (C): TWS at (50:50), (G4) CFM+ A: P: TWS at (25: 25: 50), (G5) CFM+ A: C: TWS at (25: 25: 50) and (G6) CFM+ P: C: TWS at (25: 25: 50), respectively. Samples of each forage type collected after 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation for determination of cumulative gas production. In addition, thirty growing male Barki lambs, aged average 3 months were used to study the effect of the tested rations on growth performance. The results showed that the condensed tannin (CT) content ranged from 20 (A: C: TWS –G5) to 30 g/kg DM (Acacia saligna). Methane production per unit of fermented DM was inversely related to protein solubility. G1showed a lower (P<0.01) ruminal NH3-N concentration which associated with the decrease (P<0.01) in rumen protein degradability. After 24 h of in vitro incubation, CH4 production was17, 18, 17, 15, 13 and 14 ml, for all groups, respectively. Daily body gains were significantly affected by tested rations. The highest values recorded with G 5. Consequently, consumption of combination of TFP containing various classes of secondary components with resource of NPN leads to reduce CH4 emission from ruminants and improve lamb growth performance.

Evaluation of ammoniated wheat straw during a receiving and growing period for beef cattle

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of including ammoniated wheat straw in diets for beef cattle on growth performance and digestibility. Treatments consisted of diets containing 70% (DM basis) concentrate containing 40% (DM basis) wet corn gluten feed with 30% (DM basis) roughage from wheat straw (STRW), anhydrous ammonia–treated wheat straw (AMMN), or a 50:50 prairie hay and alfalfa hay blend (CONT). Experiment 1 used 288 crossbred steer calves (271 ± 28 kg) in a randomized complete block design in which steers were fed their experimental diets for 56 d. Final BW, ADG, and G:F were greater for calves fed CONT than for those fed either STRW or AMMN (P < 0.05). Experiment 2 used 6 ruminally fistulated Holstein heifers (288 kg) in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Heifers fed CONT consumed less (P < 0.05) DM, OM, and ADF compared with those fed AMMN and STRW. Feeding heifers CONT improved (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM but decreased (P < 0.05) digestibility of ADF. Ruminal pH was lowest (P < 0.05) for heifers fed CONT. The results of this experiment suggest that wheat straw and ammoniated wheat straw are equivalent roughage sources but inferior to a 50:50 blend of alfalfa hay and prairie hay when fed to growing calves at 30% of the dietary DM.

Evaluation of Ammoniated Wheat Straw in Receiving and Growing Diets

Drought conditions in the past have created a shortage of prairie hay and other grass hays that are used as roughage sources for receiving and growing beef diets. Historically, wheat straw and other cereal crop residue has been discounted as a feedstuff due to its low nutrient content. Chemical methods, including ammonia application, can improve the feeding value of cereal crop residue while constraining costs. While there are studies that show the efficacy of utilizing ammoniated wheat straw in beef cow and maintenance diets, limited data are available characterizing the feeding value of ammoniated wheat straw in receiving and growing diets. The objective of these two studies were to evaluate cattle growth and diet digestibility for receiving and growing diets containing either wheat straw (STRW), anhydrous ammonia treated wheat straw (AMMN), or a prairie hay and alfalfa blend (CONT) at 30% inclusion. Exp. 1 utilized 288 crossbred steers (271 kg) randomized to 8 pens per treatment and fed their respective test diets for 56 d and a common diet for 14 d to equalize gastrointestinal tract fill. No effect of straw ammoniation was observed on final bodyweight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), or gain to feed (G:F) (P > 0.31). The 56-d BW, ADG, and G:F for CONT were significantly different from both STRW and AMMN (P 0.57) although CONT differed significantly from both straw treatments in DM, OM, and ADF intake (P 0.43), where as CONT and STRW were different (P 0.32). Ruminal pH was not affected by anhydrous ammonia application (P = 0.32), but STRW and CONT were different (P < 0.05). Fluid passage rate was not different among the three treatments (P = 0.33). Wheat straw is a suitable replacement for ammoniated wheat straw at 30% inclusion in receiving and growing diets that contain 40% of dietary DM as wet corn gluten feed. Further research is necessary to determine the effect of varying levels of wheat straw and ammoniated wheat straw in conjunction with wet corn gluten feed and other by-product feeds in receiving and growing diets in order to capitalize on performance and efficiency gains while constraining costs.

Eating a high fiber diet during pregnancy increases intake and digestibility of a high fiber diet by offspring in cattle

Experiences early in life influence preferences for the forages which animals eat as adults, but little is known about how such experiences affect forage intake and digestibility. We hypothesized that experience with high fiber (HF) diets in utero enables cattle to better utilize HF diets by enhancing intake and digestibility of HF diets. We exposed cows to either HF or low fiber (LF) diets from October 20 until parturition on March 15. The HF diet was primarily ammoniated wheat straw (AWS), while the LF diet was mainly grass hay (700g/kg orchardgrass and 300g/kg meadow bromegrass). The two diets were iso-net energy (NEm), isonitrogenous, and similar in mineral and vitamin contents, but they varied 10-fold in neutral detergent soluble carbohydrates. Following weaning, the 8mo old calves from mothers fed HF or LF diets during pregnancy were fed AWS and a high fiber supplement, and dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility were measured during the last half of a 40d experiment (i.e., 26d adaptation, 14d measured DM intake, 5d measured DM digestibility). Intake (5.6 versus 5.3kg/d; P=0.04) and digestibility (545 versus 523g/kg; P=0.03) of AWS were higher for calves fed HF than for those fed LF diets. As a result, digestible DM intake of AWS was higher for HF than LF (3.1 versus 2.8kg/d; P<0.01). Calves fed HF diets ate more straw as a proportion of their diet than did calves fed LF (733 versus 723g/kg; P=0.05). Total digestible DM intake (i.e., AWS+supplement) was higher for calves fed HF than LF diets (4.7 versus 4.4kg/d; P<0.01), as was total diet DM digestibility (613 versus 600g/kg; P=0.07). Calves were weighed at the conclusion of the DM intake and digestibility measurement periods, and then fed an AWS/processed wheat middlings diet for an addition 28d to determine daily gain. Collectively, increases in intake and digestibility affected body weight gains such that HF diet fed calves numerically gained more than LF fed calves even during this short period (0.45 versus 0.41kg/d; P=0.13). Higher DDM intake is likely important for pregnant cows and their offspring which winter for many months under extensive range conditions on dormant forages where their NEm requirements are marginally satisfied. These effects on offspring, further magnified by experiences with their mothers early in life, make cows and their progeny better adapted to using dormant forages during winter.

The substitution of lucerne hay with ammoniated wheat straw in diets for lactating dairy cows

The substitution of lucerne hay with ammoniated wheat straw in diets for lactating dairy cows

Use of additives to capture nitrogen in ammoniated wheat straw: Intake, ruminal parameters, digestibility and nitrogen utilization in buffaloes

This study examined the influence of urea treated wheat straw (UTWS) ensiled with additives on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal characteristics and N utilization in Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls ( Babulus bubalis) fed ad libitum. Wheat straw was treated on large scale with 4% urea at a 50% moisture level. The UTWS was ensiled with 6% CSL, 6% acidified molasses, 2% acetic acid and 2% formic acid on DM basis in four different cemented trench silos for 15 days. Four diets each having 50% dry matter (DM) from UTWS ensiled with acetic acid (AD), formic acid (FD), acidified molasses (MD) or corn steep liquor (CD) and 50% DM from concentrate mixture were fed to ruminally cannulated bulls in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Ruminal total VFA, acetate, cellulolytic ruminal bacterial count, DM and NDF degradability were significantly higher with MD and CD diets compared with AD and FD diets. Intake of different feed fractions was higher in bulls fed MD and CD diets. Total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients was similar across all treatments. Nitrogen retention was higher in bulls fed MD and CD diets than those fed AD and FD diets. Ensiling UTWS with fermentable carbohydrates sources having low pH compared to organic acids increased the N fixation in the matrix of cell wall fiber thus slowing its release at ruminal level that probably enhanced the N synchronization with carbon skeleton (fiber fermentation) and this consequently improved the N utilization.

Effect of Feeding Ammoniated Wheat Straw Treated with Hydrochloric Acid on Blood Biochemical Profile in Growing Male Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with HCl on blood biochemical profiles in growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Twenty-four growing male buffalo calves (one year of age, 88.54±3.81 kg average body weight) were divided into three groups in a completely randomized design on the basis of their body weight. Animals in all the three groups were fed on concentrate mixture. In addition, they were offered wheat straw, ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level) and HCI treated ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level and HCl added to trap 30% of the NH3 evolved) in groups I, II and III, respectively for a period of 180 days, as per Kearl (1982) for body weight gain of 500 g/d. In all diets, concentrate:roughage ratio was fixed at 50:50 and were made isonitrogenous by adjusting CP levels of conc. mixtures. Blood was collected from jugular vein of each buffalo calf at the beginning and subsequently at two months interval of experimental feeding. Due to urea-ammoniation, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96% and addition of HCl along with urea further increased the CP content to 10.09%. In all the three groups, the mean values of plasma glucose (mg %) and serum globulin (g %), showed a decreasing trend, while the mean value of serum TP (g %), serum A:G ratio, serum urea (mg %), serum creatinine (mg %), serum ALP (KA units), SGOT (units/ml.), SGPT (units/ml), serum T3 and T4 (ng/ml) showed an increasing trend with the advancement of feeding period. The cumulative period mean values of serum TP (6.15 to 6.20 g %), serum albumin (3.07 to 3.18, g %), serum globulin (2.98 to 3.09, g %), serum A:G ratio (1.03 to 1.10), serum ALP (23.15 to 23.63, KA units), serum T3 (1.20 to 1.23 ng/ml) and serum T4 (21.33 to 21.88 ng/ml) were comparable among the groups. The cumulative period mean plasma glucose (mg %) in group III (57.28) was similar to groups I (55.31) and II (59.41), however, the cumulative period mean plasma glucose in group II was significantly (p<0.01) higher than group I. The cumulative period mean serum urea (mg %) in group III (47.34) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than group I (38.38) and II (42.24), which were statistically alike. However, the cumulative period mean serum creatinine values (mg %) in groups II (1.43) and III (1.52) were similar and were significantly (p<0.01) higher than group I (1.24). The cumulative period mean SGOT (units/ml) in groups I, II and III was 91.71, 96.04 and 96.64, respectively. Similarly the cumulative period mean SGPT (units/ml) was 19.00, 19.93 and 20.01 in groups I, II and III, respectively. The cumulative period mean values of SGOT (p<0.05) and SGPT (p<0.001) in groups II and III were similar and were significantly higher than group I. The cumulative period mean serum T3 and T4 values in groups I (1.21 and 21.81), II (1.23 and 21.42) and III (1.20 and 21.33) were comparable. From the present study it may be concluded that feeding of AWS treated with and without HCI to growing male buffalo calves for 180 days had no significant adverse effect on blood biochemical profile. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 2: 185-191)

Effect of long term feeding of ammoniated wheat straw treated with or without HCl on blood biochemical parameters in growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves

Twenty-four growing male buffalo calves (one year of age; 88.54 +/- 3.81 kg average body weight) were divided into three comparable groups (I, II and III) on the basis of their body weight (BW) in a completely randomised design to study the effect of long term feeding of ammoniated wheat straw (AWS) and hydrochloric acid treated ammoniated wheat straw (HCl-AWS) on blood biochemical changes. The animals were offered a concentrate mixture (CM) along with wheat straw (WS), ammoniated wheat straw (AWS) (4% urea at a 50% moisture level) and hydrochloric acid treated ammoniated wheat straw (HCI-AWS) (4% urea at a 50% moisture level and HCI added to trap 30% of NH3 evolved) in groups I, II and III, respectively for an average daily gain (ADG) of 500 g. All the diets were made iso-nitrogenous by preparing three types of concentrate mixtures of different CP levels. The blood was collected from the jugular vein randomly from three animals of each group initially after 8 months post feeding and subsequently after two months interval up to 14 months of experimental feeding. Due to urea ammoniation, the CP content of WS increased from 3.66 to 8.51 and was further increased to 11.35 due to the addition of HCl during urea-ammoniation of wheat straw. The cumulative period mean plasma glucose values (mg %), in group II (53.13) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those in groups I (48.44) and III (50.60). The cumulative period mean values of serum albumin and globulin (g %) were not significantly different and were comparable among the groups I (3.33 and 3.06), II (3.53 and 2.97) and III (3.49 and 2.94). The cumulative period mean values of serum albumin: globulin ratio and total protein values were not significantly different among the different groups. Serum urea and creatinine values were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group III (58.66 and 2.24) as compared to groups I and II. The cumulative period mean values of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (KA units) did not differ significantly, but serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) values (units x mL(-1) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in groups II and III than in group I. The cumulative period mean values of T3 (ng x mL(-1)) did not differ significantly among the groups, but T4 values were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group III (22.74) than in groups 1 (21.41) and II (20.89), respectively. Since the mean values of all the blood parameters were within the normal range, it may be concluded that feeding of ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl to growing male buffalo calves for fourteen months has no adverse effect on the blood biochemical parameters.

Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Buffalo Calves Fed Ammoniated Wheat Straw Supplemented with Sodium Sulphate

Ten male buffalo calves (aged 6-8 months, average body wt. 88.5±0.5 kg) were divided into two groups of five animals in each. All the animals were fed on urea-ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea, 50% moisture) along with concentrate mixture (50:50 on DM basis). In addition animals in group II were given sodium sulphate to see the effect of sulphur on the utilization of nitrogen added through urea-ammoniation. This feeding practice continued for a period of 120 d, during which fortnightly body weights were taken to assess their growth rate. A metabolism trial was conducted after 90 days of feeding to know the digestibility of nutrients and their balance. Results revealed no significant difference in the intake of DM and other nutrients in two groups. The digestibility of DM, OM, EE, NDF, ADF and cellulose was alike in animals fed ammoniated straw and ammoniated straw+sodium sulphate supplemented group, whereas the digestibilities of CP and hemicellulose was significantly (p<0.01) more in group I and II respectively. There was no significant difference in intake of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in 2 groups. Similarly, the balance of these 3 nutrients was positive and statistically alike in two groups. Intake and excretion of sulphur through faeces and urine was significantly (p<0.01) more in group II than in group I. Inspite of higher excretion of sulphur through faeces and urine in group II, the sulphur balance was significantly (p<0.05) more in group II than in group I, probably due to significantly (p<0.01) higher intake of sulphur in this group. There was no significant difference in total body weight gain or average daily gain between two groups, indicating that addition of sodium sulphate did not have any positive effect on these parameters. Similarly the intake of DM, DCP and TDN were also alike in two groups. The DCP and TDN values of the two diets were 8.0, 60.4 and 6.8, 56.6% respectively. Feeding cost/unit gain was alike in both the groups. (Asian- Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 3 : 325-329)

Effect of Feeding Ammoniated Wheat Straw Treated with and without Hydrochloric Acid on Meat Quality and Various Sensory Attributes of Growing Male Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl on meat quality and various sensory attributes of growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Due to urea-ammoniation, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96%. The addition of HCl along with urea during urea-ammoniation further increased the CP content to 10.09%. The proximate composition (% fresh basis) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were comparable among the groups. However, comparatively higher cumulative muscle mean protein and ash percentage and lower moisture percentage in groups II and III in comparison to group I indicated the desirable effect of feeding AWS and HCl-AWS. The cumulative muscle mean pH in group III (5.54) was comparatively lower than group I (5.65) and II (5.62). The cumulative group mean pH and water holding capacity (% water retained) in semitendinosus was comparatively lower than psoas major and longissimus dorsi. The cumulative muscle mean SSP (g%) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in group III (41.78) than group I (42.45). The cumulative group mean cooking loss (%) was significantly (p<0.01) lower in psoas major (31.61) and longissimus dorsi (29.78) than semitendinosos (35.10). The cumulative group mean SFV (kg/cm 2 ) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were 6.38, 6.32 and 6.56, respectively, being lowest in psoas major and highest in semitendinosus. However, the cumulative muscle mean SFV (kg/cm 2 ) in group I, II and III were 6.53, 6.56 and 6.17, respectively, being lowest in group III and highest in group II. The scores of the cooked (2% common salt) buffen for various sensory attributes viz. appearance, flavour, juiciness, texture, mouth coating and overall palatability were comparable among the groups. Results suggested that feeding of ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl to growing male buffalo calves for 180 days had no adverse effect on the meat quality and various sensory attributes.

Exposure to ammoniated wheat straw as suckling calves improves performance of mature beef cows wintered on ammoniated wheat straw

Exposure to ammoniated wheat straw as suckling calves improves performance of mature beef cows wintered on ammoniated wheat straw

Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Buffalo Calves Fed Urea-ammoniated Wheat Straw and Hydrochloric Acid plus Urea Treated Wheat Straw

Ten growing male buffalo calves (aged 6-8 months, average body weight 88.2±0.57 kg were divided randomly into two groups. Animals in group I were fed on concentrate mixture A (CP 20.2%, TDN 77.4%) and urea- ammoniated wheat straw (UAWS) while the animals in group II were fed on concentrate mixture B (CP 17.9%, TDN 77.6%) and HCl plus urea treated wheat straw (HCl UAWS) to meet their nutrient requirement for 500 g gain/d as per Kearl (1982). This feeding practice lasted for 120 days, during which fortnightly body weight were recorded to assess their growth rate. A metabolism trial was conducted after 90 days of experimental feeding to compare the digestibility of nutrients, their balance, plane of nutrition and relative cost of feeding in two groups of animals. Results revealed a significant increase in the CP content of ammoniated wheat straw due to addition of HCl viz 12.1% from 7.5%. There was a decrease in the intake of DM (p<0.05), OM (p<0.05), EE (p<0.05), NDF (p<0.01), ADF (p<0.01), cellulose (p<0.01) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group II as compared to group I. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM and CP was significantly (p<0.01) more in group II, whereas the digestibility (%) was significantly more for NDF (p<0.05) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group I than group II. There was no significant difference in the N, Ca and P balance in two groups. Intake of total DM (g/d) or (g/kg W 0.75 ) was significantly (p<0.01) more in group I as compared to group II, whereas the intake of DCP and TDN (g/d or g/kg W 0.75 ) was alike in two groups. The total body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g/d) and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p<0.01) more in UAWS fed group as compared to HCl UAWS fed group. Feeding cost (Rs./kg. weight gain) was significantly (p<0.05) more in group II as compared to group I. It is concluded that HCl UAWS is not suitable for the feeding of growing buffalo calves as it reduced the growth rate in comparison to UAWS fed buffalo calves. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 5 : 682-686)

Exposure to ammoniated wheat straw as suckling calves improves performance of mature beef cows wintered on ammoniated wheat straw.

We studied how exposure to ammoniated wheat straw (AWS) early in life affected the performance of 32 mature crossbred beef cows (Bos taurus) (mean BW = 615 kg) wintered on AWS. Half (16) of these cows had been exposed as suckling calves to AWS for 66 d (Exposed), while the other 16 cows had no previous exposure to AWS (Naïve). Five years after the initial exposure, cows were stratified by BW and bred into 8 groups of 4 cows each. Exposed and Naïve cows occurred in each group, and groups of 4 cows were randomly assigned to one of eight pens. Cows were fed in these pens for a 150-d wintering period from December to May for 3 consecutive years. All cows were allowed ad libitum access to AWS and supplemented with alfalfa hay, vitamins, and minerals. Cows and their calves grazed irrigated meadow pastures for the remainder of the year. Cow BW and body condition score (BCS) were monitored monthly during the 3-yr study. Milk production was measured monthly from June to November of each year using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. For all 3 yr, yearly average BW (P = 0.06, 0.03, 0.07) and BCS (P=0.07,0.001,0.01)were higher for Exposed than Naïve cows. Postpartum interval (PPI) to rebreeding, monitored using consecutive calving dates, was shorter for Exposed than Naïve cows during yr 1 and 2 (P = 0.004 and 0.02, respectively), but similar in yr 3 (P = 0.19). Exposed cows also produced more milk than Naïve cows during yr 1 and 2 (P = 0.04 and 0.07, respectively), but milk production was similar in yr 3 (P = 0.74). Collectively, calves exposed to AWS briefly early in life performed better as cows when reexposed to AWS from 5 to 8 yr later in life. Thus, researchers and managers should consider previous exposure to low-quality forages (LQF) when assigning cattle to studies involving the use of LQF or when considering using LQF to reduce food costs.

Studies on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation in growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated straw-based rations supplemented with different protein sources

Studies were done on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation pattern of growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated wheat straw (UAS)-based rations supplemented with three different protein supplements. Eighteen buffalo calves (140kg) were divided into three groups of six calves each and were fed on UAS supplemented with a concentrate mixture (roughage:concentrate ratio 58:42) containing 8% (or 3.5% of total ration) untreated groundnut cake (GNC) (group I), 8% formaldehyde treated GNC (group II) and 8% fish meal (group III), respectively, for 19 weeks. During this growth study, blood biochemistry was studied. Rumen fermentation study was done on three fistulated growing buffalo calves using a 3×3 Latin square switch over design. Blood glucose and ammonia-N did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, blood urea-N of calves in group III was higher (P<0.05) than in groups I and II, but the latter two did not differ from each other in this respect. Total protein in group I was comparable to group II and group III which were significantly different from each other. The rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N and total protozoal count were similar, however, total N and TCA insoluble N in group II and group III were higher (P<0.01) than in group I. Fish meal containing diet favoured holotrichs, whereas, protected GNC containing diet favoured spirotrichs as indicated by significantly higher count. It was concluded that the beneficial effects of supplementing formaldehyde protected GNC at 8% in the concentrate mixture to the UAS-based diets were greater than supplementation of unprotected GNC or low quality fish meal in ration of buffalo calves growing at 400g because of improved rumen fermentation, absorption and metabolism of nutrients as observed in blood biochemistry.

Effect of Roughage Source in Whole Shelled Corn Diets on Feedlot Performance and Digesta Kinetics of Cattle

Two trials (feedlot and metabolism) were conducted to evaluate the effects of roughage source in whole shelled corn (WSC)-based diets fed to beef steers. In the feedlot trial, 296 mixed-breed steers (avg. BW 317 kg) were fed diets consisting of either 6% alfalfa hay (AH), wheat straw (WS), or ammoniated wheat straw (AWS) and 8% corn silage (CS) of diet DM as the roughage source; the remaining portions were WSC and a pelleted protein supplement. Roughage source had little effect (P>0.30) on ADG and feed efficiency over the 134-d feeding period. Feed consumption, however, was lower (P<0.05) for steers fed the WS diet than for the other three diets. Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (avg. BW 469 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square metabolism trial. Ruminal pH was similar for steers fed the CS, WS, and AWS diets, but was higher (P<0.10) for steers fed the AH diet. Total VFA concentration was highly correlated with ruminal (pHR=−0.87) and was lower (P<0.05) in steers fed the AH diet than in those fed the other three diets. Ruminal and total tract digestion of OM, starch, and N, estimated using chromic oxide as a marker, were not affected by roughage source. Results suggest that WS and AWS can replace AH or CS as a roughage source in WSC finishing diets without adversely affecting feedlot performance and (or) site, extent and kinetics of whole corn digestion.

The use of cumulative gas production to determine the effect of steam explosion on the fermentability of two substrates with different cell wall quality

AbstractWheat straw, ammoniated wheat straw and corn silage, were treated under constant conditions of steam explosion, differing only in the time for which the material was subjected to steam, prior to discharge from the vessel. The three feedstuffs were evaluated for their fermentability by measurement of cumulative gas production with time. Fermentation curves were fitted to a model and the resultant parameters tested for significant differences by an analysis of variance (using the Tukey test). Neutral detergent fibre and neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen were analysed before and after both steam treatment and fermentation. The substrates were significantly different from each other in terms of gas production parameters. Generally, there was an effect of the time of steaming, which tended to be negative in the case of straw. A significant interaction was found between type of substrate and duration of steam injection. The results suggest that steam explosion, under these conditions, was not a practical approach as a pretreatment for animal feed particularly of poor quality cell walls such as those from wheat straw.

Protein supplementation of ammoniated wheat straw: effect on performance and forage utilization of beef cattle

We studied the effects of supplement CP concentration on performance and forage use of cattle allowed ad libitum access to ammoniated wheat straw. During two consecutive winters, crossbred beef cows in late gestation (n = 87 in 1990-1991, n = 84 in 1991-1992) were used in a randomized complete block design with three pens per treatment. Cows were stratified by weight, body condition score (BCS), age, and breed and randomly assigned within strata to 1) control (C, no supplement), or 2 kg/d of 2) low-protein (LP) supplement (12% CP), 3) moderate-protein (MP) supplement (20.1% CP), or 4) high-protein (HP) supplement (31.7% CP) (DM basis). The feeding period was 84 d in 1990-1991 and 60 d in 1991-1992. Supplementation (C vs LP, MP, or HP) increased (P < .01) cow weight gains (32.7 vs 60.7, 62.8, and 72.4 kg, respectively) and improved (P < .01) BCS. Calf birth weights, weaning weights, and ADG were not affected by treatment (P > or = .20). Average calving date, percentage of cows cycling at the start of the breeding season and percentage pregnant after a 60-d breeding season were also similar (P > .20) among treatments. Sixteen ruminally fistulated steers (482 kg, four steers per treatment) were blocked by weight and assigned to the same four supplements in a 30-d digestion trial. Supplementation increased (P < .01) digestible DMI and forage DMI (P < or = .04) and tended (P = .09) to increase digestible NDF intake but did not alter (P > or = .15) apparent DM or NDF digestibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)