CF Digestibility Research Articles

Effect of supplementation of fish meal on growth and reproductive performance of crossbred heifers

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm to study the effect of fish meal (FM) on growth and reproductive performances of crossbred heifers. The experiment was designed into four treatment (T0=0% FM; T1=5% FM; T2=7.5% FM and T3 =10% FM) groups having initial weight 231.33 ± 32.39, 241.00 ± 46.29, 198.66 ±58.53 and 236.66 ± 31.64 kg, respectively. The average age of the animal is 2 years 9 month. Results of the experiment revealed that there was a significant difference of FM on daily DMI (kg/d). In 90 days period, FM with rice straw based diet had significant effect on daily weight gain (kg/d) of crossbred heifers. DM, CP and CF digestibility (%) differ significantly (p<0.05) among the group. But, the EE, Ash and NFE do not differ significantly. However, there is a tendency to increase digestibility when increase the FM among the Treatment group. Among this group T3 and T1 treatment showed 100% and T0 treatment 66% estrus and T1 did not showed estrus. Based on above findings, it may be concluded that supplementation of FM with Rice straw based diet can be the best options for feeding crossbred heifers to obtain better performances in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, daily weight gain and reproductive performance especially estrus.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14917 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 261-266, 2012

UTILIZATION OF OKARA MEAL AS A SOURCE OF PLANT PROTEIN IN BROILER DIETS.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of partial or complete replacement of okara meal for soybean meal on broiler performance, nutrients digestibility and economic efficiency. A total number of 350 one-day-old unsexed Ross chicks of nearly similar live body weight (45 g.) were randomly divided into equal five treatments; each contained 70 birds in seven replicates of ten birds each. Five experimental diets were formulated to be approximately iso-caloric and iso- nitrogenous according to the management recommendation guide data (Ross). Birds were fed starter- growers (1-4 weeks) and finisher (5-7 weeks) diets ad lib and had free access to water for the entire experimental period. The results showed that the whole experimental period, feeding graded levels of okara meal replacing for soybean meal at levels of either 25,50 and 75 % in broiler diets had no significant effect on live body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion rate (FCR) and average live body weight (LBW) compared with control group. However, the differences were significant poorest (P<0.05) as replacing okara meal for soybean meal at a level of 100% compared to control group or other treatments. There were significant decreases (P<0.05) feed intake values due to using different levels of okara meal compared to control group. Results showed a significant increase (P<0.05)in average values of EE and CF digestibility and N retention with using okara meal as replacing for soybean meal at levels of 25,50 and 75% while, the use of high level (100%) significantly decreased most of nutrient digestibility coefficient and nitrogen's balance. The obtained results showed that replacing of soybean meal by okara that replacing soybean meal by okara meal in broiler diets up to level of 75% can reduce cost of feeding, save a considerable amounts of expensive ingredients and meal at levels of 25, 50 and 75% in broiler diets had no significant effect on carcass traits of chicks, while full replacement had a significant adverse effect. The results indicated prevent environmental pollution.

Perbaikan Pakan Kambing Bligon Menggunakan Daun Ketela sebagai Suplemen (Feed Improvement of Bligon Goats Diet Using Cassava Leaf as Supplement)

&lt;p&gt;Agricultural by-product, especially from cassava plants, can be found easily at all over Indonesia. Parts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plant that can be used for animal feed are leaves, stem covering, tuber (in dry or&lt;br /&gt;wet condition, with or without skin). Cassava leaves cannot be used freely as animal feed, because of the persistence of anti-quality, i.e. Cyanide Acid (HCN) and tannin substance. Cassava leaves can be found easily in the dry season, when&lt;br /&gt;generally the presence of forage as ruminant’s diet is so limited. This research had to be done to observe potency of cassava leaves as supplement for Bligon goat’s diet. This research used 24 mature early pregnant Bligon goats. The&lt;br /&gt;goat divided into 3 treatments, those are : K as Control Diet (conventional diet which usually be given by the farmers); T1 or Treatment 1 (Control Diet+300 g cassava leaves); and T2 or Treatment 2 (Control Diet+260 g cassava&lt;br /&gt;leaves+200 dried cassava tuber). The result showed that cassava leaves supplementation increased EE and TDN consumption. From total consumption, cassava leaves and dried cassava tuber increased DM, OM, CP, EE, and TDN&lt;br /&gt;digestibility, but reduced CF digestibility. The effect of anti-coccidia didn’t appear optimally which shown by there was no significant differences of the amount of coccidian oocyste in the goat feces. However, the amount of coccidian&lt;br /&gt;oocyste in the feces reduced (1666.67 on the T1 and 2500 on the T2) as compare to those on the K (5000).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(Key words: Bligon Goat, Cassava leaves, Feed Supplement, Coccidiostat)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Energy and Mixture of Some Medicinal Plants

A total number of 48 male growing New Zealand rabbits were used to study the effect of two different levels of ration energy supplemented with mixture of Lupinus albus L, Trigonella foenum-graecum L and Cassia senna L as feed additives. Rabbits were classified into four equal groups (G1-G4). The 1st and 3rd groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % energy requirement and served as first and second control respectively. The 2nd and the 4th groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % energy requirement supplemented with mixture at the level of 1.5 %, respectively. The results showed that decreasing energy requirements level by 10% in rabbit diets significantly (P<0.05) increased the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and NFE & DCP values. The 90% energy level insignificant increased (P>0.05) CF and EE digestibility coefficients and TDN value. The 90% energy requirement with 1.5 % additives mixture (G4) recorded the best digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and nutritive values of TDN and DCP. The 90% energy level significantly (P<0.05) improved feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, CP, DCP, TDN and DE, respectively compared to control. Adding mixture at 1.5 % level significantly (P<0.05) improved feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, CP, DCP, TDN and DE, respectively compared to control. The 90% energy with 1.5% additives mixture (G4) recorded the best values of final body weight, body weight gain, and average daily gain as well as feed conversion. Additives mixture at 1.5% level significantly (P>0.05) increased the total inedible offal's (weight and % of SW) and Dm contents of the 9, 10 and 11th ribs. The 90% energy level with 1.5% additives mixture (G4) diet recorded the highest value of relative economic efficiency (145.1%) and the lowest value of feed cost/ kg live body weight (3.97 LE). It can be concluded that this mixture of medicinal plants can be considered as growth promoter that is effective for improving the utilization of low energy diet by lowering circulating glucose levels through enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Response of Growing Rabbits to Diets Containing Different Levels of Protein and Radish (Raphanus sativus L) Seeds

This work aimed to study the effect of two different levels of ration protein supplemented with Radish (Raphanus sativus L) seeds (RS). Rabbits were classified into four equal groups (G1-G4). The1st and 3rd groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % of protein requirement level and served as first and second control respectively. The 2nd and the 4th groups received basal ration with 100 and 90% of protein supplemented with RS at the level 1.5%, respectively. The 90% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) increased the DM, OM, CP, CF and EE digestibility and TDN value as well as significantly (P<0.05) decreased the digestible CP in comparison with the100% requirements. The 90% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) increased the TDN intake. The 100% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) improved the feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, TDN and DE (kcal/h/d). The 90% of protein level insignificantly (P>0.05) improved the final weight, total body weight gain, ADG (g), feed intake as DM, DCP, DCP (g/day) and DE (kcal/h/d) and feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of CP in comparison with the 100% of protein requirements. Radish seeds (RS) at 1.5% level significantly (P<0.05) increased all nutrient digestibility coefficients and nutritive values compared to the control diet. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between the protein and RS levels on all nutrient digestibility coefficients (DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE) and nutritive values of TDN and DCP. The 90% of protein level + 1.5 % (RS) showed the best digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE and TDN value. The 100% of protein level + 1.5 % Radish seeds (G2) showed the highest value of DCP. Supplementation Radish seeds at 1.5% level significantly (P<0.05) improved feed intake as DCP and TDN (g/day) while, it significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of TDN. Adding Radish seeds at 1.5% level insignificantly (P>0.05) increased the final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG); feed intake as DM, CP (g/day) and DE (kcal/h/d) and feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, CP and DE (kcal/h/d) compared to the control diet. The 90% of protein requirement with supplementation Radish seeds at 1.5% level recorded the best values of final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain, feed intake (g/h/day) of DM, DCP, TDN and DE and feed conversion feed conversion of DM, CP and TDN (g intake/ g gain) and DE (Kcal intake /g gain). There were interactions between protein and supplementation levels on DM, DP, TDN and DE intakes and feed conversion (g intake/ g gain) of DM, CP, TDN and DE. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between protein and supplementation levels on carcass characteristics such as digestive tract; edible offal's weight (head and testes, weight and % of SW) and dressing percentages expressed as CW1/ SW and DM of the 9, 10 and 11th ribs. Rabbits fed on diet containing the 90% of protein requirements with 1.5% (RS) showed the highest values of net revenue, economical efficiency and relative economic efficiency, Supplementation of radish seeds in rabbit diets improved all nutrient digestibility, growth performance, dressing percentages and economical efficiency indicating that radish seeds can be used as growth promoter for improving the utilization of low protein in rabbit diets.

Response of Growing Rabbits to Diets Containing Different Levels of Protein and Mustard Seeds (Sinapisalba Linn)

A total number of 54 male growing New Zealand rabbits were used to study the effect of two different levels of ration protein supplemented with Mustard seeds (Sinapis alba Linn) . Rabbits were classified into six equal groups (G 1 -G 6 ). The 1 st and 4 th groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % protein requirement and served as first and second control respectively. The 2 nd and the 3 rd groups received basal ration with 100 % protein requirement supplemented with Sinapisalba Linn at the level of 0.5 and 1.0 %, respectively. The 5 th and 6 th groups received basal ration with 90 % protein requirement with Sinapisalba Linn at the level of 0.5 and 1.0 %, respectively. The low level of protein (90% of protein requirement containing diet) significantly increased (P<0.05) DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibility and TDN value compared to 100% of protein requirement. The high level of supplementation (1% Mustard seeds) significantly (P<0.05) improved all nutrient digestibility coefficients and nutritive values. The 90% protein ration with 1 % mustard seeds (G 6 ) showed the best digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE and TDN value. However, the 100% of protein requirement with 1 % mustard seeds containing diet (G 3 ) showed the high value of DCP. Inclusion Mustard seeds at 1% in rabbit diets significantly (P<0.05) increased all nutrient digestibility and nutritive values compared to control diet. Inclusion Mustard seeds at 0.5% significantly (P<0.05) increased the DM and EE digestibility and total digestible nutrient compared to control diet. The interaction between the protein and mustard seeds levels significantly (P<0.05) increased the all nutrient digestibility coefficients (DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE) and nutritive values (TDN and DCP). Inclusion Mustard seeds at 0.5% or 1% significantly (P<0.05) improved the final or weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion compared to control diet. On the other hand inclusion of Mustard seeds at 1% significantly (P<0.05) increased the total body weight gain and average daily gain by 24.3% while at 0.5% significantly (P<0.05) increased the total body weight gain and average daily gain by 14.5% compared to the control group. The 90% of protein with 1% mustard seeds recorded the best values of final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion. The interaction between the protein and mustard seeds levels significantly (P<0.05) increased the final weight, weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion. Inclusion mustard seeds in rabbit diets clearly decreased the dressing percentages by increasing the level of mustard seeds in rabbit diets. Dietary 90% of protein requirements with 0.5% or 1% mustard seeds showed the higher value ofnet revenue, economical efficiency and relative economic efficiency, as well as the lower value of feed cost/ kg live body weight (LE).

Performance of Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Energy and Lesser Galangal (Alpinia Officinarum)

This work aimed to study the effect of two different levels of ration energy supplemented with Alpinia officinarum. Rabbits were classified into six equal groups (G1-G6). The 1st and 4th groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % energy requirement and served as first and second control respectively. The 2nd and the 3rd groups received basal ration with 100 % energy requirement supplemented with Alpinia officinarum at the level of 0.5 and 1.0 %, respectively. The 5th and 6th groups received basal ration with 90 % energy requirement with Alpinia officinarum at the level of 0.5 and 1.0 %, respectively. The 90% energy containing diet showed significant increased (P<0.05) in DM and CF digestibility, while EE digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Lesser galangal as feed additives showed significant (P<0.05) increased in DM, OM, CF, NFE digestibility and TDN value. There were significant interaction values between energy and supplementation levels on digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CF, EE, NFE and TDN value. Supplementation of Lesser galangal at 0.5 % or 1% significantly increased final body weight gain, ADG, feed conversion, while slightly decreased feed intake. The 90% energy and 1% lesser galangal (G6) recorded the best values of final body weight, body daily weight gain and feed conversion. The interaction values between energy and lesser galangal levels significantly increased (P<0.05) the carcass weight, dressing percentages and carcass cuts. The 90% energy and 1% lesser galangal (G6) recorded the best values of carcass weight, dressing percentages and carcass cuts. Lesser galangal significantly (P<0.05) decreased the lungs (weight and % of SW); content of stomach and empty of small intestine (weight and % of SW). The interaction values between energy and lesser galangal levels significantly (P<0.05) increased the liver and total internal offal's (% of SW); lungs, full and content of stomach as well as digestive tract content (weight, g and % of SW). Dietary 90% energy requirements with 0.5 % or 1% lesser galangal showed the high values of net revenue, economical efficiency and relative economic efficiency, while recorded the low value of feed cost/ kg live body weight (LE). Rabbits received the 90 % energy requirement with 0.5 % lesser galangal recorded the highest value of relative economic efficiency (111.4%) and the lowest value of feed cost/ kg live body weight (5.45 LE).

Evaluation of fungal treatment of some agricultural residues

ABSTRACTTwo low quality roughages, namely rice straw (RS) and corn stalks (CS) were subjected to biological treatment under solid state fermentation by Trichoderma Viride to improve their nutritive value. Four tested rations were allotted randomly on four groups of crossbred lambs (Rhamani×Ossimi) as following, two groups fed concentrate feed mixture (CFM) plus ad lib untreated either rice stalk (RS) (T1), or corn stalk (CS) (T3) and two groups fed concentrate feed mixture (CFM) plus ad lib treated either rice stalk (RS) (T2), or corn stalk (CS) (T4).Treatment of rice straw and corn stalk with Trichoderma Viride decreased contents of OM and CF, while contents of CP, EE and ash increased than those of untreated one. Nylon bags technique by fistulated bull's buffalo show that, actual washing loss (W), intercept representing solubilized at initiation of incubation (a) and effective degradability (ED) kinetics of DM and OM degradability were significantly (P<0.05) increased for either treated rice straw (TRS) or treated corn stalk (TCS) compared to untreated. No significant differences were found between TRS and TCS for the fraction that potentially degradable in the rumen (b) for DM and OM, while values of PD of DM and OM for TRS were significantly (P<0.05) higher than TCS substrate.Total feed intake (TFI) for T2 and T4 were higher than T1 and T3, while TFI for T4 was the highest one and T3 was the lowest one. Crude protein intake and CP (g/kgw0.75) for T2 or T4 were higher compared to T1 or T3. The differences of ADG for different treatments were not significant. No significant difference among groups were noticed for feed conversion.Apparent digestion coefficient of CP for T2 and T4 were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to T1 and T3, while no significant differences between T2 and T4. Crude fiber digestibility for T4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T2. At the same time, CF digestibility of ration containing TRS or TCS (T2 or T4) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that untreated (T1 or T3). Digestibilities of NDF and NDF for treated RS or CS were significantly (P<0.05) higher than untreated one, except NDF digestibility in T3 which was not significantly different. The digestibility values of cellulose were significantly (P<0.05) higher for T2 and T4 compared to untreated, while adverse effect was shown with hemicellulose. The nutritive values as TDN was insignificantly differed among tested ration. The values of DCP were significantly (P<0.05) higher with ration containing either TRS or TCS, while DCP values of ration containing TCS was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that containing TRS. Nitrogen balance (NB) was significantly (P<0.05) higher for both T2 and T4 compared to T1 and T3.It can be concluded from this study that Trichoderma viride treatment for rice straw and corn stalks can improve their feeding values without adverse effect on animal performance.

EFFECTS OF SODIUM BICARBONATE SUPPLEMENT ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE, RUMEN FERMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF GROWING FRIESIAN CALVES RATIONS.

Twelve 7 month old male Friesian calves with an average body weight of 111+ 8.4 kg were used is this study. Calves were distributed into three groups similar in number. The experimental rations were formulated as follows : ration 1 (R1) 64% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 36% clover hay (CH) (control), ration 2 (R2) : 64.12% CFM + 34.36% CH + 1.52% sodium bicarbonate (SB) and ration 3 (R3) : 60.61% CFM + 36.19% CH + 3.2% SB. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, NFE, NDF and ADF and the value of TDN, ME, (Mj / kg), NE (Mcal / kg), DDM% and RFV were higher (p<0.05) for R2 than R1 and R3, while there was no significant difference between R1 and R3. The CF and NFC digestibility coefficients were increased (p<0.05) when feeding on R2 compared with R1, while there was no significant difference between R1 and R3 or between R2 and R3. The predicted values for starch and sugar fermentations using CNCPS were (640 and 274 g/d, respectively) with feeding R1,(475.8 and 276.8 g/d, respectively) for R2 and ( 431.7 and 267 g/d, respectively) for R3 , and the total microbial protein was 815 , 825 and 775 g/d when feeding on R1 , R2 and R3 , respectively. The DM intake was increased when feeding on R2 than R1 or R3 because the passage rate was higher when feeding on R2 (8.5 %/h) than feeding on R1 (7.6 %/h) or R3 (7.8 % g/h). The mean values for total VFA were higher (p<0.05) with feeding R1 or R2 than R3. The mean values were 9.67, 9.88 and 8.05 ml eq / 100 ml RL for R1, R2 and R3, respectively. The mean values for NH3-N concentration decreased (p<0.05) when feeding R2 than R3, but without significant effect with feeding R1. the mean values were 10.96, 9.36 and 13.5 mg/100ml RL when feeding on R1, R2 and R3, respectively. The mean values of blood parameters were not significantly affected by feeding R1 or R2 or R3. The mean values of ADG were 0.62, 0.69 and 0.66 kg for steers fed on R1, R2 and R3, respectively. Concerning to the amino acids composition of the tested rations, the AAs composition were less than the requirements except for tryptophan. The mean balance AA values (% of requirement) were 70.45 , 68.14 and 71.73 with feeding on R1, R2 , R3 , respectively. The production efficiency was lower when feeding on R2 than feeding on R1 or R3 (16.77, 18.74 and 18.85% respectively), and the economic efficiency, was also lower when feeding on R2 than feeding on R1 or R3. In general, the data indicated that feeding ration at a level 64.12% CFM + 34.36% CH + 1.52% sodium bicarbonate for growing Friesian calves increased the nutritive values of the ration than using 3.0% sodium bicarbonate.

CASSAVA AS NEW ANIMAL FEED IN EGYPT 3 - PELLETED COMPLETE CASSAVA FEED FOR GROWING RABBITS.

Forty New Zealand White rabbits (20 males and 20 females) aged 5 weeks, of 735g in average weight, were divided into two groups on basis of weight and sex. A pelleted complete rabbit feed containing 45 % cassava products (CCF diet) as 30 % root meal + 15 % leaf meal, was formulated to be fed in comparison with a commercial feed (AF diet; Atmida Cº) during the 15 weeks of experiment, divided in 3 stages of 5 weeks. 1 % urea was added to the CCF diet in arder to increase the N-content. The results indicated that CP digestibility and N-balance of CCF were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than that in AF diet in the first 5 weeks after weaning (1st stage). But the CP digestibility and N-balance were not significantly different between two Qroups fed CCF and AF diets at 15 weeks after weaning (3rá stage). The CF digestibility was not significantly affected by type of feed and it was improved by advance in age of rabbits fed CCF or AF diets. In contrast N-balance was decreased with advancing of age of two groups of growing rabbits. No significant effect of sex was observed on digestibility or N-balance. The feed intake was significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower with CCF diet than that with AF diet in 1 st and 2nd stages. Daily body gain was significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower with rabbits fed CCF than those fed AF diets in 1 st stage but it was nearly similar between two groups at 2nd and 3rd stages. Feed conversion (feed/gain) was more efficient with rabbits fed AF than those fed CCF diets at 1 st stage but opposite trend was observed in 2nd and 3rd stages of growth. Slaughter and carcass traits showed no significant differences between the two groups fed CCF and AF diets. There were no significant differences in feed intake, feed conversion and daily body gain between male and female rabbits. Conclusively, it could be appear that cassava products (roots and leaves) can be used satisfactorily as the partial substitute for traditional energy and protein supplements to formulating pelleted diet for growing rabbits.

The effect of supplements Bujani Weaner cattle with dried poultry manure based concentrate

Two experiments were conducted at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, University of Agriculture; Makurdi to evaluate the effect of dried poultry manure (DPM) based concentrate diets on the performance of Bunaji weaner cattle grazing natural pasture. In experiment 1, ten Bunaji weaner cattle aged between ten and eleven months and weighing approximately 117kg on the average, grazing natural pasture were fed DPM based concentrate diets for 90 days in a complete randomized design. The concentrate diets contained 0, 17.8, 33.7 and 47.96 percent levels of DPM and were designated treatments A, B, C, and D respectively. Animals on treatment E grazed natural pasture only. There was a decreasing trend in body weight gain as the level of DPM in the diets increased. However, no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) were observed in feed intake, body weight gain and feed efficiency among the animals. The daily-weight gain of-the animals that were supplemented with DPM based concentrate diets however was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than those on natural pasture alone. The average daily weight gains for treatments A, B, C, D, and E were 0.65kg, 0.60kg, 0.48kg, 0.44kgand 0.10kg respectively. In experiment 2, four male Bunaji weaner cattle with an average ag^ of 13.5 months and weight of 129.5kg cere used ina4x4 latin square digestion trial to evaluate the utilization of the experimental diets. DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) among the treatments. There was however, a decreasing trend in the digestibilities of DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE as the level of DPM in diets increased. DM digestibility were 71.85, 68.53, 65.84 and 60.75 per cent for diets A, B, C and D. CP digestibilities were 80.14, 6.60, 73.91 and 71.68 per cent for diets A, B, C, and D respectively. The CF digestibilities were 56.19,51.48, 9.02 and 45.04 percent; EE digestibilities were 87.81,86.35,85.50, and 85.95percent while the NFE digestibilities were 79.26, 78.46, 77.30 and 74.61 percent for diets A, B, C, and D respectively. The nutritional and practical significance of these results are discussed. Keywords: Supplementation, weaner cattle, poultry manure.

Valor nutritivo da silagem de capim-elefante cultivar Napier (&lt;em&gt;Pennisetum purpureum&lt;/em&gt;, Schum) inoculada com bactérias ácido-láticas

The effects of microbial inoculated elephant-grass silage on total digestibility in sheep were evaluated. Twelve wethers were randomly assigned to two treatments: elephant-grass silage (average 17.2% DM and 7.6% CP) control and microbial inoculated with Pioneer 1174 product (S. faecium and L. plantarum). Experimental period consisted of twenty-one days, the last five for feces and urine collection. Inoculation did not influence total digestibility of DM (inoculated=49.9% vs. control=48.4%), CP (45.9% vs. 43.6%), EE (42.9% vs. 40.8%), CF (53.6% vs. 54.2%), NDF (48.6% vs. 48.0%), ADF (48.8% vs. 49.2%), starch (60.8% vs. 66.2%), TDN (44.5% vs. 41.8%) or DM intake (1.36 vs. 1.63% of BW). However, there was a tendency (P = 0.0845) of increasing digestibility of NFE (47.3% vs. 40.6%) and decreasing (P = 0.0571) N retention (–2.61 vs. –2.17 g of N/animal/day). Present data do not recommend lactic acid bacteria for inoculation of elephant-grass silage.

Effect of Feeding Calcium Salts of Palm Oil Fatty Acids on Performance of Lactating Crossbred Cows

Twenty lactating crossbred cows yielding 10 to 15 litres of milk daily during mid lactation were selected and divided into four groups of five animals to assess the effect of feeding calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acids (bypass fat) on milk yield, milk composition and nutrient utilization in lactating crossbred cows. The animals in groups 1 (control), 2, 3 and 4 were fed concentrate mixture containing 0 (no bypass fat), 2, 4 and 6% bypass fat, respectively. The average daily dry matter consumption in the various groups ranged from 13.1 to 13.6 kg and showed no significant difference among treatment groups. There was no significant difference among different groups in digestibility of DM, OM, CP and CF, however, ether extract digestibility in cows of groups 2 and 4 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control group. The average milk yields of the cows in group 3 (4% bypass fat) showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher value than cows of groups 1 and 2. Similarly, a significant (p<0.05) increase in fat yield, 4% FCM yield and SNF yield was observed for the cows in group 3 (4% bypass fat). The milk composition in terms of total solids, fat, lactose, protein, solids-not-fat and ash percentage showed a varying response and bypass fat feeding did not have any effect on milk composition of cows in different groups. The gross and net energetic efficiency of milk production ranged from 23.6 to 27.5% and 37.1 to 44.4%, respectively, and showed no significant difference among different treatment groups. The gross and net efficiency of nitrogen utilization for milk production ranged from 24.0 to 28.7% and 37.2 to 43.5%, respectively, and no significant difference was noted among different treatment groups. The supplementation with calcium salts of palm oil fatty acid reduced the proportion of caproic, caprylic and capric acids and significantly (p<0.01) increased the concentration of palmitic, oleic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids in milk fat with increase in level of bypass fat supplementation. It was concluded that incorporation of calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids at a 4% level in the concentrate mixture of lactating crossbred cows improved the milk production and milk quality in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids without affecting the digestibility of nutrients.

Linseed oil supplementation in diet for horses: Effects on palatability and digestibility

Feed palatability and in vivo apparent digestibility of nutrients were compared in horses fed concentrates in which barley was, or not, partially substituted by 8% linseed oil. According to a cross-over design, three geldings and one stallion were fed at near maintenance level hay plus low or high fat diet (50/50). The last days of each 3-months sub-periods, partial faeces collections were performed and concentrate intake rate was measured to estimate the digestibility and the palatability of the diet. The inclusion of linseed oil did not affect the palatability of the diet and increased significantly ( P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM (66.5 vs 64.1%), CF (83.7 vs 57.3%) and NDF (53.0 vs 50.7%) but not of CP and ADF.

Milk Protein Production and Plasma 3-Methylhistidine Concentration in Lactating Holstein Cows Exposed to High Ambient Temperatures

This experiment was performed to examine the influences of high ambient temperature on milk production, nutrient digestibility, energy and protein sufficiency ratio, and plasma metabolites concentration in lactating cows. In a 2×2 crossover design, four multiparous lactating Holstein cows were maintained in a chamber under treatment of constant moderate (18°C) ambient temperature (MT) or high (28°C) ambient temperatures (HT). The DMI and milk protein yield were significantly lower in HT (p<0.05). The milk yield, milk lactose yield, and milk SNF yield tended to be lower in HT (p<0.10). No statistical differences for 4% fat-corrected milk and milk fat yield were observed. Rectal temperatures were significantly higher in HT than MT (p<0.05). The apparent DM, OM, ether extract, CF, and ash digestibility did not differ between treatments. On the other hand, the apparent CP digestibility was increased significantly (p<0.05) and nitrogen free extract tended to increase (p<0.10) in HT. The sufficiency ratio of ME and DCP intake for each requirement tended to be lower in HT than in MT (p<0.10). Concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin, and urea nitrogen in plasma did not differ between treatments. Plasma 3-methylhistidine (3MH) concentration as a marker of myofibrillar protein degradation tended to be higher in HT (p<0.15). In conclusion, high ambient temperature was associated with a lower energy and protein sufficiency ratio,

Spent Wheat Straw Compost of Agaricus bisporus Mushroom as Ruminant Feed

Spent compost wheat straw is an available by-product from edible mushroom production, which constitutes a potential pollutant and is cost effective for disposal. This study was conducted to determine the nutritive value as ruminant feed of spent wheat straw compost from Agaricus bisporus mushroom production. The compost was provided from a mushroom farm, the casing soil was removed from the whole compost, and then it was sun dried and sampled for chemical analysis. An experiment was conducted, in which four wheat straw-based diets comprising control (I), 10% spent straw (II), 20% spent straw (III) and 30% spent straw (IV) were tested in a cross-over design using 8 sheep. Dry matter intake (DMI) was 74.0, 73.8, 70.2 and 57.1 and organic matter intake (OMI) was 62.7, 63.4, 58.0 and 44.4 g per kg BW 0.75 for diets I, II, III and IV, respectively, which, were significantly (p<0.05) lower for diet IV. Digestible OMI was respectively 33.1, 32.6, 30.6 and, 20.2 g per kg BW 0.75 on the four diets which were significantly (p<0.05) different between the treatments. Inclusion of spent compost straw up to 20% of the diet did not affect the digestibility of DM, OM, CF, ADF and NDF, but the diet containing 30% compost straw had statistically (p<0.05) lower digestibilities. Nitrogen balance was also significantly (p<0.05) different between the treatments. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 6 : 845-851)

Effect of Sources of Supplementary Protein on Intake, Digestion and Efficiency of Energy Utilization in Buffaloes Fed Wheat Straw Based Diets

Sixteen adult male buffaloes (average body weight 443±14 kg) were equally distributed into four groups in an experiment to study the effect of supplementary protein sources on energy utilization efficiency in buffaloes fed a wheat straw-based diet. The animals in the control group were offered a basal diet composed of 700 g deoiled ground nut cake and ad libitum wheat straw. Animals of other groups were offered 1.8 kg of soyabean meal (SBM), linseed meal (LSM) or mustard cake (MC) along with the basal diet. Protein supplementation increased the digestibility of DM (p<0.01), OM (p<0.01) CP (p<0.01) and CF (p<0.05). Maximum CP digestibility was observed on SBM, followed by LSM and MC when compared to the control. Total DMI and DOMI was significantly (p<0.01) higher in protein supplemented groups with no differences between treatment groups. Digestible crude protein (DCP) intake and N balance were significantly (p<0.01) different between the groups; maximum response was obtained with SBM supplementation, followed by LSM and MC. Faecal energy was significantly (p<0.01) lower in SBM and LSM groups in comparison to other groups. Methane production (% DEI) was significantly (p<0.05) lower on the SBM treatment. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake increased significantly due to protein supplementation. Metabolizable energy intake (MEI) of animals in the MC group was less than LSM and SBM. Energy balance was increased significantly (p<0.01) due to protein supplementation and within supplement variation was also significant with maximum balance in SBM followed by LSM and MC groups. Protein supplementation significantly (p<0.05) increased the digestibility and metabolizability of energy from whole ration. Metabolizable energy (ME) content (Mcal/kg DM) of SBM, LSM and MC was 4.49, 3.56 and 2.56, respectively. It was concluded that protein supplementation of wheat straw increased intake, digestibility and metabolizability of energy and maximum response could be obtained when soybean meal was used as a supplement. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 5 : 638-644)

The effect of phenological stage and season on nutritive value, chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) green forage in the alimentary tract of cattle

Green forage of fourteen lucerne varieties grown at four Experimental Stations of the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka was harvested in these stages: the first growth in the budding stage (cut I), re-growths in the pre-bloom stage of maturity (cut II) 35 days after the first cut, and the next cut, 42 days later (cut III). Three bulls equipped with rumen and duodenal cannulas were used to study rumen degradability by the nylon bag technique and intestinal digestibility by the mobile bag method. The nutritive value of lucerne green forage was estimated according to IZ-INRA (2001) feed evaluation system. The composition of the lucerne cuts differed in DM content (P &amp;lt; 0.01); the highest was found in cut III (226.9 g/kg), the lowest in cut II (182.0&amp;nbsp;g/kg).The crude protein content (CP) in DM of cuts I and II was similar (P &amp;gt; 0.05) but lower in cut III (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Cut II contained the highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) levels of crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), cellulose (CE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and the lowest of non-structural carbohydrates (NFC) and soluble in neutral detergent cell content (CC), (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The differences between cut I and III in the contents of these components were not significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The highest DM digestibility in the total alimentary tract was found for cut I (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The DM of cuts II and III was digested at a similar rate (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between the cuts in effective degradability, digestibility in the small intestine of the fraction not digested in the forestomachs and total digestibility of CP, CF, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The digestion of rumen undegraded CP in the post-rumen part of the alimentary tract was lower compared with the digestion of essential amino acids (81% and 98%; respectively). The first cut harvested in the spring in the budding stage contained about 5% more PDIA and PDIN, but 7% less LFU compared with both cuts of regrowth (cuts II and III) which contained on average: 58 g PDIA; 123 g PDIN and 0.93 kg LFU. All the cuts contained similar levels of PDIE, UFL per kg of DM (106 and 0.76 g, respectively). &amp;nbsp;

Precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10–12) or an inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix and effects on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora

The aim of the present study was to investigate the precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10-12) and inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix, and the effects of these substances on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora. For the experiment four of eight male pigs were fitted with an end-to-end ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA) with preserved ileo-caeco-colic valve. The residual pigs were used as intact partner (IN). The animals received 1.5 kg/day of a diet based on corn, wheat, barley and soybean meal, supplemented with either 8 x 10(9) CFU E. faecium/kg, 2% inulin or a mixture of both substances. The digestibility trial was carried out from weeks 4 to 8 after surgery. Precaecal digestibility of inulin was assessed to be 57%. The addition of E. faecium to the diet resulted in a similar precaecal digestibility of inulin of 55%. Supplementation of E. faecium, inulin, and a mixture of E. faecium and inulin did not affect precaecal and faecal nutrient digestibility with the exception of the precaecal digestibility of CF which increased when inulin alone was supplemented. Bacterial population in the digesta of IRA and IN pigs were not affected by the experimental diets except the concentration of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The supplementation of E. faecium to the diet significantly decreased the concentration of bifidobacteria and the population of lactobacilli inclined to decrease when IN pigs received the probiotic diet. The combination of E. faecium and inulin prevented a reduction of enterococci in faeces of IN pigs. The daily digesta excretion (DM) tended to decrease in IRA and IN pigs when inulin was supplemented. The results indicate that inulin (DP 10-12) in pig nutrition did partly react as a prebiotic as has been confirmed for humans. A combination of E. faecium and inulin improves the survival of the probiotic strain through the upper intestinal tract and allocates the synbiotic effect. Furthermore inulin might be able to show positive effects on precaecal and faecal microbial characteristics.

Effect of concentrate extrusion and castration on diet digestion and performance of intensively reared male calves

Fifty-six male Friesian calves, half of them castrated, were used to study the effects of concentrate extrusion and animal castration on diet digestibility and performance in two different growth phases (from 91 to 250 and from 250 to 400 kg live weight). Diets consisted of a compound meal, extruded or nonextruded, and barley straw, both of them fed ad libitum. Half of the animals were slaughtered at 250 kg and the remaining at 400 kg live weight. Extrusion increased the gelatinization grade, resulting in a higher ( p<0.01) fermentation rate, and reduced nitrogen solubility and degradation after 12 h of rumen incubation ( p<0.05). Calves receiving the extruded meal showed a lower rumen ammonia concentration just before the first meal ( p<0.001), the differences disappearing afterwards. Neither the pH nor the total VFA concentrations were affected, although butyrate, isobutyrate and isovalerate proportions before the first meal decreased with the extruded diet. Concentrate extrusion did not affect the apparent OM digestibility of total diet but caused a reduction of NDF ( p<0.01) and CF ( p<0.05) digestibility. In the first growth phase, concentrate and total DM intake decreased with extrusion ( p<0.001), without affecting the average daily gain (ADG). Consequently, the concentrate and total feed conversion ratios were significantly lower ( p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) with the extruded meal. Bulls showed a higher ADG than steers ( p<0.001), resulting in lower feed conversion ratios ( p<0.01) given that intake was not affected by castration. In the second growth phase, extrusion did not affect any of the performance parameters, however bulls showed a higher DM intake and ADG ( p<0.05), but no differences in the feed conversion ratio were found between entire and castrated animals.