Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Processing and evaluation of nutritive value of fish silage for feeding Omani sheep

This study evaluated the potential of preparing fish silage (FS) as a low-cost, protein-rich supplement for livestock feeding in Oman from ground Indian oil sardines (Sardinella longiceps) using organic and inorganic acids. It was co-dried with wheat bran before being mixed with other feed ingredients and pelleted for feeding Omani sheep. Forty Omani sheep were offered one of five diets aiming to gradually replace soybean meal (SBM) with FS. The proportions of FS in the diet were 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg, whereas the parallel SBM levels ranged from 17% to 0%. Animals were fed 500 g/d of the concentrates and allowed ad libitum access to Rhodes grass hay. A digestibility experiment was carried out on 12 sheep fed 0, 100 and 200 g/kg FS. The fresh FS dry matter (DM) was 393 g/kg and it contained 510 g/kg crude protein (CP), 220 g/kg ether extract (EE), 153 g/kg ash, 34 g/kg calcium (Ca) and 31 g/kg phosphorus on DM basis. The 75:25 silage:wheat bran mixture contained 883 g/kg DM and 390, 139, 120, 17, 17 g/kg DM CP, EE, ash, Ca and phosphorus, respectively. The FS amino acid contents were comparable to that of the SBM. No ill health signs were observed on experimental animals. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients of CP, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre between the 0, 100 and 200 g/kg FS diets. However, the 200 g/kg silage diet had lower (P < 0.001) DM, ash, Ca, P and energy digestibility coefficients. The study indicated that FS can successfully be made under Omani conditions and may be used as an excellent protein source for feeding sheep.

Effect of Molasses Distillers Condensed Soluble on Nutrients Digestibility, Performance and Some Blood Biological Parameters in Lambs

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary molasses distillers condensed soluble (MDCS) on nutrients digestibility, performance, carcass traits and some blood biological parameters in Lori male lambs. A total of 24 male lambs (aged 8 months, 31.16±1.10 kg) were randomly assigned to each of 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate. The experimental animals were daily offered a basal diet with 0, 5, 10 and 15 percentage of MDCS/Kg DM of total ration, which were mixed with wheat straw and alfalfa hay. The results of the study indicated that the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of alfalfa hay were increased (P<0.05) by using the MDCS. The invivo apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and NDF of experimental diets were increased (P<0.05) by incorporation of MDCS at the level of 15%. There were no significant differences among treatments in average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), carcass characteristics and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Serum metabolites and liver enzymes were also not affected due to incorporation of MDCS in the diets. In conclusion, MDCS can be used as a source of protein and energy for ruminants, which can be mixed with hay or concentrate and could safely be used as a feed ingredient up to 15% to the male lamb’s diet without any detrimental effects. Original Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(2): 443-450, 2014 444

Effects of Urea, Molasses and Fibrolytic Enzymes on Nutritional Value of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Leaves Silage

Aims: This research was conducted to study changes of chemical composition and digestibility parameters of date palm leaves silage by adding urea, molasses and Fibrolytic Enzymes. Study Design: The experimental treatments were: date palm leaves silage without additive (T1), date palm leaves silage with 4% of urea (T2), date palm leaves silage with 10% of molasses (T3), date palm leaves silage with 3 g of enzyme mix (T4), date palm leaves silage with 4% of urea and 10% of molasses (T5), date palm leaves silage with 4% of urea and 3 g of enzyme mix (T6), date palm leaves silage with 10% of molasses and 3 g of enzyme mix (T7), date palm leaves silage with 4% of urea, 10% of molasses and 3g of enzyme mix (T8). Results of chemical compounds were analyzed using complete randomized design (CRD) the data were analyzed using the GLM procedure SAS, (2000). Duncan's multiple range tests (p = 0.05) were used to determine statistical difference between treatment means. Original Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(24): 4305-4313, 2014 4306 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Animal Science, Zabol university, between October 2009 and July 2010. Methodology: In order to study changes of chemical composition, first, 50 kg of date palm leaves was collected and then crushed into 1-3 cm pieces for silage. Then, it was stored in plastic buckets by 4% of urea, 3 g of enzyme mixture and 10% of molasses. Results: The results showed that treatment 2 had the highest amount of crude protein (CP) and treatment 1 had the least amount of CP with a significant difference (p<0.05). Treatment 5 had the least amount of Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and treatment 1 had the highest ADF and NDF (p <0.05). Also, the studied treatments showed significant difference in degradability at different incubation times (p<0.05) so that treatments 5 and 8 demonstrated the highest degradability and treatment 1 showed the lowest degradability. Conclusion: In general, considering information and results obtained from chemical composition, degradability and digestibility of the studied treatments, it could be concluded that silage with treatments 8 and 5 had better results compared with other treatments.

Influence of undersowing annual forage legumes in early-maturing maize on grain yield and quality of their forage mixtures

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of date of undersowing different legume species on maize grain yield and forage quality. Early-maturing maize (Zea mays L. cv. Suwan1) and Tephrosia bracteolata Guill. and Perr. (tephrosia), Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (lablab) and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (mucuna) monocultures as well as their mixture at three planting times—same day, 2 weeks after planting (WAP) and 4 WAP of maize—were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. After harvesting fresh maize cobs, herbage samples (maize stover and legumes) from each plot were mixed together in ratios of 50:50 and 70:30 (maize:legume) for chemical analysis. Legume type and time of undersowing significantly affected (P < 0.05) the height and spread of maize from 4 to 6 WAP maize. Legume type and time of undersowing influenced fresh cob weight with the highest (P < 0.05) cob weight and grain yield recorded from maize undersown with tephrosia 2 WAP maize. Undersowing affected dry matter yield, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations. It is concluded that intercropping of early-maturing maize and legumes can substantially increase forage quantity and quality compared with maize monocultures.

Morning and afternoon sampling and herbage chemical composition of rotationally stocked elephant grass cv. Napier

Nutrient intake by grazing animals depends on the amount of dry matter consumed and its chemical composition. Forage grasses produce assimilates during the day via photosynthesis to sustain live tissues, plant growth and organic reserves (Taiz and Zeiger 2013). In that context, herbage chemical composition may vary according to variations in the photosynthesis-respiration balance throughout the day. From dawn to dusk photosynthesis predominates and herbage dry matter content and concentration of soluble carbohydrates increase; the reverse happens from dusk to dawn. That could influence nutritive value and nutrient intake of grazing animals (Delagarde et al. 2000), since for a given bite volume the amount of herbage and its composition could vary depending on the time of the day. This phenomenon could have implications for rotationally managed pastures, with time of changing animals from one paddock to the other assuming greater importance. Against that background, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate dry matter (DM) content and the concentrations of soluble carbohydrates (SC), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber in herbage samples harvested during the morning and afternoon periods from rotationally stocked elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cv. Napier.

Effect of season on the quality of forages selected by sheep in citrus plantations in Ghana

The study aimed at assessing the effects of season on chemical composition of forages selected by sheep grazing in a citrus plantation. Forage species growing in a sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis ) plantation were identified and sampled monthly for 2 years. Samples were bulked on monthly basis for chemical analysis. The average dry matter content of the forages increased from the rainy to the dry season but effects of season on the chemical components were inconsistent. Some species, such as Asystasia gangetica, had a higher crude protein concentration in the dry season, whereas for others, such as Panicum repens , the reverse occurred. However, average concentrations of crude protein, detergent fiber and components of fiber for all species for the rainy season were not significantly different from the dry season values. It was concluded that there were differences among forage species in their responses to changing seasons, such that grazing ruminants may select a diet to enable them to meet their nutritional requirements, provided forage biomass is adequate. Keywords: Crop-livestock integration, tree plantations, chemical composition, seasonal effects, forage quality. DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(2)271-277

Nutrient selection by dairy cows grazing chicory or perennial ryegrass during spring

Traditional measures of the nutrient concentration of herbage before grazing may not accurately depict the nutrient intake of grazing animals. An experiment was conducted to investigate differences in DM and nutrient intake, and milk production of lactating cows offered chicory- or perennial ryegrass-based diets during spring on a commercial dairy farm in south-west Victoria. This experiment was conducted in mid-lactation (spring), with chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and a mixed sward of chicory and perennial ryegrass offered at two daily allowances (nominally 20 and 30 kg DM/cow to ground level). Selection differentials for estimated metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF; g/kg DM) and acid detergent fibre (g/kg DM) varied (P &lt; 0.05) with forage type, while allowance affected selection for estimated metabolisable energy, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and NDF (P &lt; 0.01). However, the differences in selection differentials observed between the chicory, mixed sward and perennial ryegrass under the same conditions indicated that preferential grazing for leaf rather than stem in chicory may affect nutrient selection in a way that differs from perennial grass species, resulting in much lower intakes of NDF than indicated by traditional measurements of feed characteristics.

Inoculants to Enhance the Ruminal Degradation of Small‐Grain Forage

Abstract Fibrolytic enzymes and microbial inoculants have the potential to improve fiber degradability. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value, ruminal degradability, and degradation rates of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and oat ( Avena sativa L.) pretreated with fibrolytic enzyme (xylanase plus cellulase: XC) or bacterial [Promote ASB ( Lactobacillus buchneri and L. plantarum ); PRO] inoculants at two maturities. Forage was harvested twice during the tillering stage (H1 and H2) and a third time as stover (H3). Forage from H1 had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 43.8% dry-matter [DM] basis) and acid detergent fiber (ADF; 31.2% DM basis) and greater in vitro true digestibility (IVTD; 78.5%) concentrations than H3 (69.0 and 45.3% DM basis, and 51.9%, respectively). The IVTD was greater for oat (55.0%) than wheat (50.7%). Chemical composition was not affected by inoculant; however, inoculant did affect ruminal degradability and degradation rates. Potentially degradable DM, NDF, and ADF and effective ruminal degradability were greater for wheat and oat at tillering. Treatment of oat or wheat with XC or PRO enhanced potential degradability and reduced undegradable fractions. Both XC and PRO may be used to degrade the fiber fractions of small-grain forage.

Effect of the growing season duration of sorghum and Sudan grass hybrids on the chemical composition and digestibility of organic matter

In our experimental study we used the four most commonly grown (in the Czech Republic) sorghum and Sudan grass hybrids from USA (Nutri Honey, Latte, Honey Graze, Big Kahuna) and one hybrid from Germany (Bovital). The aim of the study was to compare these hybrids and to find out the influence of the growing season length on their nutrient composition and digestibility of organic matter. Samples were taken in the first cut, always in 14-day intervals. The crop was sown in early June, sampling started on July 19, 2010 and finished 8 weeks later on September 13, 2010.When assessing the influence of the growing season’s length the following values and development trends were discovered. Constant decreases over the testing period were recorded in nitrogen compounds – by 62 % (133.13 g), easily soluble sugars – 55. 5 % (40.06 g), organic matter digestibility 25.7 % (182.93 g) and NDF (neutro – detergent fibre) digestibility 31.5 % (73.2 g). Increasing trend, on the other hand, was recorded in fibre – by 30.4 % (99.2 g) and its individual components: lignin, NDF and ADF (acido – detergent fibre).In the second part of the experiment we were studying the differences in nutrient composition and organic matter digestibility between the individual hybrids. Honey Graze was recorded as having the highest average content of easily soluble sugars 57.53 ± 0.43 g, with lowest fibre content (272.13 ± 2.49 g), lowest ADF content (331.4 ± 2.88 g) and NDF content (440.4 ± 4.20 g) and lignin (77.47 ± 0.71 g). This hybrid also showed the best organic matter of (657.07 ± 5.28 g); however, no statistically conclusive differences (P &lt; 0.05) in terms of organic matter digestibility were recorded between this hybrid and the other ones. The Bovital hybrid had the highest content of nitrogen compounds over the entire growing season (138.73 ± 0.94 g). Statistically highly conclusive difference (P &lt; 0.01) in nitrogen compounds was found between this hybrid and all the other ones (except Big Kahuna). Upon all the indicators, the best rated sorghum and Sudan grass hybrid in terms of nutrient composition and organic matter digestibility was Honey Graze.

Effect of biological treatment on chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability of Soybean and Canola straw in Sheep

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of biological treatment with Pleurotus florida fungi on chemical composition and rumen dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) degradability of Soybean and Canola straw. Fungi cultivation significantly decreased the amount of DM in treatments (P<0.05). Ash and crude protein (CP) content significantly increased with processing by fungi in treatments (P<0.01). The amount of Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) significantly decreased by fungi cultivation (P<0.05). Ether extract (EE), Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Acid detergent lignin (ADL) content of treatment did not significant difference with processing by fungi. The soluble fraction (a) and potential degradability (a+b) of DM degradability significantly increased with processing in treatments (P<0.01). The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (b) of DM degradability significantly increased with processing by fungi in Soybean straw (P<0.01) but did not significant difference in Canola straw. The (a) fraction of Canola straw OM degradability significantly increased by processing (P<0.05) but did not significant difference in Soybean straw. The (b) fraction of Soybean straw OM degradability significantly increased by processing (P<0.05) but did not significant difference in Canola straw. The (a+b) fraction of OM degradability significantly increased with processing in treatments (P<0.05). This research results generally reflect improvement in nutritive value of Soybean and Canola straw with treatment by fungi in ruminant nutrition.

Agronomic Performance and Beef Cattle Nutrition Suitability of Forage Oat Varieties Grown in the Peace Region of Alberta, Canada

The economic value of cereal forage for feeding beef cattle is dependent on both its yield and feeding value (i.e., crude protein, minerals, detergent fiber, energy, digestibility and animal performance). The objective of this study was to identify oat varieties grown in the Peace Region of Alberta, Canada, with superior forage yield and feed quality for beef cattle production. Nine oat varieties were compared in field experiments from 2009 to 2011. Significant differences between the tested oat varieties were observed for the plant height, forage dry matter (DM) yield and several of the protein, fiber, macro minerals, micro minerals, energy and digestibility parameters. Three of the 4 taller oat varieties (Murphy, Foothill, CDC Baler and Waldern) also ranked high in DM. Based on the DM data, Murphy and AC Mustang were identified as the high forage yield potential varieties in the study area. However, most of the quality indicators, used for grouping the varieties, indicated that the low potential DM group (probably due to the presence of CDC SO-I) appeared to have slightly better forage quality than the high and the medium potential forage DM yield groups. The tested oat varieties had sufficient levels of some nutrition parameters but not for some others. Because of these inconsistencies, some form of commercial mineral supplement would be required to optimize the health, growth and reproduction of beef cattle. The implications of the results obtained in this study in relation to beef cattle production system are highlighted.

Estimated digestible energy intakes in moderate and overweight horses

Estimated digestible energy intakes in moderate and overweight horses

Effects of microbial colonization in the rumen on concentration and degradability estimates of fibre fractions

Errors due to microbial colonization in the rumen (determined using 15N techniques) on neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibres and on the N bound to both these fractions (NDIN and ADIN, respectively) were evaluated using in situ (experiment 1) and in vivo methods (experiment 2). In experiment 1, the ruminal degradation of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) hay was studied in 6 and 72h incubation residues, as well as in a composite sample (CS) representative of the rumen outflow of undegraded feed particles. The colonization errors of ruminal and duodenal digesta samples derived from a mixed diet were controlled in experiment 2. Three double-cannulated wethers (rumen and duodenum) were used in each study. In experiment 1, mean proportions of microbial-N in all tested fractions increased with the incubation time. The lack of correction for microbial colonization led to inaccuracies in the estimates of fibre fractions and its degradability. These errors were dramatic for NDIN, high for ADIN, moderate for NDF and low for ADF. The 15N enrichments recorded in experiment 2 showed large microbial colonization of NDF and ADF in ruminal and duodenal samples. However, estimates based on adherent bacteria probably overestimate this colonization, because evidence of a large presence of free bacteria was also found in these samples. Direct ADF extraction shows a lower efficiency in eliminating microorganisms than sequential NDF–ADF or NDF procedures. Results demonstrate the need for correcting the microbial colonization to obtain accurate conclusions about the ruminal digestion of cell wall proteins. These errors should also be considered when analyzing NDF using in situ and in vivo techniques.

Chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and kinetics of fermentation of whole-crop forage from 18 different varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.)

The aim of this study was to compare the yield of forage and the yield of digestible organic matter as well as chemical composition and kinetics of fermentation of forage produced from 18 different varieties of oat (Avena Sativa L.) grown under the same agronomic condition. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility were determined using in vitro two-stage method and gas production technique was used to measure the kinetics of fermentation of forage from different varieties. Yield of forages varied significantly from 15.6 to 26.3 ton ha−1 DM. LGorskij 1026 variety had the highest forage yield. The content of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were significantly (P<0.01) different among varieties of oat used in this study. There were significant (P<0.01) differences among varieties in terms of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) from 18 varieties of oat forage. Possum and LGorskij 1026 varieties had the highest and lowest IVOMD, respectively (67/4 vs. 54/9%). The ME varied from 5.76 to 7.13 MJ kg−1 DM. The mean value of digestible organic matter (DOM) yield was 10.8 ton ha−1. LGorskij 1026 variety had the highest DOM (13.3 ton ha−1). Significant difference was observed in the potential gas production (A), constant rate (c) and lag time among different varieties. The fractional rate of gas production (c, h−1) ranged from 0.029 to 0.040. The result emphasised that in any evaluation of oat varieties, not only yield and digestibility but also kinetics of digestion or fermentation should be taken into consideration.

Long-term Bias of Internal Markers in Sheep and Goat Digestion Trials.

Two digestion trials, one with sheep and another with goats, were conducted to evaluate the long-term bias (LTB) of the indigestible dry matter (iDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) internal markers. The study used eight Santa Inês castrated male sheep (average body weight of 16.6 kg) distributed in two 4×4 Latin squares and eight Saanen castrated male goats (average body weight of 22.6 kg) distributed in two 4×4 Latin squares. The experiments were conducted simultaneously, and the animals were housed in 1.2 m2 individual pens with wood-battened floors equipped with individual feeders and drinkers. The animals received isonitrogenous diets that were offered ad libitum and contained 14% crude protein and 70% sugar cane (with 0, 0.75, 1.5 or 2.25% CaO, in natural matter percentage), corrected with 1% urea and 30% concentrate. The experiment consisted of four experimental periods of 14 d each, with the feed, leftovers and feces sampled on the last four days of each period. The marker concentrations in the feed, leftovers and fecal samples were estimated by an in situ ruminal incubation procedure with a duration 240 h. The relationship between the intake and excretion of the markers was obtained by adjusting a simple linear regression model, independently from the treatment (diets) fixed effects and Latin squares. For both the sheep and goats, a complete recovery of the iDM and iNDF markers was observed (p>0.05), indicating the absence of LTB for these markers. However, the iADF was not completely recovered, exhibiting an LTB of −9.12% (p<0.05) in the sheep evaluation and −3.02% (p<0.05) in the goat evaluation.

Effect of Stylosanthes guianensis supplementation on intake and nitrogen metabolism of Bos indicus cattle offered a basal diet of mixed rice straw and tropical grass

The effect of supplementing a mixed rice straw and tropical grass diet with legume as a nitrogen (N) source on intake, digestibility, rumen ammonia and microbial protein production was evaluated in Bos indicus cattle. Four rumen-cannulated steers were used in a crossover design with two diets and two periods. The diets were T1 = 40% rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw + 60% grass (Brachiaria spp. cv. Mulato II hybrid) and T2 = 40% rice straw + 30% grass + 30% legume (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. CIAT 184) on DM basis. Supplementation with legume doubled (P &lt; 0.01) rice straw and total N intake, and increased total DM intake by 32%. It did not affect the DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility (P &gt; 0.05) but did increase (P &lt; 0.05) N digestibility. Faecal N and total N outputs from T2 cattle were higher (P &lt; 0.05) than T1 cattle, but urinary N output did not differ between diets (P &gt; 0.05). N retention in T2 cattle was improved by 83% (P &lt; 0.05) compared with T1 cattle. Rumen ammonia concentration, microbial protein production and efficiency of microbial protein production were improved (P &lt; 0.05) when the legume forage was included in the straw–grass diet. We conclude that when a mixed rice straw and fresh grass diet is supplemented with ~30% legume (DM basis), significant improvements in DM and N intake can be achieved.

Productivity and nutritional value varieties of sugarcane under different phosphorus sources

Due to the expansion of sugarcane in areas that are not traditional in it’s cultivation, there is need of study the management of fertilizer, mainly phosphorus, since it’s the nutrient that most limits the production in the tropics. The aim of this work was to evaluate the productivity and nutritional value of two varieties of sugarcane grown under different phosphorus sources, for three production cycles in North of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 4x2, with four replications. The sources of phosphorus used were bone meal, Arad phosphate and triple superphosphate at a dose of 100 kg P2O5 ha-1, and a control without nutrient application at planting. The varieties of sugarcane were planted IAC86-2480 and SP79-1011. We evaluated the productivity of dry matter, dry matter content, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent, lignin, cellulose, in vitro digestibility and crude protein of forage. The phosphorus sources provided higher yields during the first cycle of sugarcane and did not cause significant effect on productivity in subsequent cycles. Phosphorus fertilization did not cause significant changes in the nutritional value of sugarcane. The variety IAC86- 2480 showed higher crude protein content in three cycles and higher dry matter yield in the first two cycles, compared to SP79-1011. Regarding the fiber constituents, both showed similar results.

Variety effect on composition, kinetics of fermentation and &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; digestibility of oat (&lt;i&gt;Avena sativa&lt;/i&gt; L.) straw and its neutral detergent fibre

Yield, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and kinetics of fermentation of straw from 18 varieties of oats (Avena sativa L.) were studied. All the straw varieties were grown in three replicates under the same agronomic conditions. Significance differences were observed in the yield of straw (4.4 to 7.5 ton dry matter (DM)/ha) from different varieties. The proportion of seed/straw from these varieties varied from 0.28 to 1.02. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content varied from 24.2 to 48.1, 626 to 708, 437 to 533 and 52.0 to 92.4 g/kg DM, respectively in the straws. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) differed among varieties and varied from 400 to 539 g/kg DM. The mean value of digestible organic matter yield (DOM) was 2.34 ton/ha. A significant difference was observed in the potential gas production (A) and lag time (L) among varieties. The fractional rate of gas production (c, /h) ranged from 0.030 to 0.034. The results emphasized that in any evaluation of oat varieties, kinetics of digestion or fermentation should be taken into consideration as well as yield and digestibility.

Chemical composition and digestion of shurbs browsed by white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus texanus)

The aim of the study was to determine, seasonally, the nutritional value of the native shrubs: Acacia amentacea, Castela erecta, Celtis pallida, Croton cortesianus, Forestiera angustifolia, Karwinskia humboldtiana, Lantana macropoda, Leucophyllum frutescens, Prosopis laevigata, Syderoxylon celastrinum and Zanthoxylum fagara. Leave samples were collected seasonally during 2 years from Summer 2004 to Spring 2006 in three county sites: China, Linares and Los Ramones in the state Nuevo Leon, Mexico and evaluated for the content of their Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) was also estimated. The CP content (range of total means = 13-22% dry matter) in most plants significantly varied among sites and seasons and between years. The same pattern occurred for NDF (40-55), ADL (8-22) and DMD (48-73). Celtis pallida had the highest nutritional value. However, due to their high CP and DMD and low NDF and ADL all studied plants in all sites, most seasons and years may be considered as good food sources for white-tailed deer.

Nutritional value of Marandu grass, under grazing by three sampling methods

To evaluate the grass B. brizantha cv. Marandu, under grazing, we use three sampling methods: total availability (TA), hand plucked (HP) and extrusa (EXT) in a completely randomized design with four replications. The hand plucked method was collected manually after observing the behavior of grazing animals. TA was determined by cutting at ground level, using a metallic square (0.25 m²) and EXT was collected by rumen evacuation. The values for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), were 27.20, 88.52 and 43.70% in the treatment and HP, and 25.53, 87.70 and 45.50% in TA. The extrusa had the lowest DM content (15.88%) and higher crude protein (CP) (15.22%), possibly due to the presence of saliva. The levels checked for extrusa NDF, ADF and in vitro digestibility of dry matter were 81.98, 36.90 and 79.10%, demonstrating the selectivity of the animals. The high levels of FDA for TA reflect the composition of the forage with the high proportion of senescent material. The samples obtained by the total availability were not representative of the diet consumed by cattle. The different sampling methods influence the chemical composition of B. Brizantha cv. Marandu.