Acid Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Ball milling pretreatment of corn straw and Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation for non-ruminant diet

A new strategy was proposed to improve the utilization rate of corn straw by making non-ruminant feed products. The corn straw was ball milled, and the crushed straw was subjected to solid-state fermentation. After ball milling, the particle size of corn straw decreased significantly from 4.85 ± 0.07 cm to 10–100 μm, the content of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased by 1.3% and 3.5%, respectively, and the total soluble sugar content increased by 16.2 mg/g. At the same time, the straw treated by ball milling as substrate could promote the rapid growth of Pediococcus acidilactici R30, the increase of organic acid production and further improvement of other nutrients during solid-state fermentation. In conclusion, the fermented straw products after ball milling could significantly improve the performance of pig feed in terms of digestibility and nutritional value, and better meet the feed needs of non-ruminant animals while saving resources.

Light interception, agronomic performance,and nutritive quality of annual forage legumes as affected by shade

Annual legumes can adapt to reduced light, a condition common in intercropping, by increasing the efficiency with which they convert energy into dry matter (DM). The performance of five forage legumes under reduced light–simulated by growing them under a shade net was evaluated in terms of agronomic adaptation, light interception, and the quality of forage. A third of the plot length was covered with Aluminet shade cloth 20–25 days after planting to reduce sunlight reaching the crop canopy to 30% of that without shade. Leaf area index (LAI) and light interception (LI) were significantly different depending on the species and shading up to 50–60 days after planting but not thereafter. Shading reduced DM significantly (p = 0.05), by 31–39% in 2009 and by 26–35% in 2010. Lima bean was affected the most (DM reduced by 43%), followed by pigeonpea (39%), whereas lablab (17%) and cowpea (29%) were affected the least. It affected dry matter in leaves and pods more than that in the stem. Shading had only a marginal influence on the concentration of crude protein,but increased the content of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber. Overall, lablab and cowpea were best adapted to reduced sunlight and therefore will be suitable for intercropping • Shade has a significant effect on canopy development and dry matter of all the legume species. • Shade has a significant effect on leaf chlorophyll, light interception, and leaf area index. • Impact of shade varies with legume species and affects relative feed quality, including digestibility.

Availability to ruminants of nitrogen in senesced C

Context Nutritional standards usually assume that ∼10% of the total nitrogen (TN) in forages is indigestible and hence not available to the ruminant. Senesced tropical C4 grasses often contain TN concentrations that are marginal or deficient to meet the nutrient requirements of ruminants, and low TN availability will exacerbate N deficiencies. Aim The aim of the study was to estimate the availability (i.e. digestibility) to ruminants of TN in mature and senesced C4 grasses, using data derived from previous experiments and published data. Methods In Dataset 1, forages grown in subtropical or tropical environments, including C4 (n = 143) and C3 (n = 15) grasses, were analysed for parameters including TN, acid detergent fibre (ADF), and N insoluble in ADF solution (ADIN). ADIN was used as a measure of unavailable TN. The Dataset 2 analysis included published measurements of TN and ADIN in C4 (n = 187) and C3 (n = 45) grasses. Key results In Dataset 1, TN averaged 9.7 and ADIN 1.45 g N/kg diet DM in C4 grasses. ADIN concentration could be predicted from TN and ADF concentrations by multiple regression (R2 = 0.50; P < 0.001). The ratio ADIN/TN averaged 170 g/kg and increased exponentially with increasing ADF concentration (R2 = 0.43; P < 0.001). Also, ADIN/TN was inversely related to TN concentration and DM digestibility. In C4 grasses containing >400 and >500 g ADF/kg DM, ADIN/TN averaged 190 and 230 g/kg, respectively, and in those containing <10 g TN/kg DM, ADIN/TN averaged 194 g/kg. In these low-quality C4 grasses only ∼80%, and as little as ∼50%, of TN was available to ruminants. Dataset 2 produced similar results, although C4 grass forages were generally of higher quality, most having been harvested during vegetative growth. ADIN/TN was much lower in C3 grasses (89 g/kg). Conclusions In senesced, low-quality C4 grasses containing >400 g ADF, <10 g TN or <530 g digestible DM/kg, the proportion of TN available to ruminants is substantially lower than that assumed for forages in general. Implications Low availability of TN in many senesced C4 grasses needs to be considered when evaluating the adequacy of dietary TN for ruminants grazing senesced tropical grass pastures.

Lemongrass essential oil reduces Mombasa grass silage gas losses, fibre content and pH after aerobic exposure

Context Ensiling is commonly used to conserve tropical grasses, but low water-soluble carbohydrates content and high moisture content in the grass impair silage fermentation characteristics. Essential oils may be used as silage additives to decrease fermentative losses and improve the nutritional value of silage, and aerobic stability, and in vitro DM disappearance. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of including lemongrass essential oil (LEO) on the fermentative characteristics, fermentative losses, chemical composition, in vitro disappearance and aerobic stability of Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximum) silage. Methods Mombasa grass was ensiled for 60 days in 32 experimental silos (15-L plastic buckets, 28 cm diameter and 25 cm high), in a randomly blocked design. LEO was included at 0.00, 0.67, 1.33 and 2.00 mL per kg of silage fresh matter. Silos were weighed every 15 days, pH and temperature were measured immediately after the silos were opened, and subsamples of silage were taken to measure the fermentative profile, composition of silage effluent, chemical composition and in vitro degradation of silage. Key results Increasing the amount of LEO in Mombasa grass silage caused a linear reduction in ammonia–nitrogen, ethanol (P < 0.05), acid detergent fibre of silage, gas losses and silage pH after aerobic exposure. There was no impact (P > 0.05) on organic acid concentration, effluent production or DM recovery (P > 0.05). Conclusions (Tilley and Terry 1963) Adding LEO to Mombasa grass silage at up to 2.00 mL per kg fresh material (almost 7.5 mL/kg DM) reduces gas losses, ammonia–nitrogen and acid-detergent fibre concentration, and silage pH after aerobic exposure. However, it is not sufficient to improve DM recovery and in vitro disappearance of silage. Implications Lemongrass essential oil shows a positive effect on Mombasa grass silage fermentation, fibre content and silage parameters after aerobic exposure, providing a useful additive in this silage.

Effect of timing of paddock allocation in tropical grass on performance, nitrogen excretion, and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of timing of paddock allocation (AM or PM) in tropical grass on nutritive value of the herbage, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen excretion, and enteric CH4 emissions of dairy cows. Twenty cows were grouped in pairs and randomly distributed within pair to one of two treatments. PM herbage had greater contents of dry matter (DM), soluble carbohydrates, starch, and nonfibrous carbohydrate to protein ratio and lower contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. There was no treatment effect on DMI, N excretion, milk yield, and CH4 emissions. However, milk protein and casein yields tended to be greater for PM than AM, while milk urea nitrogen concentration was lower for PM than AM. The increase in nutritive value of the afternoon relative to the morning herbage within the framework of this study was not large enough to increase DMI and milk yield or to decrease CH4 emission intensity by the dairy cows as hypothesized. The findings indicate that PM treatment can be a simple and useful grazing strategy that results in an herbage harvest with greater nutritional value and in lower excretion of urea N into milk.

Meta-analytical study of the effect of fibers in neutral detergent and acidic detergent in the diet of finishing pigs

ABSTRACT: Performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed diets containing different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated through meta-analysis. The database was constructed using information from 24 papers, 113 treatments, and 2507 animals. Correlation and variance analyze were performed. The weight gain of the pigs showed a negative correlation (P < 0.01) with the dietary NDF content and with NDF consumption. The feed conversion ratio showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ADF in the test ingredient and with the consumption of NDF and ADF. The backfat thickness showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05) with the NDF content in the diets. The analysis of variance showed that the performance of finishing pigs was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of ingredients with high NDF content. Likewise, the inclusion of ingredients with high ADF content did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, the use of ingredients with a high ADF content reduced (P < 0.05) by 4% the weight gain of the pigs. The use of ingredients with high concentrations of NDF and ADF negatively affect the weight gain and feed conversion of finishing pigs; however, the ADF-related fraction has a positive relationship with the reduction of the backfat thickness.

Chemical composition of two maize varieties at different levels of green manure application

Abstract This study evaluated the chemical composition of two maize varieties at different levels of green manure application. The bucket experiment was laid in 2 × 3 factorial arrangement comprising two maize varieties (Oba super 2 and Suwan I) and three green manure application levels (0, 6.3 and 12.6 t/ha). The results showed that Oba super 2 had a lower (p < 0.05) Crude Protein (CP) (8.91 %) content, but had a higher (p < 0.05) ether extract (8.83 %) and ash (9.83 %) contents as compared to Suwan I. Maize fertilised with 6.3 t/ha of green manure had the highest CP (10.13 %) and ash (9.96 %) contents. Interaction effect of variety and level of green manure application showed that the least CP content (7.61 %) was recorded for unfertilised Oba Super 2 maize, whereas the highest CP content (10.21 %) was recorded for Suwan I maize fertilised with 12.6 t/ha of green manure. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL), hemicellulose and cellulose contents of the two maize varieties evaluated. However, the Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (32.33 %) in Oba Super 2 variety. The rising amounts of green manure applied significantly (p < 0.05) increased both the NDF and ADF. There was no consistent variation in the NDF content as influenced by interaction of both factors with the highest (60.67 %) NDF content recorded for unfertilised Oba Super 2 maize. Calcium, potassium and phosphorus contents declined with the increasing amount of green manure added. Our results show that the green manure application improved the nutritional qualities of the planted maize and should be used in practice.

Silage Quality of two energy-cane cultivars produced with different additives

ABSTRACT This study examined the quality of silage from two cultivars of energy cane (Saccharum spontaneum) produced with different additives. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2×5 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two cultivars (VG3, VG1126) and four additives (1% urea; 1% NaOH; 1% CaO; and 1.0 × 1011 CFU g-1 of Lactobacillus plantarum- LP) + control, with eight replicates. Experimental mini-silos were used, which were opened 72 days after ensiling. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), mineral matter (MM), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents, and silage degradability were. We identified significant interactions effect between cultivar and type of additive for DM, CP, EE, NDF. ADF. Organic and mineral matter percentage were similar between the two cultivars. LP was the least beneficial additive for DM degradation.After 72 h of fermentation, in vitro NDF degradation of cultivar VG3 increased due to urea, NaOH, and CaO, whereas degradation cultivar VG1126 decreased when inoculated with LP or CaO. The NaOH and CaO improved silage degradability thus improving its quality. The use of LP in the present study did not benefit silage for energy-cane cultivars. The use of NaOH and CaO improves the quality of the silage, two varieties of sugarcane energy VG3 and VG1126, enabling its use with better efficiency for animal feed.

XARAÉS GRASS UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTHS TO RECOVER AREAS CONTAMINATED WITH IRON MINING TAILINGS

Iron mining tailings have limitations for plant growth and development due to low fertility, coupled with great restriction of physical characteristics such as low water retention, high density, and lack of structure. This study aimed to evaluate whether different irrigation depths applied to Xaraés grass grown in mining tailings influence its yield and bromatological aspects. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five irrigation depths (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% of the crop evapotranspiration), two additional treatments consisting of grass grown in tailings with soil conditioner and in natural soil, and three repetitions. Forage dry mass, plant height, leaf: stem ratio, as well as neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, crude protein, and mineral matter content, were evaluated during four cutting cycles. Xaraés grass could establish and produce forage despite cultivation limitations in iron mining tailings, which are due to their properties. Irrigation depths showed positive and linear effects on Xaraés grass dry matter yield and heights of plants grown in iron mining tailings. The soil conditioner has potential for use in pasture cultivation in iron mining tailing.

English

The objective of the current study was to determine the silage quality of mixed rice straw silage inoculated with different concentration of Aspergillus niger. For this purpose, four experimental treatments were carried out that were based on different concentrations of Aspergillus niger per kilogram of mixed silage (80% straw + 18 wheat bran + 2% sucrose). In treatment 1, 50 mL of Aspergillus niger + 150 mL of sterile water was inoculated on mix rice straw silage (50 MRS), in treatment two, 100 mL of Aspergillus niger + 100 mL of sterile water was inoculated on mix rice straw silage (100 MRS), in treatment three, 150 mL of Aspergillus niger + 50 mL of sterile water was added on mix rice straw silage (150 MRS), while in treatment four, 200 ml of Aspergillus niger inoculant was added on mix rice straw silage (200 MRS). In control group only 200 ml of sterile water was added on mix rice straw silage (0 MRS). In all experimental treatments, the concentration of Aspergillus niger was 5.68 × 106 CFU ·mL-1. After 30 days of ensiling, all the ensiled bags of silage were opened for chemical analysis. The results showed that experimental treatments significantly increased water-soluble carbohydrate contents, dry matter, lactic acid and acetic acid (P<0.05), and reduced the pH and NH3-N/TN contents of mixed silage(P<0.05). The concentration of 100 MRS, 150 MRS, and 200 MRS significantly reduced neutral detergent fiber, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin content of mixed silage (P<0.05). Enzyme activity results explored that carboxymethylcellulase, manganese peroxidase, laccase and xylanase enzyme activity decreased as the time of fermentation time increased. Based on the current study, it could be recommended that 100 MRS could be used to ensile rice straw because it is as efficient as other experimental treatment and it could decrease the cost of ensiling

Zinc sulfate application to grass forages (oat, barley, annual ryegrass and triticale) for increasing their yield, quality and profitability

Livestock is a major component of agriculture, and a continuous supply of nutritious forage/fodder is necessary for sustainable livestock production. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global concern for human as well as animal health, but Zn fertilisation for productivity and biofortification of forages is not well understood. Therefore, a 2-year field study was conducted to investigate the influence of soil-applied ZnSO4 on morphological traits, yield, nutritional quality and Zn biofortification in four forages. The grass forages (oat, barley, annual ryegrass and triticale) were factorially combined with four levels of soil-applied ZnSO4 (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha−1) and two harvesting stages (booting and 50% heading). The treatments were arranged in a triplicate randomised complete block design with a split–split plot arrangement where grass forage species were kept in main plots, ZnSO4 application in subplots and harvest stage in subsub plots. ZnSO4 fertilisation significantly improved morphological traits, dry-matter yield, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and shoot Zn concentration in all grass forages at both harvesting stages. Best performance for yield, quality traits, and Zn contents across all crops was observed where ZnSO4 was applied at 15 kg ha−1 and harvested at 50% heading stage. The highest economic returns were provided by triticale and annual ryegrass with 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 harvested at 50% heading. In conclusion, for a profitable forage production with good nutritional quality and Zn biofortification, triticale and annual ryegrass may be recommended with a 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 fertilisation.

Biological additives improved qualities,

Context The amelioration of low-quality cheap feed for livestock production has become a huge challenge faced by the livestock producers coupled with the illicit disposal of the straw, which causes global environmental nuisance through burning and health impairment. Aims The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of biological additives on nutrient profiles, silage quality, in vitro rumen fermentation in different varieties of rice straw silage; ML4, ML10, ML21, ML24, MR219 and Putra-1 were ensiled with water (control), enzyme (E) and a combination of bacteria and enzyme (BE) in a complete randomised design (CRD) experiment. Methodology The rice straw varieties, obtained from the paddy research farm were chopped to ∼2–3 cm, treated according to the above treatments to attain 70% moisture content and compressed in a 1 L jar and ensiled for 30 days. Key results Crude protein (CP) in the treated rice straw silage was higher than in the control. The treatment with BE had a lower neutral detergent fibre (42.31%) and a lower acid detergent fibre (21.08%) concentration for Putra-1 than did other treatments (E and control) and varieties. For the silage extract, the lowest pH, NH3, butyric acid and propionic acid were obtained in the BE treatment in most of the rice straw varieties. In addition, straw treated with BE had the highest lactic acid content, in vitro gas production kinetics, digestibility, and rumen fermentation, compared with the E and control treatments. Conclusion This study showed that a BE treatment effectively improved the quality of rice straw silage, with the Putra-1 variety giving the most outstanding result. Implication Selection of the appropriate biological treatment and variety of rice straw is important to improve straw quality. However, the treated rice straw needs further evaluation for its in vivo efficacy.

Effects of extreme summer heat events on nutritive characteristics of dairy pastures in northern Victoria, Australia

Context The incidence of extreme heat events (prolonged temperatures above 35°C) is increasing in the northern Victorian dairying region in Australia. This increase is having a significant effect on the performance of perennial ryegrass, which has traditionally been the major perennial species in these pastures. Aim During seven extreme heat events, forage sampling was conducted on commercial farms to evaluate the effects of high temperatures on the nutritive characteristics of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and lucerne. Our hypothesis was that reductions in nutritive characteristics with an increasing external temperature would vary among species. Methods Before, during and after heat events, replicated samples of the three forage species were collected and analysed for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein (CP). Several anti-nutritive compounds (alkaloids in perennial ryegrass, and saponins and coumestrols in lucerne) were also measured. Key results None of the temperate forage species evaluated maintained nutritive quality under high temperatures. Linear mixed model (LMM) analyses showed that for each degree rise between 23°C and 40°C, IVDMD and WSC concentrations decreased by 0.2% while NDF and ADF concentrations increased by 0.2% and 0.15% respectively. Concentrations of the alkaloid, ergovaline, in the base of the perennial ryegrass tiller were close to, or above, the recommended threshold level for animal health and welfare in three of the six samples taken during heat events. Conclusions These results suggest that extreme heat events have a detrimental effect on the nutritive characteristics of the evaluated forage species. Implications Heat-induced decreases in nutritive characteristics will potentially have serious implications for milk production and farm productivity. Further research, undertaken under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and plant growth stage, is recommended to determine the full effect of these extreme summer conditions on forage nutritive characteristics.

Methane Mitigation Potential of Foliage of Fodder Trees Mixed at Two Levels with a Tropical Grass

Enteric methane (CH4) emitted by ruminant species is known as one of the main greenhouse gases produced by the agricultural sector. The objective of this study was to assess the potential the potential for CH4 mitigation and additionally the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, dry matter degradation (DMD), digestibility and CO2 production of five tropical tree species with novel forage potential including: Spondias mombin, Acacia pennatula, Parmentiera aculeata, Brosimum alicastrum and Bursera simaruba mixed at two levels of inclusion (15 and 30%) with a tropical grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The forage samples were incubated for 48 h, and a randomized complete block design was used. Crude protein content was similar across treatments (135 ± 42 g kg−1 DM), while P. purpureum was characterized by a high content of acid detergent fiber (335.9 g kg−1 DM) and B. simaruba by a high concentration of condensed tannins (20 g kg−1 DM). Likewise, A. pennatula and P. aculeata were characterized by a high content of cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids respectively. Treatments SM30-PP70 (30% S. mombin + 70% P. purpureum) and BA30-PP70 (30% B. alicastrum + 70% P. purpureum) resulted in superior degradability at 48h than P. purpureum, while in the AP30-PP70 (30% A. pennatula + 70% P. purpureum) was lower than the control treatment (p ≤ 0.05). At 24 and 48 h, treatments that contained P. aculeata and B. alicastrum yield higher CH4 mL g−1 DOM than P. purpureum (p ≤ 0.05). The inclusion of these forage species had no statistical effect on the reduction of CH4 emissions per unit of DM incubated or degraded at 24 and 48 h with respect to P. purpureum although reductions were observed. The use of fodders locally available is an economic and viable strategy for the mitigation of the environmental impact generated from tropical livestock systems.

EFFECT OF MATURITY STAGES ON POTENTIAL NUTRITIVE VALUE OF VICIA CRACCA (L.) HAY

The aim of the current experiment was to determine the effect of harvesting stage on the potential nutritive value. Vicia cracca plant was harvested at three maturity stages (before flowering, flowering and seeding). Vicia cracca plants were dried at 70 °C and grinded in a hand-mill with 1 mm sieve for chemical analysis. Crude protein, crude oil, crude ash, condensed tannin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) parameters were investigated as the chemical composition. Harvesting stage had a significant (p ≤ 0.01) effect on chemical composition. Dry matter, NDF and ADF contents were increased with advancing maturity whereas crude protein, crude oil, condensed tannin and crude ash contents were decreased. As a conclusion, the nutritive value of Vicia cracca plant decreased with increasing maturity. Vicia cracca hays harvested at three maturity stages were adequate in term of mineral content for ruminant. Therefore, the Vicia cracca plant can be harvested or grazed before flowering and flowering stages due to high crude protein, crude oil and low ADF and NDF.

DETERMINATION OF FEED QUALITY PARAMETERS OF LEAVES AND STEMS OF DIFFERENT ALFALFA GENOTYPES

This research was carried out to determine feed quality parameters of leaves and stems of different alfalfa genotypes. A total of 12 alfalfa genotypes was used as the plant material for the study. Alfalfa plants were harvested at the flowering stage. The plants were dried at 70°C and grinded in a hand-mill with 1 mm sieve for chemical analysis. In leaf, the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of genotypes varied between 21.62 - 27.40%, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content between 33.98 - 39.95%, and crude protein content between 24.68 - 28.45%, whereas in stem ADF content of genotypes varied between 50.99 - 57.72%, NDF content between 66.96 - 76.79 %, crude protein content between 8.46 - 11.00%. The RFV ranged from 159.18 to 197.27% and 53.22 to 67.06% for leaf and stem respectively. The leaf to stem ratio of genotypes ranged from 0.72 to 1.60. Considering current results from different genotypes, genotype has a high effect on feed quality. In addition, the rate of leaf to stems is also effective on feed quality. While the protein ratio of the leaves was higher than the stems, the ADF and NDF contents were found to be lower than the stems. So, in the selection of alfalfa genotypes, attention should be paid to the leaf to stem ratio as well as the yield.

Forage growth, yield and nutritional characteristics of five African foxtail ecotypes grown at Magadu dairy farm in Morogoro, Tanzania

This study was conducted to assess the forage growth, yield and nutritional characteristics of five ecotypes of African foxtail (Cenchrus ciliaris) grown under the similar environmental condition at Magadu Dairy Farm (MDF), a facility of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania. The ecotypes used in the study were collected from semi-arid areas of three districts namely Kiteto (Ologoraing’ok namelock and Ologoraing’ok twanga ecotypes), Mpwapwa (Nzingangata and Orupilipili ecotypes), and Kilolo (Iramata mtandika ecotype). Each ecotype was planted in a 12 m2 plot with plants interspacing of 0.5 m, 1.5 m space between plots and three replications. Then 30 tussocks were randomly sampled per ecotype and their plant height, tiller number, inflorescence length, leaf length and leaf mid-width were recorded. The dry matter yield and Nutritional characteristics were analysed from the harvested above-ground biomass in two quadrats of one square metre per plot at the age of six weeks from standardization cut. The results indicated significant variation (p-value<0.05) among ecotypes on the studied characteristics. Orupilipili ecotype indicated higher mean values of plant height (93.8 cm), leaf area (25.8 cm2), inflorescence length (10.1 cm) and dry mater (10.35 tDMha-1). Ologoraing’ok namelock had the lowest growth and yield characteristics except mean tiller numbers (197.3). The lowest-yielding ecotype indicated the highest percentage of Crude Protein (21.15), Acid Detergent Fibre (31.35) and ash content (16.91) but with the lowest Neutral Detergent fibre (55.89). Correlations were significant for all pairs of traits assessed. Discriminant tests suggested close relationship between Ologoraing’ok namelock and Ologoraing’ok twanga, Nzingangata and Iramata mtandika but each ecotype indicated a significant number (>46%) of unique individuals. This study recommends further study on the ecotypes when subjected to stresses such as defoliation, salinity and drought.

COMPARISON OF GRAIN FEED QUALITY OF DIFFERENT BROAD BEAN GENOTYPES

The objective of the present study was to determine grain feed quality of different broad bean cultivars and lines. For this purpose, Eleven different cultivars and five lines (Emiralem, Histal, Sorgun, Kitik 2003, Sakiz, Eresen 87, Sevil, Reina Mora, Filiz 99, Salkim, Luz De, Otonoto, Seher, EU 4446, Canakkale, Antalya, EU319) were used as the plant material. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks design with three replications. Effects of genotypes on grain feed quality were found to be highly significant (P≤0.01) Current findings revealed that crude oil content between 0.62 - 1.58%, crude ash content between 1.89 - 3.30%, crude protein content varied between 22.30 - 32.14%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) content between 7.45 - 14.94% and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content between 16.08 - 28.05%. Seher, EU 4446, Canakkale, Antalya, Filiz 99 and Histal were found to be prominent for hight crude protein and crude oil, thus these genotypes were recommended for animal feeding.

Comparison of chemical composition and nutritive values of some clover species

This study was carried out to compare the chemical composition and nutritive value of some clover species, especially common in the rangelands of the Mediterranean region. For this purpose, clover species (Trifolium angustifolium, Trifolium cherleri, Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium lappaceum, Trifolium nigrescens, Trifolium pilulare, Trifolium resupinatum, Trifolium scabrum, Trifolium spumosum and Trifolium tomentosum) were collected from ten different points in Hatay Mustafa Kemal University campus pasture. To determine the chemical composition of collected clover species, crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose (Hcel) and cellulose (Cel) contents were investigated. In addition, dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter intake (DMI), relative feed value (RFV) and net energy lactation (NEL) characteristics were calculated in order to determine the nutritional value of clovers. Differences among species in terms of all features examined were found to be statistically significant. CA, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, Hcel and Cel contents of species varied between 5.36% and 9.85%, 18.47% and 22.05%, 30.31% and 49.80%, 21.32% and 34.28, 3.25% and 5.04, 8.99% and 15.97% and 18.07% and 30.38, respectively. It was determined that the values of DMD, DMI, RFV and NEL properties calculated for the nutritive values of these plants varied between 62.20-72.29%, 2.41-3.97%, 116.20-222.18 and 1.40-1.74%, respectively. When the results obtained from the study were evaluated collectively, it was determined that T. resupinatum and T. hybridum offered a superior nutrient content and nutritional value compared to other species.

Soya, Ayçiçeği ve Bunların Karışım Silajlarının Fermantasyon ve Sindirilebilirlik Özellikleri

This experiment was conducted to determine the fermentation characteristics and in vivo digestibilities of silages prepared from soybean, sunflower and soybean-sunflower mixtures at different levels (15% soybean + 85% sunflower, 30% soybean + 70% sunflower, 45% soybean + 55% sunflower). For this purpose, a total of 25 silages, 5 for each mixture, were prepared in 120-liter drums. After 90 days of incubation, the content of crude materials, volatile fatty acids and fermentation characteristics of the silages were determined. To determine the digestive characteristics of the silages, 5 two-year-old Akkaraman rams with an average weight of 30-35 kg were used. The classical digestion method was used in the study. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) contents increased and ether extract (EE), acid and neutral detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) contents decreased with increasing soybean content in the mixtures. While the lowest pH, acetate, propionate and the highest Flieg values were determined in silages containing 30% soybean and 70% sunflower, the lowest butyrate value was determined in silages containing 15% soybean and 85% sunflower. The highest butyrate, lactate, EE, NDF and the lowest dry matter, CP contents were determined in sunflower silages. Digestibilities of DM, OM and CP were higher in soybean silages than others. While the highest EE digestibility was found in 30% soybean + 70% sunflower silage, the highest ADF content was found in 15% soybean + 85% sunflower silage and the lowest NDF content was found in sunflower silages. Consequently, sunflower and soybean silages and different mixture ratios did not lead to negative results and quality silages were obtained. According to fly evaluation, the best quality silages were obtained from a mixture of 30% soybean + 70% sunflower. Regarding digestibility, 100% soybean silage and 15% soybean silage + 85% sunflower silage had higher digestibility values than the others. It was concluded that these two silages can be recommended due to their higher digestibility.