In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility Values Research Articles

Temporal variation in nutritive value of forage in kermes oak shrublands

This study was carried out to determine the seasonal floristic composition of grasses, forbs, and shrubs in a kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) shrubland in Chalkidiki, Greece, to estimate their nutritive value and to relate it to the nutritional requirements of small ruminants. All the herbaceous and woody species that were present in the study area were identified and collected at the beginning of each season. The samples were categorized into grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Dry matter (DM), ash, ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber assayed with heat stable amylase (aNDF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) contents were determined. Forty-three plant taxa were identified (30 forbs, 7 grasses, and 6 shrubs). Forbs had higher mean values of ash (94.7 g/kg DM), CP (120.9 g/kg DM), Ca (16.9 g/kg DM), P (1.2 g/kg DM), and IVDMD (590.5 g/kg DM) compared to grasses (72.5 g/kg DM, 86.5 g/kg DM, 3.9 g/kg DM, 0.9 kg-1 DM, and 517.8 g/kg DM), and shrubs (44.5 g/kg DM, 79.9 g/kg DM, 11.0 g/kg DM, 0.7 g/kg DM, and 494.7 g/kg DM), respectively. Cool-season grasses can offer sufficient nutrients to grazing animals during autumn and winter, while shrubs support them during spring and winter.

Genetic divergence of cassava genotypes from Petrolina

This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.

Characterisation of landrace 'criollo' maize silage from the highlands of Mexico in terms of starch content.

Maize silage is appreciated for dairy cows due to its high energy content. Mexico is a centre of origin for maize and small-scale dairy farmers use landrace 'criollo' maize silages to feed their herds. However, the characteristics of landrace 'criollo' maize silages in terms of starch content, which defines their nutritional value in terms of energy, are not known. The objective was to characterise criollo maize silages in terms of starch content. Seventy-seven silage samples from 2011 to 2015 were analysed for contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and starch content. A factor analysis using principal component analysis as an extraction method was undertaken, and a hierarchical cluster analysis performed. Five factors affected the starch content of silages and five maize silage clusters identified. There was a positive association between IVDMD and metabolisable energy and between crude protein and acid detergent fibre; moreover, a positive relation was found between dry matter and maize starch contents. Significant differences were found (P < 0.001) for the contents of IVDMD, ME, ashes, OM, DM, and starch. The DM content of group 1 silage did not show any significant differences from other groups, except with group 2 silage, which had the lowest contents of DM and starch. Therefore, group 1 and 5 silage had the highest DM and starch contents, while group 3 silage had the highest IVDMD values and ME contents; finally, group 4 had the highest ash contents. Starch content in criollo maize silages was higher that reports for other maize races and is influenced by climate conditions and dry matter content.

Stylosanthes scabra: genetic variability of forage quality traits

Stylosanthes scabra Vogel is a tropical legume grown in dry tropical and subtropical environments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the genetic diversity of forage quality traits for 80 accessions of S. scabra. Seven plants from each accession were planted in a single-line plot with no replicates at Embrapa Cerrados, Brazil. All plants were harvested 90 days after planting. Crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin (LIG), hemicellulose (HEMIC) and cellulose (CELLU) were estimated. Data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA) and a cluster analysis was performed to identify groups of similarity. Simpson and Shannon–Weaver diversity indices estimated the genetic diversity. The average values of CP, IVDMD, NDF, ADF, LIG, HEMIC and CELLU were 220g/kg, 560g/kg, 516.8g/kg, 368g/kg, 69.4g/kg, 148.8g/kg and 298.6g/kg, respectively. There was a significant difference among collection sites for IVDMD, ADF and CELLU. The first two principal components accounted for 73% of the total variation. The 80 accessions resulted in four clusters, among which significant differences were observed for CP, IVDMD and ADF. Group IV, with 24 accessions, had the highest CP and IVDMD concentrations and the lowest ADF concentration, being the highest-quality forage group. Diversity indices were 0.78 and 0.81 for Simpson’s and Shannon–Weaver’s, respectively. In conclusion, there is genetic diversity for forage quality traits among S. scabra.

Monthly forage value of various plant organs of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.) from a Moroccan arid region

Abstract. Chlif N, Diouri M, El Omari M, Bentayeb A. 2021. Monthly forage value of various plant organs of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.) from a Moroccan arid region. Biodiversitas 23: 67-74. Brocchia cinerea Vis (Asteraceae) represents a xerophytic botanical species widely used in South-Eastern Morocco as a potential animal feed. The present study was aimed to investigate the chemical profile, as well as the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and to estimate the net energy for lactation (NEl) of some fractions (flowers, leaves, stems, and browsable aerial part (whole part a 10 cm above the ground) of B. cinerea. The ether extract (EE) content of some plant parts varied between 0.43 and 1.89%. As far as, the highest concentration of crude protein (CP) was found in leaves. The maximal values for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were found in the mature stems with 58.63%, 44.87%, and 13.05%, respectively. The leaves were the richest fraction in essential oil (EO), total phenols (TP), and tannins. Furthermore, the IVDMD values of various fractions of plants ranged between 59.56 to 89.43 %. The assessed NEl was highest during cold months in some fractions of young plants and decreased with maturity. In conclusion, B. cinerea has a good nutritive value, especially in leaves and early stages.

The Effect of Zinc-Proteinate Supplementation on the In Vitro Digestibility and Ruminal Fermentation in Goat

This study aimed primarily to investigate the effect of Zn-Proteinate (Zn-Prot) supplementation on in vitro rumen digestibility and rumen fermentation. This research used a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replicates. The experimental treatment was the supplementation of various levels of Zn-Prot (0; 12.5 ppm; 25 ppm, and 37.5 ppm) on a dry matter basis. Parameters determined were in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), partial volatile fatty acid (VFA) (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), A/P ratio, CH4, and the efficiency of the conversion hexose to VFA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that goats fed with a diet supplemented with 25 ppm Zn-Prot had the highest IVDMD and IVOMD values. There was no significant effect on the VFA and CH4 concentrations, A/P ratio, and the efficiency of the hexose-VFA conversion within treatment groups. In conclusion, supplementing 25 ppm of Zn-Prot into the diet of dairy goat increase the dry matter and organic matter digestibility.

Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Six Species of Fodder (Fabaceae)

Objectives: To determine the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Acacia angustissima, Dalea spp., Desmodium spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Phaseolus vulgaris and Tephrosia vicioides (Fabaceae) fodder species. Design/Methodology/Approach: Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude lignin (CL), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hcel), cellular content (CC) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were determined. The design was completely random with three repetitions. The variables were correlated by pairs and the means of the species were compared with Tukey’s test (P&lt;0.05). Results: Dalea spp. had the highest crude protein (17.7%), followed by A. angustissima (15.9%) and L. leucocephala (14.1%). A. angustissima (73.2%), Dalea spp. (74.9%) and P. vulgaris (77.5%) showed the highest IVDMD. L. leucocephala, Tephrosia vicioides and Desmodium spp. showed the lowest values of CP (14.1, 11.8 and 12.3%, respectively) and IVDMD (70.4, 70.2 and 64.9%, respectively). Desmodium spp. showed high levels of NDF (59.2%), ADF (41.4%), CL (17.5%), Cel (29.7%) and Hcel (17.8%) (P?0.05). IVDMD showed positive correlation with CC and negative correlations with NDF, CL, and Hcel (P&lt;0.05). Study Limitations/Implications: Desmodium spp. showed high content of CL and low values of CP and IVDMD, therefore supplements should be added when used in animal feed. Findings/Conclusions: Dalea spp. showed low levels of lignin and high levels of protein and digestibility, making it posible to use as feed for ruminants

Solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus improves the nutritive value of corn stover-kudzu biomass.

A batch culture technique was used to evaluate dry matter (DM) digestibility of corn stover (Zea mays L.) and kudzu, Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. after solid-state fermentation (SSF) with a white-rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm. Five dietary treatments consisting of mixtures of corn stover (C) and kudzu (K) in varying ratios, (1) 100C:0K, (2) 75C:25K, (3) 50C:50K, (4) 25C:75K, and (5) 0C:100K, were inoculated with P. ostreatus (MBFBL 400) and subjected to SSF for 0, 35, and 77days. The study was arranged as a 5 × 3 factorial design with 3 replicates. Grass hay was included in the study as a control. Interactions (P < 0.05) between treatments and fermentation time were noted for the fermentation kinetics. Asymptotic gas was the highest (P < 0.05) for 0C:100K and 100C:0K on day 77. Treatment effect (P < 0.001) and treatment × fermentation time interaction (P < 0.001) were noted for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). On day 77, treatment 4 had the highest (P < 0.001) IVDMD value, while treatment 1 had the lowest (P < 0.001) IVDMD. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between treatments 3, 5, and control. Numerically, the ranking of their IVDMD values from the highest to the lowest is 4 > 2 > 5 > control >3 > 1. The results show that the treated corn stover and kudzu mixes were comparable with the control, which is good quality hay. This is the first report that demonstrates the potential use of a combined mixture of corn stover and kudzu in ruminant animal feed development.

Divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones through chemical composition and in vitro kinetics of ruminal fermentation. Twenty three clones of Brachiaria ruziziensis were used (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 and 1972) and Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. ‘Kennedy’, Brachiaria brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ and Brachiaria decumbens cv. ‘Basilisk’ as controls within 27 days of harvesting. The experimental design used randomized blocks with 26 treatments (genotypes) and three replications. Evaluation of the nutritional divergence was performed using principal components analysis, based on the following discriminatory variables: in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, crude protein (CP), degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (KdNFC) and degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdFC). The evaluation of the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria genotypes was based on the two main components (IVDMD and NDF), which explains 96.2% of the total variance Variables of lower contribution to the discrimination of the clones were as degradation rates of the fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates. In the agglomerative hierarchical grouping analysis, five distinct groups were identified, where V group, formed by clones 46, 768 and 1067 have higher values of IVDMD compared to the other clones.

Agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of elephant grass clones managed under rotational stocking during the dry period

This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics and nutritional value of two clones of elephant grass (CNPGL 00-1-3 and BRS Kurumi) operating under rotational stocking in the dry season. A completely randomized design with repeated measures (grazing cycles) and three replicates (paddocks) was used. Clones were managed under rotational stocking with a defoliation interval of 24 days and four days of occupation of paddocks, using Holstein x Gyr heifers with mean body weight of 150 kg. The evaluations were conducted in April/May, May/June, June/July and July/August 2010. Green forage mass was influenced by clone and grazing cycle, with higher mean value observed for CNPGL 03-01-00, which was 17% higher than the value observed for BRS Kurumi, and there was decreased of dry mass of green forage with the advance of grazing cycles. Leaf mass was influenced only by grazing cycle, with gradual reduction from the first to the third cycle. However, in fourth cycle was increase in biomass of leaves, which did not differ from that observed in the second cycle. There was interaction for dry matter production of stem, being observed differences in the first and third cycles for the clones. There was no effect of the factors studied for the production of senescent material. The leaf:stem ratio was influenced by grazing cycles, with interaction of the factors studied. The clone BRS Kurumi kept the leaf:stem ratio stable over the cycles, while clone CNPGL 1-3-00 presented a decrease in leaf:stem ratio from first until to third cycle. The content of crude protein (PB) was not influenced by the factors studied, with average values of 15.3% and 15.8% PB for the CNPGL 00-1-3 and BRS Kurumi clones. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were affected only by grazing cycles. The highest values of NDF were observed in the three first grazing cycles, with values of 55.5%, 56.0% and 55.7% from the first to the third grazing cycle, respectively, while in the fourth cycle was obtained the value of 50.5%. There was a decrease in the IVDMD until the third cycle. In the fourth cycle the IVDMD values were similar to the first cycle. The clones did not differ in relation to biomass production, morphological composition and nutritional value, during the dry season.

Impacts of citrus pulp addition and wilting on elephant grass silage quality

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of citrus pulp addition and wilting on fermentative characteristics, chemical composition as well as gas and effluent losses of elephant grass silage. The elephant grass (70 growth days) was collected manually; one portion was immediately chopped and another one was allowed to wilt in the sun for a period of 6 h and subsequently chopped for the production of silage. Experimental PVC silos (10 cm diameter x 30 cm height) were used and sand bags were placed at the bottom of the silos. Citrus pulp (80 g kg-1 of MN) was added at the beginning of ensilage. The ensiled material was manually compressed to provide a specific mass of approximately 600 kg m-3 of silage. After 60 days, the silos were opened; gas and effluent losses were calculated and we determined pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein(CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), lignin, ammonia nitrogen, ash and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). We added 0 or 80 g kg-1 of citrus pulp to wilted and un-wilted elephant grass. We used a completely randomised design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (wilted or un-wilted) x (with or without citrus pulp), totalling treatments with five repetitions. Average values were compared using the F test with a probability of 5%. The addition of citrus pulp resulted in reduced levels of NDF, lignin, ash, N-NH3 and pH and in increased values of DM and IVDMD of silages. Wilting increased the DM, NDF and lignin values and reduced the concentrations of CP, IVDMD and N-NH3. Based on our results, citrus pulp addition improves the chemical composition of elephant grass silage and increases its in vitro dry matter digestibility.

In vitro fermentation of conventional diets commonly fed to dairy cows in Central Myanmar

This study consisted of two experiments conducted to evaluate the effective net gas, fermentation kinetics (experiment 1), methane gas concentration, partitioning factor (PF) for microbial protein synthesis and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (experiment 2) of conventional diets commonly fed to dairy cows in Central Myanmar. The conventional diets from four areas [diet from Sin Tel area (Diet-ST), diet from Myay Ngu area (Diet-MN), diet from Ta Pel area (Diet-TP) and diet from Amarapura area (Diet-AM)] were used as experimental diets in this study. In most of conventional diets, rice straw, sorghum stover and natural grass were used as roughage source and cotton seed cake and broken rice were used as concentrate. However in some diets, sesame residue and butter bean residue were used as roughage source instead of sorghum stover and natural grass. The roughage to concentrate ratio and crude protein (CP) content of conventional diets ranged from 53:47 to 72:28 and 11.46 to 17.96%, respectively. In experiment 1, the effective net gas volume of Diet-TP was lower (p&lt;0.05) than Diet-ST and Diet-AM and generally, the fermentation kinetics (a, b, c and a+b) of Diet-TP were also lower than those of other diets. In the experiment 2, the lower value (p&lt;0.05) of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) was found in Diet-MN and Diet-TP while the higher values (p&lt;0.05) of metabolizable energy (ME) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were observed Diet-AM and Diet-TP. Although methane gas concentration of Diet-TP was higher (p&lt;0.05) than those of other diets, the greater values of IVDMD and PF were observed in Diet-TP. According to these findings, it was perceived that all conventional diets have different nutritional qualities which are useful for production and health of dairy cows; however the Diet-TP possessed the highest nutritional qualities among the conventional diets.

Effect of incorporation of walnut cake (Juglans regia) in concentrate mixture on degradation of dry matter, organic matter and production of microbial biomass in vitro in goat.

Aim:This study was carried out to investigate the effect of incorporation of different level of walnut cake in concentrate mixture on in vitro dry matter degradation in order to determine its level of supplementation in ruminant ration.Materials and Methods:Walnut cake was used @ 0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% level to formulate an iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The different formulae of concentrate mixtures were used for in vitro gas production studies using goat rumen liquor with wheat straw in 40:60 ratio. Proximate composition, fiber fractionation and calcium and phosphrous content of walnut cake were estimated.Result:The per cent IVDMD value of T1 and T2 diets was 68.42 ± 1.20 and 67.25 ± 1.37 respectively which was found highest (P<0.05) T3, T4, T5 and T6. Similar trend was also found for TDOM and MBP. Inclusion of walnut cake at 10% level in the concentrate mixture does not affect in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), truly degradable organic matter (TDOM, mg/200 mg DM), total gas production, microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMP).Conclusion:It is concluded that walnut cake incorporation up to 10% level in the iso -nitrogenous concentrate mixture has no any negative effect on in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM), TDOM, MBP, EMP and total gas production in goat.

In Vitro Study of Fermented Complete Feed by Using Sago Residues as Main Source Diet

Recently, fermentation of low quality feed such as agro industry by products has been widely applied to produce enriched animal feed and improve animal productivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro digestibility of fermented complete feed by using agro-residues from sago starch processing industries as main source diet. Feed was formulated on the basis of 40% sago residue and mixed with other ingredients (rice brand, coconut meal, bread by product, soybean meal and soybean hulls) to fulfill the requirement of sheep with 16,10% of CP, 2,80 Mkal ME/kg and TDN 60,88% based on calculation. Mineral and Urea were added in the complete feed to reach mineral and CP requirements of sheep. Complete feed formulation was fermented by using 3 commercial fermentation products (Saus Burger Pakan® (SBP), Probion® and EM4®) for 21 days. Total and types of microbes from commercial fermentation products which were utilized in this study were not determined. Parameters measured in this study were pH, NH3, IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility), IVOMD (in vitro organic matter digestibility) and VFA total. The model used for the statistical analysis was completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments (control and 3 different commercial fermentation products) and 4 replications. The results of this study indicated that administration of different commercial fermentation products into fermented complete feed based on sago residues significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05) on pH, NH3, VFA total, IVDMD and IVOMD. Generally, commercial fermentation products mainly SBP produced better feed quality by improving the values of pH, NH3, VFA total, IVDMD and IVOMD. However, types and total microorganisms were needed to be determined before experiment.

In Vitro Study of Fermented Complete Feed by Using Sago Residues as Main Source Diet

Recently, fermentation of low quality feed such as agro industry by products has been widely applied to produce enriched animal feed and improve animal productivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro digestibility of fermented complete feed by using agro-residues from sago starch processing industries as main source diet. Feed was formulated on the basis of 40% sago residue and mixed with other ingredients (rice brand, coconut meal, bread by product, soybean meal and soybean hulls) to fulfill the requirement of sheep with 16,10% of CP, 2,80 Mkal ME/kg and TDN 60,88% based on calculation. Mineral and Urea were added in the complete feed to reach mineral and CP requirements of sheep. Complete feed formulation was fermented by using 3 commercial fermentation products (Saus Burger Pakan® (SBP), Probion® and EM4®) for 21 days. Total and types of microbes from commercial fermentation products which were utilized in this study were not determined. Parameters measured in this study were pH, NH3, IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility), IVOMD (in vitro organic matter digestibility) and VFA total. The model used for the statistical analysis was completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments (control and 3 different commercial fermentation products) and 4 replications. The results of this study indicated that administration of different commercial fermentation products into fermented complete feed based on sago residues significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05) on pH, NH3, VFA total, IVDMD and IVOMD. Generally, commercial fermentation products mainly SBP produced better feed quality by improving the values of pH, NH3, VFA total, IVDMD and IVOMD. However, types and total microorganisms were needed to be determined before experiment.

Qualidade da silagem de aveia preta sob efeito de estádios fenológicos, tamanhos de partícula e pré-murchamento

ResumoObjetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar os efeitos do estádio fenológico, o tamanho de partícula e o pré-murchamento sobre as características de fermentação e valor nutritivo da silagem de aveia preta (Avena strigosa). O experimento foi conduzido durante o período hibernal de 2011, em “latossolo vermelho” de textura argilosa localizado em Renascença, sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema trifatorial (3x2x2) com quatro repetições, sendo os fatores tamanhos médios de partícula: 5; 13 e 22mm; estádios de ensilagem: início do florescimento e florescimento pleno; e manejos: com e sem pré-murchamento. O tamanho de partícula alterou apenas o pH do material ensilado, com melhores resultados com 22mm, sem efeitos na composição bromatológica da silagem produzida. A operação de pré-murchamento é eficiente em restringir a emissão de efluentes no início do florescimento e, também, confere à silagem melhores condições de fermentação, com redução da capacidade tampão de 87,68 para 53,20 meq NaOH 100g MS-1 e do pH de 3,64 para 3,15, os quais garantem melhor preservação do valor nutritivo da forragem, possuindo menores teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente acido (FDA), com maior proteína bruta (PB), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Com o avanço da maturidade, verifica-se elevação nos teores de FDN e FDA e redução nos teores de PB, DIVMS e NDT. A ensilagem em início de florescimento, seguida de pré-murchamento, possui condições adequadas para fermentação e apresenta melhor valor nutritivo

Chemical composition and dry matter digestibility of sugar cane oxide treated with calcium

The aim of this study was to identify the most adequate level of calcium oxide (CaO) in the treatment of sugar cane by evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of dry matter. The sugar cane was homogenized with CaO levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5%, in natura matter, for 24 hours. The dry matter and mineral matter increased, while the organic matter of the sugar cane decreased (P &lt;0.05) linearly as a result of the CaO levels. The CaO had no effect on the levels of crude protein and ether extract. The phosphorus concentration remained unchanged, but there was a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the calcium content. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and cellulose decreased linearly with the levels of CaO. The average levels of indigestible dry matter and indigestible neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased with increasing levels of CaO. The results showed that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was different between fresh sugar cane and sugar cane with added levels of CaO from 1.5%. The IVDMD and nutritional value of the sugar cane was improved by adding 1.5% CaO based on fresh content.

Valor nutritivo de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar sob irrigação

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição químico-bromatológica e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar, sujeitas a diferentes lâminas de irrigação. Foram avaliadas as cultivares RB 96-1003; RB 94-3206; RB 72-454; RB 01-2018; VAT 90-212; RB 01-2046 e RB 92-579, que recebiam as lâminas de irrigação em 100%; 80%; 60% e 40% da evapotranspiração real da cultura (ETc) em delineamento em blocos completos, casualizados, e arranjo fatorial em três repetições. Cada parcela foi constituída por sete linhas duplas de plantio, em que o sistema de irrigação utilizado foi o gotejamento subsuperficial com emissores autocompensantes. Aos 12 meses após o plantio, as canas foram cortadas para determinação dos teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria mineral (MM), proteína bruta (PB), matéria orgânica (MO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), extrato etéreo (EE) e DIVMS. As cultivares RB 94-3206 e RB 01-2018 se destacaram positivamente em relação aos teores de PB, enquanto a RB 96-1003 destacou-se de forma positiva para a DIVMS. Com a lâmina de irrigação de 100% da ETc foram obtidos maiores teores de MS e menores valores de DIVMS em relação às demais.

Frozen rumen fluid as microbial inoculum in the two-stage in vitro digestibility assay of ruminant feeds

This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using frozen rumen fluid (RF) as an inoculum source in the determination the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of ruminant feeds. In the first experiment six roughages (barley straw, wheat straw, lentil straw, wheat silage, maize silage and lucerne hay) and six different compound feeds (two dairy cattle, two beef cattle, one ram lamb and one lamb finishing compound feeds) were chosen as test material. Two different types of cryoprotectants (5% glycerol vs. 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and two types of freezing methods (liquid nitrogen vs. deep freezing) were used to preserve the RF. Fresh RF was used as the control. In response to the results of the first experiment, a second experiment was conducted to establish if microbial digestibility could be improved by extending the duration of incubation of the roughages from 48 to 60, 72 or 96 h. When using the RF inoculum treated with 5% DMSO and frozen in liquid nitrogen, the IVDMD of the compound feeds were similar to those of the control. However, when the 5% DMSO treated inoculum was frozen in the deep freezer, some of the compound feeds had similar IVDMD values to the control but not all. Lower IVDMD values were recorded when glycerol was used as a cryoprotectant. In the case of the roughages the use of both freezing methods and cryoprotectants resulted in lower IVDMD values compared to the control. In the second experiment the increasing of the duration of incubation of roughages from 48 to 72 h improved their IVDMD to values similar to that of the control. This suggested that the length of the incubation of roughages should be 72 h instead of 48 h when using inocula treated with 5% DMSO as a cryoprotectant and frozen in a deep freezer. However, further research is required before frozen RF can be recommended as source of inoculum. Keywords: Sheep inoculum, incubation length, freezing method, cryoprotectant

Digestibilidade da matéria seca de silagens de milho e de suplementos concentrados determinada por procedimentos in vitro

Compararam-se os valores de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de quatro silagens de milho e de seis concentrados (três proteicos e três energéticos), determinados pelo método de dois estádios realizados em tubos individuais ou em equipamento automatizado de fermentação, e avaliou-se a ocorrência de efeito associativo na digestão de alimentos destas três classes incubadas em um mesmo jarro de fermentação da incubadora in vitro, ou em jarros diferentes contendo a mesma classe de alimentos. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (procedimentos in vitro x classes de alimentos). Os valores de DIVMS determinados pelo método dos tubos foram mais próximos dos relatados na literatura e menores (P&lt;0,02) que os obtidos pelos procedimentos automatizados. Não houve diferença (P&gt;0,05) nos valores de DIVMS dos concentrados e das silagens de milho incubados no mesmo jarro de fermentação da incubadora ou, separadamente por alimento, em jarros diferentes.