Digestible Crude Protein Intake Research Articles

Comportamento ingestivo e digestibilidade in vivo de caprinos alimentados com copra de coco verde

The introduction of new feeds in ruminant nutrition is essential to maximize performance and to minimize production costs; however, this is only possible after knowing the feeding behavior of the animals and nutrient availability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior and in vivo digestibility of goats fed increasing levels (0%, 2%, 4%, and 7%) of copra extracted from green coconuts. Twenty male goats of undefined breed were allocated in a completely randomized design. The addition of increasing levels of coconut copra had a quadratic effect on dry matter intake and daily rumination time. An increasing linear effect was observed for rumination time of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. There was no effect (P>0.05) on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, or non-fibrous carbohydrates. The digestible non-fibrous carbohydrate intake or apparent digestibility of hemicellulose and total digestible nutrients was also not affected. A quadratic effect of increasing inclusion levels of copra was observed for apparent ether extract digestibility, while the increasing inclusion of copra had a decreasing linear effect (P<0.05) on digestible neutral detergent fiber intake, apparent crude protein digestibility, digestible crude protein intake, and digestible ether extract intake. The best inclusion level of coconut copra for goat feeding is 3.15% of the total diet to increase dry matter intake and apparent ether extract digestibility without affecting the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, but reducing crude protein digestibility.

Effect of lime treated olive cake on nutrient ulilization and performance of male goats

Current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inclusion of lime treated olive cake in the complete feed of goats. Olive cake was treated with 6% slaked lime to increase availability of cellulose and to alleviate digestibility depression caused by higher fat content. Twelve local adult male goats were randomly allotted to control and treatment groups. Control group was fed ad libitum conventional complete feed and the treatment group was fed complete feed containing 30% lime treated olive cake for a duration of 30 days. The treatment feed was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in organic matter, crude fiber and acid detergent fiber, however it was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in calcium and acid insoluble ash. Mean body weight and daily feed dry matter and organic matter intake was comparable among groups and periods. The nutrient digestibility for crude fiber and acid detergent fiber was significantly (P&lt;0.05) in treatment feed. Daily nitrogen intake and digestible crude protein intake (g/kg W0.75), was comparable between both groups. Calcium and phosphorus balance was comparable between two groups. No significant difference was observed between groups and periods for blood biochemical and serum enzymes. The results of the present study indicated that lime treated olive cake can be included in complete feed at 30% level for feeding of adult male goats without adverse impact on nutrient intake, utilization and general performance of the animal.

Effect of dietary protein on intake, nutrients utilization, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, growth and puberty in growing Bhadawari buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers.

Fifteen Bhadawari buffalo heifers of 207 ± 9.78 kg mean body weight were randomly distributed into three dietary groups to evaluate the effect of protein level on nutrient utilization, nitrogen (N) balance, growth rate, blood metabolites, and puberty. All animals were offered wheat straw-berseem diets supplemented with concentrate mixtures of similar energy (2.7 Mcal/kg) and different protein levels (14.3-22%). Animals of standard-protein group (SPG) were offered protein and energy as per requirement, while animals of low-protein group (LPG) and high-protein group (HPG) were fed 20% less and 20% more protein, respectively, than SPG. Feed dry matter (DM) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (% body wt. and g/kg w(0.75)) were similar for all three diets; however, the crude protein (CP) and digestible crude protein (DCP) intake on percent body weight and per kilogram metabolic weight was higher (P < 0.05) in HPG than in SPG or LPG. Digestibility of CP, cellulose, and hemicellulose was higher (P < 0.05) in HPG versus LPG. Fecal N excretion was similar, while urinary N excretion was highest (P < 0.05) in HPG (74.83 g/day) compared with SPG (50.03 g/day) and LPG (47.88 g/day), which resulted in lower N retention in HPG than in the other dietary groups. Level of dietary N had no effect on blood metabolites viz. glucose, urea, and N. Digestible energy (DE) and ME contents of diets were identical, while DCP contents were higher (P < 0.05) in HPG than in LPG. Feed and nutrient (CP and ME) conversion efficiency to produce a unit kilogram weight gain was identical among the dietary groups. Dietary protein level had no effect on the heifer's weight and age at puberty. The mean growth rate of heifers at 240 days was higher (P > 0.05) in SPG (330.8 g/day) than in LPG (296.7 g/day), while the animals gained more weight in January to March months and the lowest weight in May to July months. Protein level had no effect on conception rate of heifers. Results revealed that 20% higher or less protein than the ICAR requirement had no significant (P > 0.05) on feed intake, nutrient conversion efficiency for weight gain, heifer growth, and puberty; however, 20% more protein increased urinary N loss.

Effect of induced Fasciola gigantica infection during pre-patency on the performance of buffalo calves fed on different percentage of protein.

Thirty growing Murrah buffalo calves (8-12months of age, 109.85±2.43) were rearedin parasite free conditions and randomly divided into three equal groups as per CRD. They were fed on iso-caloric (2.01MEMcal/Kg diet) diets containing standard protein (SP) diet at 100%, 90% of SP (medium protein, MP) and 80% of SP (low protein, LP) of the protein requirements (Kearl 1982). After 21days of feeding, each group was further subdivided into two sub-groups (A & B). Animals in sub-groups 'A' served as non-infected control, while in sub group 'B' were orally infected with Fasciola gigantica metacercarie (mc; 1,000 each). A metabolic trial of 40days post infection was carried out in control and parasitized animals. Intake of digestible dry matter, organic matter and acid detergent fibre (ADF) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in SP group compared to LP group. The digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ADF was significantly higher in SP group compared to MP and LP groups. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intakes (g/kgW(0.75)) were also significantly (P<0.001) higher in SP than MP and LP groups. However, DCP intake was significantly (P<0.001) lower in infected subgroups compared to control subgroups. Intake and balance (g/d) of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were significantly (P<0.01) higher in SP than MP and LP groups. The average daily gain of buffalo calves fed on SP Uninfected (SPU), SP Infected (SPI), MPU, MPI and LPU, LPI groups was 333, 178, 356, 144, 222 and 144g and was significantly (P<0.01) lower in animals fed LP ration. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also significantly (P<0.01) higher in infected sub-groups as compared to respective control groups. The results showed that a SP diet substantially improved the overall performance of buffalo calves in control and infected groups and reduced adverse effect of F. gigantica infection.

Evaluation of the use of arid-area rangelands by grazing sheep: Effect of season and supplementary feeding

Twenty-four one-year-old male Abu-duleik local sheep were used to evaluate the use of natural rangelands under arid conditions. Dry and wet seasons were considered, each with twelve different animals divided into two treatments. Animals grazed the natural plants with (GS) or without (G) concentrate supplement. Esophageal fistulae were established in another eight two-year-old male to study the botanical composition of forages sheep consumed. Another sixteen one-year-old male were maintained in metabolic cages to determine the marker fecal recovery to be used in calculating feed intake and digestibility. The results of the grazing experiment revealed that average daily gain was −154 and 38g/d in dry season, and 33 and 119g/d in wet season, for G and GS, respectively. Forage intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in wet than in dry seasons (99.5 vs. 56.0g DM/kg BW0.75/d, respectively) and that the supplementation did not significantly affect forage intake (75.2 vs. 80.3g DM/kg BW0.75/d, for GS and G, respectively). A significant interaction (P<0.01) between season and supplementation indicated that dry matter digestibility was similar between treatments in the wet season (73.4% vs. 71.0%, for GS and G, respectively) but greater for supplemented animals in the dry season (70.6% vs. 53.8%, respectively). Similar results were observed for organic matter and crude protein digestibilities. The supplementation did not affect the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber in the wet season but improved it in the dry season. A similar trend was observed for the acid detergent fiber digestibility. The results of the total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP) intake indicated that sheep can meet their energy and protein requirements by only grazing during the wet season, but their maintenance requirements were not met during the dry season. The plasma total protein concentration was higher (P<0.05) in the wet than in the dry season and increased with supplementation. A similar trend was observed for the plasma urea, rumen ammonia and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentrations, which were significantly increased in the wet seasons compared to the dry season and were greater for supplemented animals. The opposite was observed for the plasma creatinine levels. Hence, it is concluded that the nutritive value of natural rangelands is higher in wet than in dry seasons and that the concentrate supplementation is essential to maintain animals during the dry season, providing the minimum level of ammonia and VFAs required for maintaining rumen microbial activity and fermentation for grazing sheep in arid region.

Medicated urea molasses mineral block and tannin on growth performance, nutrient utilization and nematodosis in goat kids

Indigenous goat kids (20; 3 to 5 months, average body wt-12 kg) were offered ad lib. rice straw and berseem hay (40:60) to assess growth performance and nutrient utilization. Group 1 was fed concentrate mixture (100g/d). Groups 2,3,4 and 5 were supplemented with urea molasses mineral block (UMMB), medicated urea molasses mineral block (Med-UMMB containing fenbendazole @0.5g/kg), tannin (5% of DM) and UMMB plus tannin (5% of DM) respectively. The animals were given trickle infection (200L3/d) of gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus sp. and Cooperia sp. in the dose ratio of 9:1) for consecutive 10 days. Dry matter (DM) intake, total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake, growth performance and nitrogen (N) balance revealed no significance between treatment and control whereas digestible crude protein (DCP) intake, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) balance for T2, T3 and T5 showed significant improvement over control. Humoral immune response against calf red blood cells (CRBC) was significantly higher in T4 as compared to control. Thus it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of med-UMMB and tannin have no effect on growth performance whereas tannin significantly improved the humoral immune response of kids.

Impact of feeding on growth performance, blood biochemical and mineral profiles of pre-pubescent camels under pastoral management in arid western Rajasthan.

The experiment was undertaken on 20 pre-pubescent dromedary camels of 300 ± 7.0 kg average bodyweight (BW) and 1.5-2 years of age to determine change in body weight, blood biochemical and mineral profiles and morphometric parameters on rangeland grazing (GR) and supplementary stall feeding (GS) at arid northwestern part of Rajasthan over a period of 80 days. GR camels were maintained only on grazing, while GS camels were fed semi-intensively ad-lib groundnut haulms along with formulated concentrate and mineral mixture to meet maintenance requirement. Intake of young camels was determined using chromium(III) oxide as internal marker. The biomass yield of rangeland estimated was 0.54 t DM/ha. Dry matter intake (kg/day) by GR camels on rangeland grazing was lower than that by GS camels fed on supplementary feeding. The nutrient digestibility of dry matter and organic matter (P < 0.05) and crude protein was higher in GS camels than that in GR camels. Likewise, intake of digestible crude protein (P < 0.05) and metabolizable energy were higher in stall-fed young camels. Pre-pubescent camels fed on grazing had significantly (P < 0.01) low glucose and higher urea concentration compared to stall-fed camels. Final body weight of camels differed significantly (P < 0.05) between groups. The camels fed on supplementary stall feeding had significantly (P < 0.01) higher total gain (kg) and average daily gain (ADG) compared to camels on grazing. Among morphometric parameters, body length and body height showed more significant increase in GS compared to GR camels. Intake of digestible crude protein (DCP) by GR group was 43% low compared to the requirement for growing camel of 300 kg body weight. Despite this, GR camels were able to maintain body weight due to better recycling of urea which was significantly higher in comparison to GS camels. The findings of significantly (P < 0.01) low serum glucose and higher urea concentration and lower body weight gain of GR camels suggest the need of locally available protein and energy supplement in addition to grazing for better growth performance.

Feed Utilization of Lactating Does and Pre-weaning Performances of Kids in Republic of Benin

This trial aims at finding out the effect of supplementing the lactating does basic diet (palm frond, with mucuna seed and cotton seed these seeds and a locally made mineral lick on the pre-weaning performances of the kids. Lactating does that kidded in each treatment were used in the experiment which was conducted in farm conditions. The lactating goats was divided into six groups of 5 to 6 animals per groups. The treatments as six different diets: T1 was the control, (palm frond) which is the feed usually offered by the farmers. The experimental diets were T2, T3; T4, T5, T6; with were the control plus the seeds and the mineral lick (T1). The does and the kids were weighed monthly during the pre-weaning stage of the kids (0 to 90 day). The means of growth rate and of weight at weaning were estimated per treatment using individual performance of the animals in each treatment. The seeds improvement on dry matter intake, digestible dry matter and crude protein intake by the lactating does was significant (P<0.05). A non-significant increase was observed with the salt lick in T2, T4 and T6. The seeds improvement on growth rate of lactating does was highly significant (P<0.05). The growth rate of kids sucking milk from does fed the seeds improved significantly (P<0.5). The mortality rate was lower (10% to 13%) in treatments with the seed plus salt lick. The mortality rate decreased slightly with the salt lick in T2, T4 and T6.

Effect of feeding differently processed sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) bagasse based complete diet on nutrient utilization and microbial N supply in growing ram lambs

This study was carried out to identify appropriate processing method for efficient utilization of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), an agro-industrial by product of ethanol industry after blending with concentrate. SSB based complete diet with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 was processed into mash (SSBM), expander extruded pellet (SSBP), chop form (SSBC) and evaluated in comparison to sorghum stover based complete diet in mash form (SSM). Twenty-four Nellore×Deccani ram lambs (9 months age; 21.1±0.57kg body weight) were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and the experimental complete diets were allotted at random to each group and evaluated for their intake, nutrient utilization and microbial N supply. Among all the groups, the average dry matter (DM) intake (g/kg w0.75), digested DM, organic matter and crude protein were higher (P<0.01) in lambs fed SSBP diet. The cellulose digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in lambs fed SSBP diet than those fed SSM and SSBC diets. Intake of digestible crude protein (DCP, g/d) and metabolizable energy (MJ/d) were higher (P<0.01) in lambs fed SSBP diet. The SSBP diet had higher (P<0.01) DCP and N (P<0.05) balance compared to other three diets. Increased (P<0.01) purine derivatives and microbial N supply was observed in processed diets. Expander extrusion of SSB based complete diet resulted in improved (P<0.01) efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. It is concluded that, when SSB was processed into complete diets, in terms of nutrient utilization and microbial N supply, the expander extruded pellet diet was better utilized than chopped or mash form by the growing ram lambs.

Effects of low carbohydrate diets on energy and nitrogen balance and body composition in rats depend on dietary protein-to-energy ratio

ObjectivesTruly ketogenic rodent diets are low in carbohydrates but also low in protein. The aim of this study was to differentiate effects of ketosis, low carbohydrate (LC) and/or low-protein intake on energy and nitrogen metabolism. MethodsWe studied the nitrogen balance of rats fed LC diets with varying protein contents: LC diets consisted of 75/10, 65/20 and 55/30 percent of fat to protein (dry matter), respectively, and were iso-energetically pair-fed to a control (chow) diet to 12-wk-old male Wistar rats (n = 6 per diet).Previous studies demonstrated only LC75/10 was truly ketogenic. Food, fecal, and urine samples, as well as carcasses were collected and analyzed for heat of combustion and nitrogen (Kjeldahl method). Blood samples were analyzed for plasma protein, albumin, and triacylglycerol. ResultsAll LC groups displayed less body weight gain, and the degree of reduction was inversely related to digestible crude protein intake (daily weight gain compared with chow: LC75/10: −50%; LC55/30: −20%). Nitrogen excretion by urine was related to digestible protein intake (chow: 0.23 ± 0.02 g nitrogen/d; LC75/10: 0.05 ± 0.01 g nitrogen/d). Renal energy excretion was closely associated with intake of digestible crude protein (r = 0.697) and renal nitrogen excretion (r = 0.769). Energy-to-nitrogen ratio in urine was nearly doubled with LC75/10 compared with all other groups. Total body protein was highest with chow and lowest with LC75/10. Rats fed with LC75/10 displayed features of protein deficiency (reduced growth and nitrogen balance, hypoproteinemia, depletion of body protein, and increased body and liver fat), whereas the effects with the non-ketogenic diets LC65/20 and LC55/30 were less pronounced. ConclusionThese results suggest that truly ketogenic LC diets in growing rats are LC diets that are also deficient in protein for growth.

Nutritional evaluation of wheat straw treated with white-rot fungus Crinipellis sp. RCK-SC in Sahiwal calves

Digestibility of wheat straw is limited mainly by lignin in ruminants, and fungal treatment is known to improve its nutritional worth. In the present study, wheat straw, subjected to solid state fermentation with ligninolytic white-rot basidiomycetes fungus Crinipellis sp. RCK-SC for 10 days, was studied with untreated wheat straw for in vitro nutritional parameters like chemical composition, digestibility, gas production and ruminal parameters, followed by in vivo feeding trial in Sahiwal calves. The fungal treatment after 10 days led to significant (P<0.05) decrease in cell wall constituents viz. neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose to the extent of 104.0, 121.9, 64.2, 29.97 and 73.9g/kgDM, respectively. Crude protein (CP) and ash contents were increased (P<0.05) by 502.7 and 526.1g/kgDM, respectively, in fungal treated wheat straw (FT-WS) than untreated straw (UT-WS). Further, in vitro gas production (GP24h), in vitro true dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility for 48h, calculated metabolizable energy (ME) content, microbial biomass production and short chain fatty acids production were significantly (P<0.05) higher in FT-WS, while in vitro methane production (L) per kg of digestible dry matter was lower (P<0.05) in FT-WS. Ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids values were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in FT-WS. For in vivo feeding trial, ten healthy male Sahiwal calves (8–12 months) were divided into two groups based on comparable body weights following randomized block design. Control group (T1) was fed with ad libitum chopped wheat straw, whereas in treatment (T2), it was substituted with ad libitum chopped fungal treated wheat straw. Animals in both the groups were supplemented with groundnut cake to meet nitrogen requirement and green berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) forage to fulfill their vitamin A requirements. Digestibility of nutrients for DM, OM, CP, ether extract, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and total carbohydrates were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 compared to T1 group. Moreover, daily DM, digestible crude protein (P<0.01) and ME intakes were also higher (P<0.05) in T2 with higher (P<0.05) nitrogen retention (P<0.05), higher average daily gain in body weight and feed conversion ratio. This study suggested that the bioconversion of wheat straw using Crinipellis sp. RCK-SC holds potential in upgrading its nutritional value for feeding growing calves.

Use of Awamori-pressed Lees and Tofu Lees as Feed Ingredients for Growing Male Goats.

Awamori is produced by fermenting steamed indica rice. Awamori-pressed lees is a by-product of the Awamori production process. Tofu lees is a by-product of the Tofu production process. Research was conducted to test if dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a mixed feed ingredient for raising male goats. Eighteen male kids were divided into three groups of six animals (control feed group (CFG), Awamori-pressed lees mixed feed group (AMFG), Tofu lees mixed feed group (TMFG)). The CFG used feed containing 20% soybean meal as the main protein source, while the AMFG and TMFG used feed mixed with 20% dried Awamori-pressed lees or dried Tofu lees. The groups were fed mixed feed (volume to provide 100 g/d increase in body weight) and alfalfa hay cubes (2.0 kg/d) twice a day (10:00, 16:00). Klein grass hay and water was given ad libitum. Hay intake was measured at 10:00 and 16:00. Body weight and size measurements were taken once a month. At the end of the experiment, a blood sample was drawn from the jugular vein of each animal and the carcass characteristics, the physical and chemical characteristics of loin were analyzed. DCP and TDN intakes in AMFG and TMFG showed no significant difference to the CFG. Cumulative measurements of growth in body weight and size over the 10 mo period in the AMFG and TMFG were similar to the CFG. Blood parameter values were similar to those in normal goats. Dressing carcass weight and percentages, and total weight of meat in the AMFG were similar to that in the CFG, but smaller in the TMFG. The compressed meat juice ratio was higher in both the TMFG and AMFG than the CFG. While the fat in corn, Awamori-pressed lees, and Tofu lees contains more than 50% linoleic acid, the loin fat in both the AMFG and TMFG was very low in linoleic acid due to the increase in the content of oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. This indicates that feeding on AMF and TMF does not inhibit hydrogenation by ruminal microorganisms. As in the CFG, the total essential and non-essential amino acids in the loin of the AMFG and TMFG were well balanced. Compared to the CFG, the AMFG and TMFG were high in taurine and carnosine. The results indicate dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a feed ingredient for raising male goats.

Feeding value of Pterocarpus erinaceus for growing goats

Twenty-five 5-month-old Red Sokoto male goats of 7.50±0.52kg live weight (LW) were used to investigate the feeding value of Pterocarpus erinaceus (PE) and its combinations with Andropogon gayanus (AG) grass as feed to goats using completely randomized design. The treatments were five PE:AG ratios: 0:1000 (solely AG), 250:750, 500:500, 750:250 (forage combinations) (FC) and 1000:0 (solely PE). Intake of AG (199.7g/day) decreased linearly, while intake of PE (197.1g/day) and condensed tannins (CT) increased linearly (P<0.01). Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and final LW had a quadratic (P<0.01) response. Intakes of crude protein (CP), lignin(sa), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), hemicellulose, cellulose, digestible CP (DCP) and OM (DOM), and N showed both linear and quadratic trends (L:P<0.01; Q:P<0.01). Diet effects on feed conversion ratio (FCR), digestibilities of DM, OM, fibre fractions and hemicellulose, DOM and DCP (g/kg), digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), faecal N and N retention (as g/kg of N intake) were linear and quadratic (L:P<0.01; Q:P<0.01). Live weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), DOM intake and OM digested in the rumen (OMDR), DE and ME intake, and microbial protein synthesis (MPS) were linearly and quadratically affected by diets (L:P<0.05; Q:P<0.01). Digestible CP (g/kg W0.75) had linear and cubic (P<0.01) trends. Diets had both linear and cubic effects on urinary N (P<0.01) and linear, quadratic and cubic effects on total N excretion (P<0.01). Treatment effects on digestibility of CP, N balance and retention (as g/kg of N absorbed) (L:P<0.01; Q:P<0.01; C:P<0.01) and N absorbed (L:P<0.01; Q:P<0.01; C:P<0.05) were significant. Dry matter, nutrient and CT intakes, growth performance, FCR, digestibility, nutritive value, intakes of digestible nutrients and energy, N intake, excretion, absorption, balance and retention, and MPS were higher (P<0.01) in FC compared to single forages (SF). Intakes (g/kg W0.75) of CP, NDF, lignin(sa), hemicellulose, cellulose, CT and DCP (P<0.01), and intakes of DOM, energy and N (g/day) (P<0.05) were higher for PE than for AG. Pterocarpus increased ADG, FCR, digestibilities of DM, CP, OM, cellulose and hemicellulose, nutritive value, and N excretion, absorption, balance and retention more than AG (P<0.01). Digestibilities of fibre fractions, OMDR and MPS were higher (P<0.05) for PE than for AG. It is concluded that maximum nutritional benefits of PE can be achieved if used as supplement up to 750g/kg DM rather than as a sole feed, and the sole PE is better than sole AG.

Use of Awamori-pressed Lees and Tofu Lees as Feed Ingredients for Growing Female Goats.

Okinawan Awamori is produced by fermenting steamed indica rice with black mold, yeast, and water. Awamori-pressed lees is a by-product of the Awamori production process. Tofu lees is a by-product of the Tofu production process. This research consisted of two experiments conducted to elucidate whether or not dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a mixed feed ingredient for raising female goats. In experiment 1, digestion trials were conducted to ascertain the nutritive values of dried Awamori-pressed lees and dried Tofu lees for goats. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents of dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees were 22.5%, 22.5% (DCP), and 87.2%, 94.4% (TDN) respectively. In experiment 2, 18 female goats (Japanese Saanen×Nubian, three months old, body weight 15.4±0.53 kg) were divided into three groups of six animals (control feed group (CFG), Awamori-pressed lees mixed feed group (AMFG), Tofu lees mixed feed group (TMFG)). The CFG control used feed containing 20% soybean meal as the main protein source, while the AMFG and TMFG treatments used feed mixed with 20% dried Awamori-pressed lees or dried Tofu lees. The groups were fed mixed feed (volume to provide 100 g/d increase in body weight) twice a day (10:00, 16:00). The klein grass hay and water was given ad libitum. The hay intake was measured at 08:00 and 16:00. Body weight and size measurements were taken once a month. At the end of the experiment, a blood sample was drawn from the jugular vein of each animal. The DCP and TDN intakes in AMFG and TMFG showed no significant difference to the CFG. Cumulative measurements of growth in body weight, withers height, chest depth, chest girth, and hip width over the 10 mo period in the AMFG and TMFG were similar to the CFG. By contrast, cumulative growth in body length and hip height in the AMFG and TMFG tended to be larger than the CFG. Cumulative growth in chest width in the AMFG was significantly larger (p<0.05) than the CFG. Blood parameter values were similar to those in normal goats reported by other scientists. The coats of the AMFG and TMFG animals looked shinier than the animals in the CFG. The results demonstrate that dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a feed ingredient for the raising female goats.

Impact of diets with different levels of leguminous roughages on nutrient intake, draught performance, blood biochemical and physiological parameters in dromedary camels

The experiment was conducted using nine dromedary camels of Bikaneri breed averaging 8–9 years age and 583–692kg body weight at National Research Centre on Camels, Bikaner, India. The effect of feeding different levels of leguminous roughages on nutrient intake, draught performance, blood biochemical and physiological parameters in dromedary camels was evaluated using completely randomized design over a period of 60 days. Among the leguminous roughages, groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) were fed in one of three ratios, 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively and concentrate mixture as per requirement of the camels. The dry matter intake (DMI) on percent and metabolic body weight basis did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) was significantly higher in T1 followed by T2 and T3. Likewise, total digestible nutrients intake (TDNI) was higher in T1 as compared to T2 and T3. The nutritive value was significantly higher in camels fed on T1 as compared to other treatments. The feeding of different levels of groundnut haulms and cluster bean straw influenced the speed of travel and power developed by the camels which was significantly better in T1 followed by T2 and T3. There was significant change in blood biochemical parameters with response to treatments and work. The treatment groups did not show any significant effect on lactate, triglycerides, phosphorus and calcium content of blood in camels before work. There was increase in lactate content in all the treatments manifold times after work. There was significant increase in glucose content when the camels were exposed to work which also differed significantly among the treatment groups. The increase in physiological responses was noted in all the treatments before and after work but the difference was statistically significant for pulse and respiration rates. It has been concluded from the results that feeding of groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in proportion of 75:25 had beneficial effect as compared to other treatment groups and is recommended for better performance of dromedary camels. However, the cluster bean straw in higher proportions can be used in the ration of dromedary camels with certain roughage improvement practices.

Effect of feeding different proportions of groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) on nutrient utilisation and serum biochemical parameters in dromedary camels

The effect of feeding different proportions of groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) on nutrient digestibility, nutritive value, nutrient intake and serum biochemical parameters was studied using nine male dromedary camels of Bikaneri breeds (637.5 kg average body weight; 8-9 years of age). Groundnut haulms (GNH) and cluster bean straw (CBS) were fed in one of three ratios, 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in treatments T(1), T(2) and T(3), respectively. In all treatments, concentrate mixture was fed as per requirement of the camels. The groundnut haulms were more nutritive as compared to the cluster bean straw. The nutrient digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), crude fibre and acid detergent fibre was better in T(1) than T(2) and T(3). Likewise, the CP, digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrient contents were significantly higher in T(1) followed by T(2) and T(3). There was non-significant affect on average daily gain of camels. However, dry matter intake, digestible crude protein intake and total digestible nutrients were better in T(1) as compared to T(2) and T(3). The total water intake per kilogram of dry matter intake (litres) was 2.98, 2.89 and 2.68, respectively, in T(1), T(2) and T(3). The camels in all the treatments were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The treatments had a significant effect on serum biochemical parameters like glucose, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase and creatinine. The results may conclude that feeding of higher proportion of groundnut haulms as compared to cluster bean straw has pronounced improvement in nutritional utilisation by the camels.

Effect of roughage to concentrate ratio of sweet sorghum (Sorghum biclor L. Moench) bagasse-based complete diet on nutrient utilization and microbial N supply in lambs

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of roughage to the concentrate ratio of complete diets containing sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), an agro-industrial by product, as sole roughage source on nutrient utilization in ram lambs. Twenty-four Nellore × Deccani cross ram lambs aged about 3 months (average body wt. 10.62 ± 0.03 kg) were randomly allotted into four groups fed with CR-I (60R:40C), CR-II (50R:50C), CR-III (40R:60C), and CR-IV (30R:70C) complete diets. The roughage to concentrate ratio did not affect the dry matter intake (in grams/day or grams/kilogram weight(0.75)). The crude protein (P < 0.01) and ether extract (P < 0.05) digestibility of ration CR-IV was higher than CR-I and CR-II rations, whereas, the digestibility of nitrogen-free extract and fiber fractions was similar among all the rations. Experimental diets were different (P < 0.01) in digestible crude protein (DCP) content, in which the CR-I ration contained lower DCP value whereas CR-IV ration contained higher DCP value. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) and metabolizable energy (ME) values were comparable among all the experimental rations. The daily DCP intake (in grams/day) was lower (P < 0.05) in lambs fed with CR-I ration compared to CR-III and CR-IV rations and it was comparable with CR-II ration. The TDN intake (in grams/day), digestible energy, and ME intakes (in megajoules/day) were similar among the lambs fed experimental rations with different SSB to concentrate ratios. The average daily DCP intake of lambs fed with CR-II, CR-III, and CR-IV rations met the requirements whereas, the daily TDN and ME intake was met by all the lambs. The lambs on all the diets were in positive nitrogen retention. The nitrogen balance expressed as grams/day was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed with CR-III and CR-IV ration than those fed with CR-I ration. The daily calcium and phosphorus intake and balance were comparable on all the experimental rations. The total purine derivatives (in millimoles/day) were higher (P < 0.05) in CR-III than CR-I and comparable with CR-II and CR-IV diets. The higher (P < 0.01) microbial N supply (in grams/day) was observed in CR-III ration compared to other three rations and the efficiency of microbial synthesis was comparable among all the rations. It is concluded that sweet sorghum bagasse can be included in the complete rations at maximum level of 50 % as roughage source for rearing of ram lambs.

Replacement of Clover Hay by Biologically Treated Corn Stalks in Growing Sheep Rations

Thirty-six male growing Rahmani lambs aged 6 months with an average weight 19.07 ± 0.21 kg were used to determine the effects of inclusion biologically treated corn stalks (BTCS) treated with Trichoderma ressi (T. ressi) on growth performance. Animals were divided into four equal groups and assigned for control ration contained 30% clover hay (CH) and another three experimental rations replaced CH in control ration (TMR1) with BTCT at 33%, 66% and complete replacement 100% of CH for (TMR2, TMR3 and TMR4), respectively. The results showed that treatment of BTCS decreased DM, OM, CF, EE contents, while CP and ash contents were increased in comparison with untreated corn stalks (UTCS). Also, it reduced all cell wall constituents (NDF, ADF, ADL, cellulose and hemicelluloses) compared to UTCS. biologically treated corn stalks containing diets significantly improved (P<0.05) all nutrient digestibility coefficients and cell wall constituent digestibilities compared to the control diet. Total digestible nutrient (TDN) was significantly improvement (P<0.05), while digestible crude protein (DCP) insignificantly (P>0.05) improved. Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA's) concentrations were increased. Sampling time had no significant effect on ruminal pH while, it significantly (P<0.05) increased NH3-N and TVFA's concentrations at 3 hours post feeding compared to before feeding. There were significant (P<0.05) interaction between dietary treatments and sampling time (TxS) on ruminal pH, NH3-N and TVFA's concentrations. All blood plasma parameters were within the normal range. Blood plasma hemoglobin, glucose, total protein, albumin and albumin: globulin ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05). However, blood plasma urea, creatinine, triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Blood plasma GOT and GPT were insignificant (P>0.05) decreased. Final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) and relative gain were significantly (P<0.05) improved. ADG was improved by 10.53%, 18.42%, 27.89% for TMR2, TMR3 and TMR4, respectively compared to the control ration (TMR1). Daily feed intakes of DM, TDN, CP and DCP (g/h/day) were increased. Feed conversion (kg intake /kg gain) of DM, TDN, CP and DCP were significantly (P<0.05) improved. Feed cost (LE per kilogram gain) was improved by 9.59%, 14.82% and 22.46% for TMR2, TMR3 and TMR4, respectively compared to the control diet TMR1. It could be concluded that biologically treated corn stalks can be successfully fed to lambs without any adverse effect on digestibility coefficients, ruminal fermentation, blood plasma constituents and performance. Also, BTCS can be used economically in formulation of sheep rations as a good alternative source of clover hay.

Evaluation of in vitro gas production and nutrient digestibility of complete diets supplemented with different levels of thermotolerant yeast in Nellore rams

Aim: The objective of the present study was to know the effect of dietary supplementation of varied levels of thermotolerant yeast to determine best levels for sheep diets by in vitro gas production. An in vivo study on Nellore rams was used for further evaluation of diets with three best levels of yeast (obtained from in vitro data) to determine diet with optimum yeast level for growing lambs by assessing nutrient digestibility, plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance. Materials and methods: A complete diet was formulated and supplemented with five levels (0 g/kg (D ); 1 g/kg (D ); 2 g/kg 1 2 8 (D ); 3 g/kg (D ); 4 g/kg (D ) and 5 g/kg (D ) of thermotolerant yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, OBV-9) @ 5x10 cfu/g to 3 4 5 6 determine best levels for sheep diets by IVGP technique. An in vivo study was conducted on Nellore rams (39.75 0.24 kg body weight, aged 3 years) in a 4 x 4 latin square design for further evaluation of diets with three best yeast levels based on in vitro data, to determine optimum yeast level for diets of growing lambs by assessing nutrient digestibility, plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance. The rams were housed individually in metabolic cages that allowed separation of urine and faeces to evaluate digestibility of nutrients and N balance. Animals were given 10 days adaptation period followed by 7-day collection period, feed intake and refusals were recorded. During the digestibility and N balance study, feed, refusals and faeces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) as per AOAC, USA, while fibre fractions like neutral detergent fibre (aNDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were analyzed. Data were analyzed as per the procedures suggested by Snedecor, G. W. and Cochran, W. G. (1994) and the difference between treatment means was tested for significance by Duncan's multiple-range and F Test. Results: Higher (P<0.01) IVGP volumes, in vitro organic matter degradability, metabolizable energy (ME) and total degradable organic matter were recorded for rations D to D over control, whereas the difference among D to D diets was not 2 6 2 4 significant. Significant (P<0.05) partitioning factor and efficiency of microbial biomass synthesis (EMBP) values for rations D and D and significant (P<0.01) microbial biomass production for D to D diets, recorded. Significant (P<0.01) nitrogen 2 3 2 6 (N) retention was recorded in yeast supplemented rations with high EMBP than control. Dry matter intake (DMI), DMI (% b. 0.75 wt.), DMI/kg W and the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract (P<0.05), nitrogen free extract and fiber fractions were significant (P<0.01) on rations D to D over control, while the difference among 2 4 rations D to D was not significant. All rams were in positive N balance and was higher (P<0.01) on rations D to D over 2 4 2 4 control. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and ME were higher (P<0.01) on rations D to D indicating all rams were 2 4 adequately met with DCP and ME requirements as suggested by ICAR, India. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the potential of theromotolerant yeast at 1 g/kg to 3g/kg level in improving digestibility of nutrients, intake of DCP and ME and N retention without affecting health of rams under study. Thus, incorporation of 1 g/kg level of thermotolerant probiotic yeast in complete diet for lambs appears to be beneficial for livestock producers.

Genetic parameters for fatty acid composition and feed efficiency traits in Japanese Black cattle

We estimated the genetic parameters related to feed intake (FI), feed efficiency traits (including feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN)), beef marbling score (BMS), melting point of fat (MP) and fatty acid composition. Fat and meat (Musculus trapezius) samples were taken from the carcasses of 863 Japanese Black steers derived from 65 sires, for determination of the MP and fatty acid composition of the total lipid in intramuscular adipose tissue. Genetic parameters were estimated using uni- and bivariate animal models. In addition, pedigree information for 4841 animals was used. Heritability estimates for BMS, MP, individual fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), the ratio of saturated fatty acids to MUFA (MUS) and the ratio of elongation (ELONG) were generally high. The FI values of TDN and DCP were also high, but FCRs and RFIs of those were low (0.09 to 0.22). Genetic correlation of BMS with MP was −0.34 (favorable) and with C18:1, MUFA, MUS and ELONG values were 0.40, 0.28, 0.29 and 0.37, respectively (favorable). Genetic correlations of MP with C18:1, MUFA, MUS and ELONG were negative (also favorable) and high (−0.85, −0.98, −1.00 (−0.996) and −0.66, respectively). The correlation estimates for feed efficiency traits of DCP were quite similar to those of TDN. Genetic correlations of BMS with FCRs and RFIs of TDN and DCP were all positive (unfavorable; 0.21 to 0.51), and in particular, the correlations with RFIs of those were high. The correlations of C18:1, MUFA, MUS and ELONG with RFIs of TDN and DCP were positive (unfavorable) but low (0.06 to 0.17), whereas the corresponding correlations with FCRs of those were all negative (favorable; −0.38 to −0.10). These results suggest that the quantity and quality of beef fat can be simultaneously improved and that the quality of beef fat (fatty acid composition) can be improved directly or indirectly with MP. Furthermore, selecting MP or fatty acid traits does not significantly affect feed efficiency.