Acid Detergent Fiber Intake Research Articles

The influence of supplemental zinc and dietary fiber concentration on mineral retention of beef steers.

The objective was to determine if zinc (Zn) retention improved with supplemental Zn above recommended concentrations with increasing dietary fiber concentration. Angus steers (n = 32; 309 ± 4.2 kg body weight [BW]) with GeneMax gain scores of 3, 4, or 5 were utilized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (8 steers per treatment). Steers were stagger started (four blocks of eight steers) and stratified by BW within growing diets to one of two Zn strategies (ZNTRT), no supplemental Zn (analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]; CON) or supranutritional Zn (CON + 60 mg Zn/kg DM as ZnSO4 + 60 mg Zn/kg DM as Zn–amino acid complex; SUPZN). Dietary fiber strategies (FIBER) were formulated to target two fiber supplementation rates representing high fiber (HF; ~35% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) or low fiber (LF; ~25% NDF). Within block, steers received HF for 60 d; then pens were randomly assigned to LF or HF for finishing. Steers fed LF were transitioned for 15 d; on day 75, steers were moved to metabolism crates and adapted for 10 d, followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection. Retention of Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and N were calculated. The model for analysis of metabolism data included the fixed effects of ZNTRT, FIBER, block, and the interaction of ZNTRT × FIBER, with the three-way interaction of ZNTRT × FIBER × block as random. Steer was the experimental unit (n = 8 per treatment combination). Zinc did not affect initial 60-d performance (P ≥ 0.62). DM and organic matter digestibility were lesser (P = 0.02) and N digestibility tended to be lesser (P = 0.07) in CON vs. SUPZN. Intake and digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in HF vs. LF. Digestibility and retention of N as a percentage of intake were greater (P ≤ 0.04) whereas N retention as grams per day tended to be greater in HF vs. LF (P = 0.06). Apparent absorption of Zn tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in CON vs. SUPZN. A ZNTRT × FIBER effect was identified for Zn retention (milligrams per day; P = 0.01) where within SUPZN Zn retention was greater in HF vs. LF (P < 0.01). Apparent absorption and retention of Zn were greater (% of intake; P ≤ 0.02) in HF vs. LF. Apparent absorption of Cu, Fe, and Mn was unaffected by ZNTRT or FIBER (P ≥ 0.24). Increasing dietary Zn increased Zn retained regardless of changes in coefficient of absorption. In addition, dietary fiber content may impact trace mineral and N metabolism by steers, potentially due to increased release of these nutrients from feed as fiber digestibility increases. It appears dietary Zn concentrations and diet composition influence trace mineral absorption in beef steers.

Dried brewers’ grain as a replacement for soybean meal on nutrient digestibility and rumen parameters of cattle

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing soybean meal with dried brewers’ grains (DBG) in intake and digestibility of the nutrients and the ruminal parameters of cattle. Four ruminal cannulated Jersey oxen with initial body weight of 662.7 ± 85.5 kg were distributed in a 4x4 Latin square design. The treatments were levels of 0%, 33%, 66% and 100% DBG replacing soybean meal in the diet. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake were not influenced by the treatments. There were linear increases in ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes because of higher levels of these nutrients in diets with DBG. Non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake showed a decreasing linear effect. Dry matter and NFC digestibility decreased linearly with rising DBG levels, while EE, CP, NDF and ADF digestibilities were not affected. Ruminal pH was not influenced by DBG levels in the diet. There was a quadratic effect in ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration in the rumen, with the maximum occurring at a level of 36.7% DGB. The replacement of soybean meal with DBG in cattle diets did not alter DM intake and ruminal pH, but reduced TDN intake. Keywords : Ammonia nitrogen, by-product, digestibility, intake, pH

The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fluid pH in Awassi female lambs.

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding low (LO)- or high (HI)-fiber diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fluid pH, and serum concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen in Awassi female lambs in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments.Materials and Methods:Experimental diets were as follows: (1) LO-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (−LO), (2) LO-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+LO), (3) HI-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (−HI), or (4) HI-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+HI). Eight female lambs were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 15-day experimental periods (10-day adaptation period and 5-day collection period).Results:A fiber×SC interaction (p≤0.05) was detected for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake among diets showing greater DM and CP intake for +LO diet compared to +HI group supplemented with SC, whereas −LO and −HI were intermediate. A fiber×SC interaction (p=0.05) was also detected for the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake among diets. Intake of NDF was greater for the –HI diet compared with +LO and –LO diets. Similarly, NDF intake was greater for +HI diet than –LO diet. A tendency (p=0.07) for a fiber×SC interaction was detected for acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake among diets as well. ADF intake tended to be greater for HI-fiber diets. No difference was observed in the rumen fluid pH for lambs fed with the different diets. No fiber×SC interactions were detected for the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF among dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM was greater (72.9 g/100 g vs. 67.1 g/100 g; p=0.0002) for LO versus HI fiber. However, NDF and ADF digestibilities were greater (60.8 and 61.9 g/100 g vs. 55.8 and 52.7 g/100 g for NDF and ADF digestibility, respectively; p≤0.01) for the HI-fiber than the LO-fiber diets.Conclusion:Results obtained in the current study indicate that SC supplementation has a minimal effect on the performance of Awassi female lambs fed with varying fiber levels.

Intake and performance of lambs finished in feedlot with wet brewer\u2019s grains

BackgroundThe use of agroindustrial by-products in ruminant nutrition to be an interesting alternative in order to reduce production costs and environmental impacts arising from the inadequate destination of residues. The initial step of beer production yields a large volume of wet brewer’s grains all year around, which is available at a low cost and has a high nutritional quality, and hence a big potential for animal production.MethodsTwenty-four Suffolk non-castrated male lambs, from simple parturition were kept in individual spots and allocated to four treatments constituted by four levels of substitution of sorghum silage by WBG (i.e.0; 33.5; 66.5 and 100% of substitution). It was used roughage: concentrate rate of 50:50, based on dry matter.ResultsThe ether extract intake increased while the acid detergent fiber intake decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05). Substituion of sorghum silage by WBG did not change lambs’ feed DMI, daily weight gain and feed conversion.ConclusionThe substitution of sorghum silage by WBG as roughage showed to be a viable alternative from the productive and economic point of view for finishing of feedlot lambs.

Feed intake, milk yield and composition, and profitability of Horro Cows fed Rhodes grass hay supplemented with &lt;i&gt;Ficus sur&lt;/i&gt; (Cv. Forssk) fruits

An experiment was conducted in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, at Guduru Animal Production and Research Center (GAPRC) of Wollega University to evaluate the effect of Ficus sur (Cv. Forssk) fruits (FSF) supplementation on feed intake, milk yield, composition and profitability of Horro cows. Twelve healthy lactating Horro cows of similar lactation stage, body weight and condition were selected from GAPRC. All of the selected cows were in early (one weak to 10days) lactation stage. The experiment had three treatments with four replications arranged in a randomized complete block design to which 2-5 parities were used as blocking factor, and three cows were used per parity. The treatments were: T1, Rhodes grass hay +1.7kg Oat grain +0.8kg Noug seed cake, T2, Rhodes grass hay +0.56kg Noug seed cake+0.97kg oat grain +0.97kg FSF and T3, Rhodes grass hay +0.8kg Noug seed cake+ 1.7kg FSF. The experiment was conducted for 60 days, including 15 days of adaptation. Except for crude protein intake, there were significant (P<0.05) differences in total dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intakes among treatment groups. Milk yields were increased with increase in levels of FSF in the diets. Except Lactose content, the compositions of milk were significantly differed (P<0.05) among treatment groups. Milk fat was highest for cows fed T1 diet. Supplementation of FSF was more profitable than those supplemented with oats grain (OG). In conclusion, supplementation of Horro cows with different proportion of FSF and OG maintained on basal diet of Rhodes grass hay has increased feed intake, milk yield and milk composition of dairy products. Due to high cost of agro industrial by products and cereal grains, it is advantageous to use FSF as supplement to improve milk production and composition, and profitability of Horro cows. Since FSF is promising energy supplement, further research is suggested to study the propagation and management of Ficus sur trees and estimation of their fruit yields. Keywords : Feed intake Ficus sur Milk yield Composition Horro cows

Effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio and wildrye length on nutrient intake, digestibility, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation and fecal microflora of male Chinese Holstein calves

Twenty-eight male, weaned Chinese Holstein calves ((156.8±33.4) kg) were used to investigate the effects of dietary forage to concentrate ratio (F:C) and forage length on nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and fecal microflora. Animals were randomly allocated to four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement: whole-length forage (WL) with low F:C (50:50); WL with high F:C (65:35); short-length forage (SL) with high F:C (65:35); and SL with low F:C (50:50). Chinese wildrye was used as the only forage source in this trial. The grass in the SL treatments was chopped using a chaff cutter to achieve small particle size (∼50% particles >19 mm). Dry matter intake (DMI) and organic matter (OM) intake was increased by increasing both F:C (P<0.01) and forage length (FL) (P<0.05), while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes were only increased by increasing the F:C (P<0.01). The digestibility of NDF was increased as the FL increased (P<0.01), and it was also affected by interaction between F:C and FL (P<0.05). Cholesterol (CHO) (P<0.01), leptin (LP) (P<0.05), and growth hormone (GH) (P<0.01) concentrations in plasma were increased as dietary F:C increased. A significant increase in plasma triglyceride (TG) (P<0.01), insulin (INS) (P<0.05), and GH (P<0.01) levels was observed with decreasing dietary FL. Ruminal pH values of calves fed with low F:C diets were significantly lower than those in high F:C treatment (P<0.05). Increasing the F:C enhanced ruminal acetic acid (P<0.05) and acetic acid/propionic acid (P<0.01). Fecal Lactobacillus content was significantly higher, while Escherichia coli and Salmonella contents were significantly lower in WL and high F:C groups (P<0.05). Lower fecal scores (higher diarrhea rate) were observed in calves fed with SL hay compared to WL hay (P<0.05). Denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) bands and richness index (S) were significantly affected by the interaction between F:C and FL (P<0.05), under high F:C, band numbers and richness index from WL group were higher than that from SL group (P<0.05), whereas there were no differences between WL and SL groups under low F:C (P>0.05). Microflora similarity was 50–73% among the different treatments. It is concluded that the WL with high F:C (65:35) diet is suitable for weaned calves.

CAN DIETARY DRIED OREGANO IMPROVE THE DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENT INTAKE OF GROWING GOATS?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary dried oregano on the intake of dry matter and digestible nutrients in growing goats. Fifteen 7-month old male goats were fed on diets with 0, 10 and 50 g kg-1 of dried oregano based on dry matter (DM). A completely randomized design was used, and each animal was assigned to one pen and treatment (3 treatments x 5 replicates) for 45 days. Voluntary intake of DM and nutrient digestibility were measured using acid insoluble ash as an indigestible marker. Daily weight gains were 146, 126 and 122 g d-1 per treatment (P = 0.08). A positive effect on digestible nutrient intake was obtained with both oregano concentrations. Linear and quadratic effects were obtained in the digestible neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the other nutrient intakes, respectively. No effect was observed in DM or digestible acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes. Therefore, there was a positive effect on the coefficient of DM in both treatments and NDF digestibility in the treatment with the highest concentration of dietary dried oregano. The positive effect of dried oregano on the goats’ diet in terms of digestible nutrient intake suggests that oregano essential oil (EO) modifies the ruminal microflora by improving digestibility, rather than having an effect on the feeding behavior of the animal due to the flavour of the diet. The treatment containing 10 g kg-1 of dietary dried oregano promoted voluntary DM consumption and increased the intake of digestible nutrients, while that containing 50 g kg-1 of dried oregano only promoted the intake of digestible NDF.

Nutritional evaluation of spent maize (Zea mays) cobs as roughage source in sheep feeding

A study was conducted to compare the conventional finger millet (Eleucine coracana) strawbased diet (T1) with urea and salt-treated (1% each, w/w) maize (Zea mays) cob-based diet (T2) on the growth performance of lambs. Sixteen Bannur lambs (3 to 5 months-old, body weight ranging from 8 to 15 kg) were divided into two groups of eight each in a completely randomized design. Twelve weeks feeding trial was carried out with an initial adjustment period of one week and six days of digestion trial at the end of the experiment. Chemical analyses revealed that maize cob was comparable with finger millet straw except for lower crude protein (4.10 vs 2.61%) and higher neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) (64.25 v/s 80.88%; 2.73 vs 6.78%). Cumulative gas (ml/200mg DM/24 h) production and energy density (ME MJ/kg DM) was higher in urea treated maize cob (41.68 and 7.88) as compared to untreated maize cob (37.37 and 7.33) or finger millet straw (36.76 and 7.19). There was significant (P<0.05) difference in total dry matter (DM) intake between the treatment groups (T1: 401 and T2: 319 g/d). Significant (P<0.05) difference was also observed in the overall organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intake between the treatment groups. The average daily gain (g/day) and feed conversion ratio (g DMI/g body weight gain) for T 1 and T 2 groups was statistically nonsignificant (T1: 31.55 and 12.71; T2: 39.29 and 8.12). The mean apparent digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, ether extract and NDF) was comparable between the treatment groups except for ADF. The digestible OM on DM basis (%) between the treatment groups was also comparable. It was concluded that, urea-treated maize cobs can be utilized as roughage source for feeding small ruminants during the periods of scarcity.

Growth performance and hematology of Djallonké rams fed haulms of four varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of the haulms of 4 dual-purpose groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties and their effects on the growth and hematology of Djallonké rams. The groundnut varieties were ICGV 97049 (Obolo), ICGX SM 87057 (Yenyawoso), RMP 12 (Azivivi) and Manipinta. Rams (live weight 15.0 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 sole groundnut haulm meal (GHM) treatments, with 4 rams each in an individual pen per treatment (total n = 16 rams). Samples of the groundnut haulms were milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The CP concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in Azivivi, Manipinta and Yenyawoso than in Obolo. The highest (P < 0.05) NDF and ADF fractions were obtained in Obolo. Whilst no significant difference was reported in total and daily dry matter (DM) intake among the varieties, CP, NDF and ADF intake all differed between Obolo and other varieties. The apparent nutrient digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) when the Djallonké rams were fed the haulms. However, significant differences were observed in final live weight and average daily live weight gain. Rams fed the Yenyawoso variety had higher (P < 0.05) final live weight and average daily live weight gain compared with those fed Obolo and Azivivi varieties. Consumption of any of the 4 varieties of groundnut haulms by Djallonké rams did not have any harmful effect on their red and white blood cell numbers and hemoglobin concentration. The study revealed that the different varieties of groundnut haulms differ in nutrient composition and also affect the growth performance of the rams. The Yenyawoso variety may be used as a sole diet for fattening Djallonké rams.

Intake and Digestibility of Sheep-fed Alfalfa Haylage Supplemented with Corn

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dry corn (DC) and fermented corn (FC) supplemented to alfalfa haylage (AH) (Medicago sativa L.) on feed intake, digestibility, and nitrogen (N) balance in wether sheep. The study consisted of five feeding treatments incorporating AH alone and AH supplemented with 5 or 10 g of DC (DC5 and DC10, respectively) or FC (FC5 and FC10, respectively) kg−1 body weight (BW) d−1 to Suffolk wethers. The DC5 and FC5 treatments were higher in acid detergent fibre (ADF) intake (P < 0.001), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake (P < 0.001), and N intake (P < 0.05) compared with the DC10 and FC10 treatments. Both energy sources (DC and FC) and supplemental levels (5 and 10 g kg−1 BW d−1) increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM), and the digestibility of OM in DM (D value), and decreased the digestibility of ADF (P < 0.05). The DC10 and FC10 treatments had higher D values (P < 0.05) and reduced ADF digestibility values (P < 0....

The effects of feeding olive cake and Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of Awassi lambs

Throughout a 63day-period, thirty fat-tailed Awassi ram lambs were used to determine the influence of feeding olive cake (OC) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on performance and blood metabolites. Intact male lambs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 25.0kg±1.91 were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments; lambs fed the conventional diet (CON; n=10; group 1) or OC containing diets (n=20). Within the OC diet, 10 of the lambs received a diet containing 150g/kg dietary dry matter (DM) OC (OC; group 2) and the other 10 received OC diet plus 0.5g/head/day SC (OCSC; group 3). Lambs were offered ad libitum access to the assigned diets until the end of the study. On day 0, 21, 42, and 63, lamb BW was measured before the morning feeding to evaluate average daily gain (ADG) and feed:gain ratio (feed efficiency). Additionally, on the same days, ten milliliters of blood were collected before feeding from the jugular vein and analyzed for blood metabolite concentrations and liver enzymes. With the exception of ether extract (EE) intake, which was greater (P<0.01) in OC containing diets than CON diet, no differences (P≥0.11) were observed in DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intakes among dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM, CP, aNDF and ADF decreased (P≤0.04) in OC and OCSC diets vs the CON diet. However, digestibility of EE increased (P<0.01) in OC containing diets over the CON diet. No significant differences were noticed in total gain, ADG and feed efficiency among dietary treatments. No differences were observed in serum content of urea N, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase among treatments. However, serum content of glucose tended to be greater (P=0.07) in the OC and OCSC groups than in the CON group. In all measured variables, SC supplementation did not show any differences over the OC diet alone. In summary, results of the current study indicate that feeding olive cake for growing Awassi lambs could replace the conventional feeds at 150g/kg of dietary DM; whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation did not show any significant benefits.

Fatty acid profile of goat milk in diets supplemented with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.).

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is the greatest known plant source of n-3 α-linolenic acid. The present study evaluated the effects of 3 inclusion levels of chia seed [zero (control); low, 2.7% (CLow); and high, 5.5% (CHigh)] in diets of dairy goats on milk yield and fatty acid profile. Nine Saanen dairy goats in the last third of lactation period, live weight 38 ± 8.7 kg, housed in metabolic cages, were fed iso-proteic and iso-energetic (160 g of crude protein/d and 11 MJ of metabolizable energy/d) diets. Gas chromatography was used to analyze fatty acid profile and total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Silver ion HPLC was used to analyze the isomeric profile of CLA. The results were subjected to variance analysis using a Latin square design repeated 3 × 3. The CHigh treatment was higher for dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber intake compared with CLow and control diets. Digestibility was not affected by the inclusion of chia seeds. The CHigh diet improved N intake with respect to the control and CLow diet. Milk yield and chemical composition were not affected by the treatment. The milk fatty acid profile of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, and C:20 was higher for CHigh than the other treatments. The in vitro gas production (mL of gas/g of dry matter) was lower in CHigh than the control diet. In conclusion, the addition of chia seeds at the CHigh level in dairy goat diets negatively affected in vitro rumen fermentation, but increased the milk fatty acid profile of C18:0, C18:1n-9 cis, and C:20, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The total CLA content increased from 0.33 to 0.73% with the supplementation of chia to the diet, as well as the isomers cis-9,trans-11, trans-7,cis-9, trans-11,cis-13, and trans-12,trans-14.

Digestibility and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay

The aim of this study was to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, water balance, and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay associated with a concentrate. Thirty-two castrated feedlot Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age, with 22 ± 1.97 kg body weight, were distributed into a completely randomized experimental design. Acid detergent fiber intake increased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas non-fibrous carbohydrates intake decreased (P &lt; 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush in the diet reduced (P &lt; 0.01) the digestibility of dry and organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The intakes of digestible dry and organic matter, ether extract, total carbohydrates, and digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates also decreased (P &lt; 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush did not influence water consumption from the trough by the sheep, averaging 4,327.20 mL/day?1. Body weight at slaughter and daily weight gain decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) and feed conversion worsened as old man saltbush hay was added to the diet. Inclusion of old man saltbush at up to 40% replacing the concentrate in feedlot lamb diets does not compromise the performance of these animals.

The effect of euglena (Euglena gracilis) supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation in sheep

This in vivo study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation with different rates of euglena (Euglena gracilis) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation. Four rumen cannulated Corriedale wethers sheep with an average body weight of 44.25±3.86kg were arranged in a 4×4 Latin square design and fed a basal diet of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) hay and concentrate mixture at the maintenance level with four different rates of euglena (0, 50, 100 and 150g/kgDM intake). The experiment was conducted over 80days in four 20day periods that consisted of 14days of acclimatization, 5days of measurement and 1 more day for rumen liquor sample collection. The data were subjected to polynomial regression analysis. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and gross energy (GE) intake increased linearly (P<0.001) and quadratically (P=0.002) with increasing concentrations of euglena. Similarly, crude protein (CP) intake was increased linearly (P<0.001). Dry matter, OM, NDF, ADF and GE digestibility were not affected by supplementation of euglena (P>0.11) while apparent CP digestibility increased linearly (P=0.009). As a result, protein retention (g/d) was increased linearly (P<0.001) and quadratically (P=0.017) with increasing concentrations of euglena. Ruminal NH3-N concentration increased (linear, P<0.001) while ruminal protozoa population reduced linear, quadratic and cubic (P<0.008) with increasing doses of Euglena. Euglena supplementation at different concentration did not change (P>0.23) the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and the molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate and the acetate: propionate ratio. The finding of this study indicated that the addition of euglena increased nutrient intake without affecting total tract digestibility. It has been also demonstrated that addition of euglena at a dose of 150g/kgDM improved CP retention by 31%, which may be associated with increased CP digestibility and efficiency of utilization. Thus, euglena supplementation up to 150g/kg DM of the diet could be a possible option for substitution of protein and energy sources.

Effects of physical form of diet on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumination, growth performance and protozoa population of finishing lambs.

This study was conducted to compare effects of 3 physical forms of feed including mash (diet 1), pellet (diet 2) and complete feed block (CFB; diet 3) on digestion, fermentation and performance of lambs. Twenty-one lambs with an initial average body weight of 26 ± 2.5 kg and 6 ± 1.5 months of age were assigned through a completely randomized design to 3 treatments and 7 replicates. The experimental treatments had the same formulation. The results of present experiment showed that CFB significantly increased feed intake and nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the diets for rumen fluid pH, blood glucose, concentration of volatile fatty acids (P > 0.05), except acetic acid (P < 0.05). The rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3—N), mixed rumen protozoa population (RPP), Entodiniums spp., Epidiniums spp., blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, rumination time adjusted for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, and total body weight gain of lambs in CFB diet were the highest among all diets (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio at days 31 to 45 and whole experimental period were better in CFB than in other diets (P < 0.05). Overall, according to the findings of the present study, among 3 physical forms of the diets, CFB had the best efficiency due to improvement of nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and performance of lambs. Therefore, the CFB diet offers the best result in lambs compared with mash and pellet diets.

Silagem de bagaço de laranja na alimentação de cordeiros: consumo de nutrientes, desempenho e avaliação econômica

Avaliou-se a inclusão da silagem de bagaço de laranja pré-seco (SBL) em substituição ao milho na dieta de cordeiros no consumo de nutriente, desempenho e custo benefício das dietas. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros com peso corporal (PC) médio inicial de 25,37 ± 1,94kg, estes foram confinados até que atingissem 35 kg, suas dietas possuíram níveis crescentes de SBL em substituição ao milho (0, 33, 66 e 100%). A ingestão de fibra em detergente ácido não foi influenciada (p&gt;0,05) pela inclusão da SBL, já a ingestão de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e energia metabolizável (Mcal/kg MS) reduziram linearmente (p0,05) em função dos níveis de substituição do milho pela SBL. Já o ganho de peso diário reduziu com a inclusão da SBL, efeito contrário foi observado para os dias de confinamento. O custo total foi maior para o tratamento com 100% de SBL. A margem líquida deste foi a única negativa. Contrariamente o tratamento com 100% de farelo de milho exibiu a maior margem líquida, seguido do nível de 66% de substituição. O custo com a mão de obra foi responsável por mais de 60% do custo total, chegando a 71,16% no tratamento com 100% de SBL. O tratamento sem SBL mostrou-se o mais rentável entre os níveis de substituição pelo subproduto.

Effect of Feeding Leucaena leucocephala Leaves and Pods on Feed Intake, Digestibility, body Weight Change and Carcass Characteristic of Central-Highland Sheep Fed basal Diet Wheat bran and Natural Pasture Hay in tigray, Ethiopia

Feed intake, digestibility, body weight change, carcass characteristics and profitability of supplementing 20 yearling central-highland sheep (17±1.5 kg) fed basal diet of natural pasture hay (NPH) and wheat bran with dried Leucana leucocephala leaves (LLL) and pods (LLP) and their mixture were evaluated after 84 d of feeding trial followed by 7 d of fecal collection and carcass analyses. Treatment diets(partial DM basis) were: T1 (control) = 90g wheat bran +3 g salt; T2=90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLL; T3= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLP; T4= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt+103.5 g LLL +103.5 g LLP with NPH offered ad libitum for all treatments. Lambs were assigned to each treatment in RCBD. The crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of LLL were 21.8, 20.2 and 9.9%/DM, respectively and that of LLP 18.9, 42.1 and 25.7%/DM, respectively. The total DM intake was highest for T2, T3 and T4 as compared to the control group. However, the total CP and digestible CP intakes were highest (P 0.05) in total NDF and ADF intakes among the treatments. Coefficient of DM digestibility (P<0.05) of T2, T3 and T4 was higher than that of T1. Dressing percentage (DP) calculated onthe basis of slaughter body weight (SBW) was higher (P<0.05) for T2 and T4 than T1. Rib eye muscle area (REMA) and hot carcass weight were higher (P<0.05) for T2 followed by T4 and T3 but T1 was least. Thus, T2 (LLL supplementation) gave better nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics and is recommended. However, all leucaena meal supplemented animals performed better than the control, thus can be used as supplements.

Effect of slow release urea in sheep feed on intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal parameters

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% slow release urea (SRU) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients and ruminal parameters of sheep living in tropical regions. Four sheep with a body weight (BW) average of 30.8 ± 1.7 kg were assigned to a Latin square design. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and received two meals a day. Intake data and DC of nutrients of the sheep were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using a regression equation to 5% probability. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% SRU in sheep feed did not change (p &amp;gt; 0.05) the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral or acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF), total carbohydrates (TC), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g (kg0.75)-1, and % BW. The mean values of 3.04%, 2.82%, 0.41%, 0.07%, 1.36%, 0.87%, 2.31%, and 1.00% of BW were obtained for the intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, ANF, ADF, TC, and NFC, respectively. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations had a quadratic manner (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the DC of DM and CP, with maximum values of 69.67% and 63.59%, respectively, for 0.51% and 0.66% levels of SRU inclusion in the experimental diets. The pH of the rumen fluid did not vary (p &amp;gt; 0.05) for different levels of inclusion of SRU in the feed. However, the pH of the rumen fluid did differ (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in relation to time (T) after feeding for all experimental diets. The inclusion levels of SRU in sheep feed did not affect (p &amp;gt; 0.05) the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) of the rumen fluid, but there was a quadratic effect (p &amp;lt; 0.05) with relation to T for all experimental diets. Thus, we conclude that the inclusion of 0.66% SRU provides the best digestibility value of CP and is the appropriate value for the digestion of DM. The inclusion of up to 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations did not change the intake of nutrients and ruminal parameters.

Effects of including scrapes of residual dehydrated cassava in sheep feeding on intake and nutrient digestibility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the inclusion of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of scrapes residual dehydrated cassava (SRDC) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients. We used four sheep with body weight (BW) of 26.0 kg, distributed in a Latin square design. The sheep were placed in metabolism cages and received two meals a day. The variables studied were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using regression analysis at the 5% significance level. We determined that the inclusion of different concentrations of SRDC in sheep feeding did not modify (p &amp;gt; 0.05) the intake of intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), or total carbohydrates (TC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g kg0.75-1 and %BW). On average 2.83%, 2.58%, 0.34%, 0.07%, 1.62%, 0.91%, and 2.24% of the BW were obtained for intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, and TC, respectively. However, the four experimental diets negatively affected the NFC intake and %BW (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) of SRDC in sheep diets did not influence (p &amp;gt; 0.05) the digestibility coefficient of most of the variables measured (DM, OM CP, EE, NDF, ADF, TCH, NFC, with average values of 67.79%, 67.61%, 53.87%, 81.42%, 55.61%, 39.07%, 70.95%, and 91.48%, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the inclusion of up to 30% of SRDC in sheep diets would not affect intake or nutrient digestibility

Effects of feeding Atriplex halimus L. on growth performance and carcass characteristics of fattening Awassi lambs

A study was conducted to determine the effect of partial replacement of wheat straw by Atriplex halimus L. (ATR) on growth performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Awassi lambs fed finishing diet. Twenty seven Awassi ram lambs (initial body weight 14.9±0.54kg) were divided randomly into three dietary groups. Group one served as a control and received no ATR (CON), group two (ATR75) and three (ATR150) received diet containing 75 and 150g/kg ATR, respectively. Lambs were housed individually in shaded pen (1.5×0.75m), and fed ad libitum isonitrogenous diets. Nutrient intakes were determined daily throughout the experimental period, which lasted for 91 days. On day 56, of the fattening period, 6 lambs from each group were chosen at random and housed individually in metabolism crates to determine nutrient digestibilities and N balance. At the end of the study, all lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar among treatment diets as well as water intake. Growth performance parameters did not differ among all treatment diets although lambs fed on the CON diet had greater (P<0.05) intake of acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to lambs fed on ATR diets. Feeding cost was reduced (P<0.05) when wheat straws was replaced by ATR. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF was similar among treatment diets. Nitrogen balance and fecal N was greater (P<0.05) in ATR150 diet followed by CON and ATR75 diets. Rumen fluid pH and carcass characteristics showed similar values among all dietary treatments. The longissimuss muscle leaner dimensions and fat measurements were comparable among all treatment groups. Also, carcasses from different dietary groups scored similar pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity, shear force and color coordinates. Results of this study demonstrated the possibility of including A. halimus L. up to 150g/kg in fattening diets of Awassi lambs without any adverse effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality; whereas it reduced the cost of feeding.