Organic Matter Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

Effect of Varying Feeding Formulas on The Growth Performance of Buffalo Heifers

The present experiment was conducted at dairy farm during the year 2020-21 at CSAUA&T Kanpur. The growth rate of buffalo heifers is a major problem at dairy farms. Twelve buffalo heifers were selected for digestibility that on a nutrition slide sample contains 86.50% DM, 20.10 %CP, 2.00 EE, 15.5% CF, 52.70% NFE and 9.50%Ash. The average dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was (6.34, 5.44, 7.06 kg) the digestibility coefficient of DM was recorded (61.40, 59.95, 62.77) and digestibility coefficient of CP (63.55, 61.78, 65.77) and digestibility coefficient of CF (56.11, 54.75, 58.99) and digestibility coefficient of EE (64.89, 64.39, 67.52) and digestibility coefficient of NFE (64.06, 62.58, 65.75) and digestibility coefficient of Organic matter (64.45, 62.75, 66.99). The average live weight in buffalo heifers was increased (627.04, 610.44, 687.73) g per day in group I, II and III groups respectively. The growth parameters were statistically significant. Group III was shown better performance in respect of growth parameters in other groups I and II from the present study, it was apparent that the extra concentrate to be added in diet for proper development of growing heifers, III group was higher in growth. Digestibility coefficients of Dry matter, Crude Fiber, Ether extract, Nitrogen free extract and Organic matter were also higher in group III.

Effect of inoculating the Awassi rumen fluid with its counterpart from Iraqi buffaloes on in vitro digestibility coefficient of barley straw and some characteristics of the rumen fluid

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 to 4-10-2022 with the aim of determining the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid. 5 ratios of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient of the dry and organic matter of barley straw, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant improvement (P<0.01) for the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the two treatments (T1 and T2). The results also indicated a highly significant (P<0.01) superiority in the pH value of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid compared to the other treatments depending on the timing during which the pH was measured. In the same context, the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) outperformed the total number of microorganisms, and the results showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) for the two treatments (T3 and T4) in the total number of microorganisms compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T5).From the results achieved above, we conclude that the two treatments (T3 and T4) for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid were significantly superior in improving the in vitro digestibility coefficient of dry and organic matter and improving the characteristics of the rumen fluid in light of the results achieved above. This study is one of the first studies to improve the rumen environment in Awassi lambs through inoculation with different proportions of rumen fluid taken from Iraqi buffaloes after slaughter.

Impact of Inoculation of rumen fluid of Awassi lambs with ruminal fluid of Iraqi buffalo on in vitro digestion of Iraqi wild Reeds and some ruminal fluid characteristics

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 until 4-10-2022 to determine the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid, and 5 different percentages of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the parameters (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). It was added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient for the dry and organic matter of the Iraqi wild Reeds, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant increase (P<0.01) for the two treatments (T4 and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T3). While the digestibility coefficient of organic matter improved significantly compared to dry matter. The pH values recorded a highly significant increase (P<0.01) after 9 and 12 hours for all treatments compared to their values after 6 hours of in vitro digestion. The results showed a highly significant (P<0.01) superiority of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid in the pH values compared. With parameters (T1, T3, and T5) with different times during which the pH was measured. The treatments (T3, T4, and T5) were highly significantly (P<0.01) superior in terms of the total number of microorganisms compared to the two inoculation treatments with buffalo rumen fluid (T1 and T2), while the two inoculation treatments (T3 and T5) recorded a highly significant (P<0.01) superiority in The total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid compared to other treatments. From the results achieved above, we conclude that the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) are considered the best rates for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid, and the T4 treatment is considered the best compared to other inoculation treatments.

Sunflower oil supplementation in the diets of lactating cows: productive and nutritional performance

Eight Jersey cows (2nd-4th lactation; 483 ± 43 kg body weight; milk yield 21±2.2 kg day-1) were used in a double 4x4 latin square design to evaluate whether the inclusion of increasing levels of sunflower oil in the concentrate up to the limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE, in replacement to corn grain, has an impact on milk production and composition, feed efficiency, energy balance, intake and digestibility. of diets, and the fatty acid profile of milk fat from Jersey cows. The treatments consisted in lipid supplementation with increasing levels of sunflower oil replacing the corn grain and wheat bran of concentrate, including: CD (control diet), without sunflower oil and with 38 g kg-1 of EE dry matter (DM); and three treatmens with sunflower oil concentrate-included: SF65= 65 g kg-1 DM of EE; SF86=86 g kg-1 DM of EE and SF110=110 g kg-1 DM of EE. The increase of EE in diets did not affect the dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber or crude protein. There was a linear increase in the digestibility coefficients for organic matter, crude protein, EE, neutral detergent fiber and blood levels of cholesterol. Treatments did not affect milk production, fat content, lactose or total solids. It is possible to use up to a limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE in the diet, decreasing the concentrate total amount.

Chemical and In Vitro Evaluation of Biscuit of Bangun-Bangun Leaf (Coleus amboinicus Lour)

One of the species of plant that contains lactagogum, which works to stimulate milk production is bangun-bangun leaf. In order to create biscuits which can be used as supplemental feed, bangun-bangun leaf can be used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of leaf biscuits. The study was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. It took for two months, from August to October 2022, and involved chemical analysis at the Sei Putih Goat Research Laboratory and in vitro analysis at the Feed Science and Technology Laboratory of IPB University. Complete randomization was employed in the design (CRD), which included 4 treatments and 5 replications. P0 = 0% of the leaf, P1 = 6%, P2 = 9%, and P3 = 12% of the leaf. Nutrient content in the form of crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat were among the parameters measured, along with dry matter digestibility coefficient (DMDC), and organic matter digestibility coefficient (OMDC). The findings demonstrated that the plant-based biscuits had a significant impact (P<0.05) on the values of crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The study’s finding is that using plant bangun leaf can improve the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter since they contain a high amount of nutrients.

The quality of fermented rice straw with Trichoderma viride inoculum

The Rice straw has several nutritional weaknesses, namely its high silica and lignin content, and its low level of protein, minerals and vitamins, so the impact on digestibility is also low. Aim of present study was to evaluating nutritional efficacy of rice straw after fermentation with Trichoderma viride. The study was conducted by using complete random design (CRD). There were three different treatments with four replicates for each treatment. Fermented rice straws were treated with varying concentrations of Trichoderma viride inoculum as follows; 0.5% (P1), 1% (P2), and 1.5% (P3). Fermented rice straw's nutrients, including dry ingredients, organic material, crude fiber, crude protein, dry matter digestibility coefficients, and organic matter digestibility coefficients were measured in this study. P3 (1.5% of Trichoderma viride) treatment performed a proper nutrient, with 80.02% dry ingredients, 80.03% organic materials, 31.68% crude fiber, 5.72% protein, 38.46% dry matter digestibility coefficient, and 61.05% organic matter digestibility coefficient. In conclusion, using 1.5% Trichoderma viride to improve the quality of rice straw, as stimulator of fermentation process can be efficient in ruminant or non-ruminant nutrition.

Effect of Adding Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Hair Sheep Lambs' Diets on Productive Performance, Ruminal Fermentation Kinetics and Rumen Ciliate Protozoa.

Simple SummaryThe use of added lipids in the diets of ruminants has been found to have beneficial effects. In this study, the effects of different doses of extra virgin olive oil on the productive traits and ruminal fermentation parameters in lambs were evaluated. The relationship between nutrient intake and digestibility was optimal with 2% oil inclusion. The concentration of propionic acid increased with 2 and 4% DM of olive oil, while butyric acid decreased. The intake of olive oil did not affect the population of protozoa or animal performance. The inclusion of olive oil in low concentrations (2% of DM) positively influences feed intake and nutrient digestibility in hair sheep lambs.This study determined productive performance, ruminal fermentation kinetics and rumen ciliate protozoa in hair sheep lambs fed different levels of olive oil. Twenty-four growing lambs were used, with an initial live weight of 10.5 ± 2.9 kg, and randomly assigned into four treatments (six animals per treatment) containing increasing levels of extra virgin olive oil (0, 2, 4 and 6% of dry matter). Animals were fed for 80 days, and sampling was carried out weekly. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and metabolizable energy (ME) differed between treatments (p < 0.05), with a linear and cubic tendency to decrease when oil concentrations were increased. Digestibility coefficients of OM, CP and NDF were not affected; however, the relationship between total intake and nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, NDF, ADF) increased with 2% DM olive oil. Compared with all treatments, the concentration of propionic acid increased by 16% with 4% olive oil. The intake of olive oil did not affect the protozoa population and live weight gain. Overall, the inclusion of olive oil in low concentrations (2% of DM) positively influences feed intake and nutrient digestibility in hair sheep lambs.

Protein-energy supplementation on productive and nutritional performance of grazing beef heifers

This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of protein-energy supplementation on productive performance, intake, digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in heifers fed tropical forage. Twelve Nellore heifers at 11 months of age, with a mean initial body weight of 248.8 ± 11.40 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and six replicates. The treatments evaluated were: control (without supplementation); and supplementation in the amount of 1.5 kg animal-1 day-1. Forage samples were collected to evaluate the chemical composition and the total availability of dry matter of the pasture consumed by the animals. To evaluate the intake and forage digestibility, a trial was performed using internal and external markers. In this study no effect of supplementation was observed on the intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), forage DM, or neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap; P &gt; 0.10). However, supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.01) the intakes of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC). Additionally, an upward trend (P=0.076) was observed in the intake of digested OM (DOM) with supplementation. On the other hand, supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.01) the digestibility coefficients of OM, CP, EE, and NFC, although supplementation did not affect the ruminal synthesis of nitrogen compounds (MICN), efficiency of protein microbial synthesis (EMS), relative microbial nitrogen (RMICN) or urine urea nitrogen (UUN) excretion (P &gt; 0.57). Lastly, supplementation increased (P=0.050) the average daily gain of the animals, although no effect (P &gt; 0.10) was observed on their final body weight. These results suggested that protein-energy supplementation improves the productive performance and nutritional characteristics of grazing beef heifers.

In Vitro Digesting Measurement of Cassava Leaves Using Gizzard Fluid and Chicken Duodenum

Cassava leaves are an alternative feed material that can be a feed material with sufficient protein content. The study aimed to determine the effect of gizzard and duodenal fluids on in vitro digesting measurements of cassava leaves. The study used a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) unidirectional pattern, Variance Analysis (ANOVA) with Duncan's Multiple Range Terst (DMRT) follow-up test using the SPSS application. The study used 4 treatments and 3 repeats: P0: No digestive fluids (controls), P1: Gizzard fluid, P2: Duodenal fluid, P3: A mixture of gizzard and duodenal fluids. The observed variables are the Dry Material Digest Coefficient (KCBK), the Organic Material Digest Coefficient (KCBO), and the Dissolved Protein Digest Coefficient (KCPT). The results of the study that the use of gizzard fluid in in vitro digestion measurements was better in increasing the value of in vitro digestant of cassava leaves. The use of gizzard fluid can increase the digestibility coefficient of organic matter (KCBO) by 21.2160% and the dissolved protein digest coefficient (KCPT) by 50.4620%.

In Vitro Digestibility of Lamtoro Leaves (Leucaena Leucocephala) In Poultry With Gizzard Fluid And Duodenum

Protein source feed is the feed that has the biggest share in the nutritional needs of livestock. Lamtoro or Leucaena leucocephala is one of the leaf flours that can be used as an alternative feed ingredient for poultry in the tropics. With its abundant availability and does not compete for its needs with humans and has no selling value so that it can minimize consumption costs for poultry. This study aims to determine the effect of fluid from the digestive tract of chickens on the in vitro digestibility measurement of lamtoro leaves. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a unidirectional pattern with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of P0 = control, P1 = gizzard fluid, P2 = duodenal fluid and P3 = a mixture of gizzard and duodenal fluid. The results of this study show the average Dry Matter Digestibility Coefficient (%) for the treatment P0, P1, P2 and P3 respectively; 19.276, 29.089, 20.515 and 28.737. Organic Matter Digestibility Coefficient ; 27.702, 36.313, 24.795 and 35.649. Dissolved Protein Digestibility Coefficient ; 39.777, 53.288, 21.145 and 48.737. The results of the statistical test that the administration of lamtoro leaves showed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) on the digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter and dissolved protein. The conclusion is that the use of gizzard liquid is more effective in increasing the in vitro digestibility of lamtoro leaves.

Feeding value of sorghum stover fed to tropical hair sheep as complete rations in chop, mash, pellet, and block forms.

Background and Aim:Poor palatability, low bulk density, and low nutritive value restrict the utilization of the crop residues as animal feeds. Altering the physical characteristics of feed by blending the roughage and concentrates in the form of complete feed improves the nutrient use efficiency and reduces the feed wastage, feed cost, and labor cost. The study aims to determine suitable processing methods (mash, pellet, or block forms) for efficient utilization of sorghum stover-based complete rations vis-a-vis conventional feeding methods in sheep.Materials and Methods:The sorghum stover was incorporated in complete rations with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 proportion in a growth trial of 120 days. The feed ingredients were chaffed, ground in a hammer mill, passed through expander-extruder, and compressed by feed block machine to prepare chop, mash, pellet, and block form of rations, respectively. Twenty-four male intact growing Nellore×Deccani cross lambs (3.5±0.5 months age, 14.50±0.41 kg (mean ± SD) at the start of the experiment) were divided into four experimental groups of six animals each in a complete randomized design. The experimental rations were randomly allotted to each group and evaluated for their intake, nutrient utilization, and growth performance.Results:The sheep fed on pellet-based ration consumed a higher (p<0.05) quantity of dry matter. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were higher (p<0.05) in processed rations (mash, pellet, or block). Further, the nitrogen balance (g/d) was higher (p<0.05) in the mash, pellet, and block form of rations, compared to chopped ration. The processing method did not influence calcium or phosphorous balance parameters, except for their urinary losses, which showed an increasing trend (p=0.07). The ram lambs fed with pelleted ration showed higher (p<0.05) weight gain than mash, block, or chaff forms. The efficiency of feed utilization in gaining one kg body weight was higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed a pelleted diet. Feeding pelletized ration was more economical to gain one kg body weight. The bulk density was highest for block-based ration followed by pellet, mash, and conventional rations, and the carrying capacity of truck was highest with the least transport cost in block-form of rations.Conclusion:Physical processing (mash, pellet, and block) of sorghum stover-based complete rations increased the nutrient utilization and growth performance of sheep compared to conventional chopped form. Pelleting the mash with expander-extruder procedure was found to be more profitable. Nevertheless, the cost economics revealed blocks as more preferable forms for transporting the complete rations to larger distances.

The Quality, Intake, and Digestibility of Virginia Fanpetals (Sidahermaphrodita L. Rusby) Silage Produced under Different Technologies and Its Effect on the Performance of Young Cattle.

Simple SummaryCompetition for high-quality arable land has prompted a search for alternative forage crops. For example, Virginia fanpetals is a high-yielding perennial plant with low soil requirements. Due to its chemical composition, it can be a valuable component of ruminant diets. Previous research has shown that it cannot be used for hay production, and the natural moisture content of silage was unsatisfactory. Laboratory analyses suggest that the quality and feed value of Virginia fanpetals silage may be affected by harvesting and preservation methods. However, to date, most studies have focused on the nutritional value of Virginia fanpetals silage and its inclusion in animal diets. Therefore, the present study investigated different harvesting and preservation methods, such as direct-cut harvesting with a forage harvester, and harvesting after field wilting with a forage harvester or a round baler. The quality parameters, intake and digestibility of silage, and the performance of growing bulls, fed the experimental silage, as the sole forage was evaluated. It was discovered that the highest-quality silage was produced when herbage was harvested with a forage harvester after field wilting.Different harvesting and preservation methods of Virginia fanpetals herbage were evaluated, based on the chemical composition and digestible organic matter (OM) content (D-value) of silage fed to adult sheep, the intake and digestibility of silage, and the performance of young cattle. The following harvesting methods were compared: direct-cut harvesting with a precision-cut forage harvester (DC), harvesting after field wilting with a precision-cut forage harvester (WC) or a round baler (WRB). The silage was fed for 81 days to 24 Polish Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls, as the sole forage supplemented with 3.0 kg of concentrate/head/day. Harvesting methods affected the density (p < 0.001) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (p = 0.047). Differences were found among the groups in the digestibility coefficients of OM (DC-73.7, WC-78.9, WRB-79.9%) (p = 0.007), and crude protein (CP) (69.8%, 77.1%, 78.5%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Dry matter intake (DMI) reached 8.38 kg (DC), 8.74 kg (WC) and 7.21 kg (WRB). Live weight gain (LWG) differed (p < 0.001) among groups (0.939, 1.033, 0.813 kg/day, respectively). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to improve in WC (8.66 kg DMI/kg LWG) (p = 0.08). The highest-quality silage was produced in group WC, and it could be successfully fed to growing bulls as the sole forage.

Consumption, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in pe goats received ransum with various levels of gamal (gliricidiasepium) balance versus concentrate

The research aims to determine the consumption, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in PE goats, which has been carried out in Sidemen Village, Karangasem, Bali and in the Lab. Animal Nutrition and Feed at Udayana University. The research design used was the Latin Square Design (LSD) with treatment consisting of (P1) 55% field grass with 45% concentrate; (P2) 55% field grass with 15% Gamal and 30% concentrate; (P3) 55% field grass with 30% Gamal and 15% concentrate; (P4) 55% field grass with 45% Gamal. Research variables include consumption, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention. The results showed the consumption of dry matter and crude protein between treatments was not significantly different (P&gt; 0.05). Crude fiber consumption of P4 treatment was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher than P1, but P4 was not significant (P&gt; 0.05) higher than P2 and P3. The dry matter digestibility coefficient and crude fiber digestibility coefficient between treatments were statistically significantly different (P&gt; 0.05). The digestibility coefficient of organic matter, crude protein digestion coefficient and nitrogen retention in the P1 treatment were not significantly (P&gt; 0.05) higher than P2, but P1 was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher than P3 and P4.

Establishing the optimal adenosine 5′-monophosphate level for hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis: Effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune modulation during acute and chronic stress

Five separate feeding trials were conducted with juvenile hybrid striped bass to evaluate the effects of dietary adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) on growth performance, innate immunity, digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, and physiological responses after acute and chronic stress challenges. For all trials, a basal diet was formulated principally from soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and fishmeal to contain 40% crude protein, 10% lipid, and 2.5 kcal estimated digestible energy g−1. The experimental diets were prepared for the dose-response trial by supplementing AMP to the basal diet at six graded levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.0% of dry weight) at the expense of cellulose. Based on weight gain and protein retention responses after 8 weeks of feeding, the minimum requirement was estimated in a two-slope broken line model to be 0.46% and 0.34% of dry diet, respectively. Therefore, a diet supplemented with 0.5% AMP was evaluated against the basal dietary treatment in the four follow-up trials. The subsequent digestibility trial (4-week) showed that dietary AMP at 0.5% significantly (P < 0.05) improved apparent digestibility coefficient for organic matter and energy. Nevertheless, after 8 weeks of feeding, there were no significant interaction effects on the digestive enzymes trypsin, lipase, amylase, alkaline and acid phosphatases due to diet (basal and 0.5% AMP), intestinal section (anterior and posterior), or sampling time (10 h after and 20 h post prandial). In the acute-stress challenge trial, fish fed the diet with 0.5% AMP for 6 weeks had significant (P < 0.05) enhancement of innate immunity as reflected in the activity of plasma anti-protease at 0.5 and 1 h post-stress challenge (air exposure). A subsequent chronic stress trial, in which fish were cultured in 15 ppt salinity for 4 weeks, showed that plasma lysozyme activity and anti-protease activity were significantly immunosuppressed in fish fed the basal diet compared to those fed the diet supplemented with AMP at 0.5%. In addition, blood glucose was significantly higher in fish fed the basal diet; whereas, no statistical significance was detected in weight gain, plasma cortisol, hematocrit, or osmolality between both dietary treatments. To conclude, this study demonstrated that an exogenous supply of AMP at 0.5% of diet enhanced growth response of juvenile hybrid striped bass, enhanced their protein retention and increased digestibility coefficients for organic matter and energy. Furthermore, dietary AMP at 0.5% of dry weight showed capabilities to modulate immune responses under stressful conditions through enhancement of innate immunity and resistance to stress-induced immunosuppression.

Does the level of forage neutral detergent fiber affect the ruminal fermentation, digestibility and feeding behavior of goats fed cactus pear?

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage neutral detergent fiber (fNDF) levels on the voluntary feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and feeding behavior of goats fed diets with cactus pear. Five non-lactating ruminally cannulated goats fed adlibitum were randomly assigned to a 5×5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of levels of fNDF at 0, 109, 222, 339 and 463g/kg of dry matter (DM) in cactus pear-based diets. The intakes of DM and NDF were quadratically affected (p≦.045) by fNDF levels. Voluntary water intake (VWI) increased linearly as the fNDF levels increased in the diet.The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, NDF and ether extract and total digestible nutrients concentration were quadratically affected (p≦.048) by fNDF levels. The ruminal pH linearly increased (p=.001) with fNDF levels, ranging from 5.44 to 5.81 for diets containing 0 and 463g fNDF/kg DM, respectively. The fNDF levels promoted a linear increase (p=.006) in chewing time, linearly decreased (p=.007) resting time and quadratically affected (p=.033) rumination time. The inclusion of fNDF in the diets provided favorable conditions for ruminal function, digestibility and feeding behavior in goats fed diets containing cactus pear.

Digestibility and net energy prediction of rice by products determined with piglets

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, digestibility, and net energy (NE) of broken rice (BRR), stabilized rice bran (SRB), and parboiled rice bran (PRB) for piglets. Two digestibility trials were performed with 12 and 18 male pigs with initial weights of 8 and 16kg, respectively. We performed total fecal collection using ferric oxide as fecal marker. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, and gross energy were higher (P&lt;0.001) for the BRR compared to the SRB and PRB. The PRB presented a digestible energy 2% lower than that of BR and 5% higher than that of SRB. For BRR, average NE value was 3,228kcal/kg dry matter (DM), and the difference between the lower and higher value was 311kcal/kg DM. Average NE values of SRB and PRB were 2,896 and 3,293kcal/kgDM, respectively. The difference between the energy predicted by each equation reached 190kcal/kgDM for SRB and 285kcal/kgDM for PRB. In conclusion, BRR showed higher nutrient digestibility coefficients, except for EE and GE, which can be attributed to differences in the production processes. Regardless of the type of feedstuff tested, equations to predict NE values should be used carefully due to considerable differences in energy content.

EFFICIENCY OF USING RICE HUSKS IN FEEDING GROWING RABBITS AS ANTI-AFLATOXINS

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of using rice husks (RH) like anti- aflatoxins and source of fibers at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 % as replaced clover hay in the rations of growing rabbits. Seventy-five unsexed, weaned New Zealand White rabbits of 5 weeks old were randomly divided into five experimental groups (15 rabbits / group). The trial continued for 8 weeks. The results obtained showed that using rice husks in growing rabbits diets: low content significant of total aflatoxins in growing rabbit diets and faeces. No significant effect on productive performance (live body weight, daily body weight gains and feed conversion ratio), expect 3% RH was highly significant in feed consumption compared with control group. The control group numerically highest but not significant (P>.05) for TDN value and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to RH groups. Rabbits fed 12% RH had the lowest values (P>.05) for digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to the other groups, however, it showed significantly (P<.05) higher digestibility of ether extract than other groups. Higher dressing and weight of hot carcass percentages were recorded for rabbits fed 3% RH. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total lipids, cholesterol or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration were not significantly affected due to including RH into rabbit diets. However aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly decreased by different levels of RH. Rabbits had 6% RH in their diet showed higher economic efficiency percentage compared with other group. The results revealed that 6% RH can be used in growing rabbit diets as anti–total aflatoxins and source of fiber without any adverse effect on productive performance and carcass characteristics with high obtained economic efficiency value.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS SELENIUM SOURCES ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD METABOLITES IN MALE BUFFALO CALVES

An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of organic (selenized yeast) and inorganic (Na-selenite) selenium on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and blood parameters of growing buffalo claves. Fifteen Egyptian healthy male buffalo calves were divided randomly into three groups (5 animals each). The treatment groups were as follows: control group (G1) fed basal diet without selenium supplement and treated groups fed 0.22 mg Se/kg DM as either Na –Selenite (G2) or selenized yeast (G3) to the concentrate mixture. All animals were fed 70% of their requirements as concentrate mixture, while wheat straw given as roughages ad libitumThe results indicated that there were significant (P<0.05) improvements in the digestibility coefficient of organic matter, crude protein, either extract and crude fibre due to dietary supplementation of both Se- yeast and Na-Selenite. No significant differences were observed in growth rate and total dry matter intake of calves between treatments groups. Dietary Se-yeast and Na-selenite supplementation led to significantly (P<0.05) improved fed conversion ratio for calves as compared with control group (10.86 and 11.09 vs. 11.99). Calves fed Se-yeast or Na-Selenite supplement had increased (P< 0.05) concentrations of selenium in whole blood, greater activity (P < 0.05) of blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) with lower (P< 0.05) cholesterol and urea concentration than those fed the control diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Se-yeast was more effective than sodium selenite in improving nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and increasing both Se concentration and GSH-Px activity in the blood of buffalo calves.

Modulation of growth performance, immunity, and disease resistance in narrow-clawed crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) upon synbiotic feeding

In the present study, a 126-day experiment was carried out under controlled conditions to compare the effects of prebiotic (galactooligosaccharide), probiotics (Enterococcus faecalis and Pediococcus acidilactici), and synbiotics (galactooligosaccharide+Enterococcus faecalis and galactooligosaccharide+Pediococcus acidilactici) on the growth performance, indices of nutritional efficiency, in vivo apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients, digestive enzymes, hemolymph indices, and biological responses of juvenile crayfish Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus (6.18±0.31g) against 48-h Aeromonas hydrophila exposure challenge. The maximum specific growth rate (2.32%day−1), voluntary feed intake (2.68%bodyweightday−1), and survival rate (93.67%) as well as the minimum feed conversion ratio (2.07) were observed in the juvenile crayfish fed with the galactooligosaccharide+Enterococcus faecalis diet. The highest means of in vivo apparent digestibility coefficients of organic matter (85.33%), crude protein (91.67%), crude fat (82.33%), and gross energy (83.67%) were measured in the crayfish fed with the galactooligosaccharide+Enterococcus faecalis diet (p<0.05). Moreover, the highest ratios of presumptive autochthonous lactic acid bacteria to total viable aerobic heterotrophic bacteria were observed in the crayfish fed with the synbiotic diets (p<0.05). It was found that feeding crayfish with the galactooligosaccharide+Enterococcus faecalis diet indicated the highest activities of phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, and nitric oxide synthase (p<0.05). The mean survival rate of Aeromonas hydrophila injected crayfish fed with the galactooligosaccharide+Enterococcus faecalis diet (77.67%) was higher than that of the crayfish fed with the control (8.33%) and other diets (58.33–72.33%) (p<0.05). Finally, considering all the tested levels, 7.53logCFUE.faecalisg−1+10gkg−1 galactooligosaccharide used in the diet was observed to be the optimum diet.

Precision-feeding dairy heifers a high rumen-degradable protein diet with different proportions of dietary fiber and forage-to-concentrate ratios

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding a high-rumen-degradable protein (RDP) diet when dietary fiber content is manipulated within differing forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C) on nutrient utilization of precision-fed dairy heifers. Six cannulated Holstein heifers (486.98±15.07kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to 2 F:C, low- (45% forage; LF) and high-forage (90% forage; HF) diets and to a fiber proportion sequence [33% grass hay and wheat straw (HS), 67% corn silage (CS; low fiber); 50% HS, 50% CS (medium fiber); and 67% HS, 33% CS (high fiber)] within forage proportion administered according to a split-plot, 3×3 Latin square design (16-d periods). Heifers fed LF had greater apparent total-tract organic matter digestibility coefficients (dC), neutral detergent fiber, and cellulose than those fed LC diets. Substituting CS with HS resulted in a linear reduction in dry matter, organic matter, and cellulose dC. Nitrogen dC was not different between F:C or with increasing proportions of HS in diets, but N retention tended to decrease linearly as HS was increased in the diets. Predicted microbial protein flow to the duodenum decreased linearly with HS addition and protozoa numbers HS interacted linearly, exhibiting a decrease as HS increased for LF, whereas no effects were observed for HF. Blood urea N increased linearly as HS was incorporated. The LF-fed heifers had a greater ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration. We noted a tendency for a greater dry matter, and a significantly higher liquid fraction turnover rate for HF diets. There was a linear numerical increase in the liquid and solid fraction turnover rate as fiber was added to the diets. Rumen fermentation parameters and fractional passages (solid and liquid) rates support the reduction in dC, N retention, and microbial protein synthesis observed as more dietary fiber is added to the rations of dairy heifers precision-fed a constant proportion of rumen-degradable protein.