Ether Extract Intake Research Articles

Peanut Cake as an Alternative Protein Source to Soybean Meal on Performance, Nitrogen Utilization, and Carcass Traits in Feedlot Lambs

Substituting soybean meal (SM) with other protein sources can be advantageous in reducing production costs without increasing nitrogen losses in the environment. Peanut cake (PC) might be a strategy in ruminant herds to result in a performance similar to that observed in animals fed SM. This study assessed the PC inclusion at rates of 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 g/kg on intake and digestibility, performance, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, and carcass traits of lambs. Forty-five entire, crossbreed Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (average age = five months and 24.49 ± 5.27 kg of BW) were distributed in a completely randomized design. Only the ether extract intake was not affected by the PC inclusion, and only the crude protein digestibility was affected by the diets. The total weight and average daily gains decreased, and the feed conversion increased. Hot carcass yield was influenced quadratically, the leg depth increased and the loin-eye area decreased. The total replacement of soybean meal with peanut cake in diets for lambs did not compromise nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and carcass characteristics. Nevertheless, peanut cake as a protein source in the diet had adverse effects on nutrient intake and growth performance of feedlot lambs.

Effect of feeding guava agroindustrial waste on nutrient utilization, lamb performance and economic analysis

Abstract. Our study sought to investigate the impact of incorporating guava agroindustrial waste (GAW) at varying concentrations on nutrient utilization, lamb performance and economic viability. Forty non-castrated, 4-month-old Santa Inês lambs with an initial mean weight of 21.3 ± 2.18 kg were utilized in a confined setting. These lambs were allocated randomly to five treatment groups, each consisting of eight replicates, and were subjected to diets containing increasing levels of GAW (0 %, 7.5 %, 15 %, 22.5 % and 30 % based on dry matter). The feed formulation also included Tifton hay, corn, soybean and mineral salt. Throughout the trial period, parameters such as dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestibility and economic metrics were meticulously evaluated. Notably, the performance metrics among the different GAW treatments did not exhibit statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), with an average daily gain of 328 g d−1 observed across all the groups. However, there was a discernible positive effect on the intake of ether extract (p > 0.05). Regarding nutrient digestibility, only the crude protein digestibility demonstrated no significant variance (p > 0.001) among the treatments. Consequently, our findings suggest that GAW can be effectively integrated into sheep diets at levels of up to 30 % without compromising lamb performance. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, this incorporation proves to be the most financially viable and cost-effective option among the evaluated treatments.

Productivity and economic performance of Nellore young bulls fed diets with increasing fiber content.

Adequate neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) content in the total diet can improve intake efficiency, prevent rumen disorders, and enhance the health and performance of feedlot-finished beef cattle. We hypothesized that an increase in dietary fiber levels would decrease the productive performance but increase the economic performance of young bulls in confinement. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing fiber levels on feed intake, wastage, and productive and economic performance of Nellore young bulls finished in confinement. We used 20 Nellore cattle, non-castrated males, 30 months old, and average body weight (BW) of 416.35 ± 2.2kg distributed in a completely randomized design, kept in individual stalls. Animals were divided into four treatments consisting of four levels of neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) (25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% NDF) in total DM. Nutrient intake, feed conversion, feed waste, body weight (BW) at slaughter, total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and carcass yield (CR) were evaluated. In addition, economic parameters (revenue, food expenses, and gross margin) were calculated and compared. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OMI), crude protein (CPI), and ether extract (EEI) intakes showed quadratic behavior. The DMI maximum estimated was 28.5% NDF in the diet. The NDF and ADF intakes showed a positive linear effect and the starch intake had a negative linear effect. There was a significant positive linear effect (P < 0.05) for the variables total mixed ration (TMR) offered and daily and total RTM intake. Minimum RTM wastage was estimated with a diet containing 30% NDF. The maximum points for BW at slaughter, HCW, and ADG were 29.9%; 29.6%, and 25% NDF, respectively. The costs of concentrate and silage showed a positive linear behavior, as did the ADG costs and the carcass equivalent cost (P < 0.05). The maximum point of the revenue estimate (US$/animal) was 29.9% of NDF, 26.1% of NDF for the total expenditure on food (US$/animal), and 32.5% of NDF for the gross margin (U$/animal). In conclusion, the animals fed a 30% NDF diet showed the best performance and economics, in addition to less food waste. We recommend 25 to 32.5% of NDF in the diet to obtain maximum productive and economic performance when finishing Nellore young bulls in confinement.

Milk Production, Milk Composition, Milk Fatty Acid Profile and Nutrient Digestibility of Mehsana Goats Fed Sunflower (Helianthus annus) Oil

A study was conducted during the month of December, 2020 to January, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat (385506), India to evaluate the effect of dietary sunflower oil supplementation on milk yield, milk fatty acid profile and nutrient digestibility of Mehsana goats. Eighteen lactating Mehsana goats were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+25 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil and Basal diet+50 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil for a period of 60 days. No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were found in milk yield in terms of kg d-1, 4% fat corrected milk and energy corrected milk among the treatment groups. The milk constituents and their yields were not affected due to dietary inclusion of sunflower oil. Sunflower oil feeding at the dose of 50 g d-1 increased (p&lt;0.05) concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk of goats. The intake and digestibility of nitrogen free extract was increased in sunflower oil supplemented groups. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre were similar (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups. it may be concluded that supplementation of sunflower oil at the dose rate of 25 and 50 g d-1 did not affect feed intake, milk yield, milk constituents and nutrient digestibility in lactating Mehsana goats. However, dietary 50 g d-1 of sunflower oil significantly increased concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in goats.

Effects of chickpea grain feeding on the growth and carcass features of growing lambs.

An investigation was conducted to find out how diet formulation of chickpea grains (CHPE) rather than soybean meal and barely grain affected the performance, blood metabolites, carcass, and meat quality features of Awassi lambs. Thirty lambs, with an average age of 73 ± 0.85 days and an initial body weight of 21.0 ± 1.29kg, were randomly assigned into one of three diets, with 10 lambs per treatment diet. The diets were designed to replace a portion of the barley grain and soybean meal and included no CHPE (CON), 7.5% CHPE (CHPE7.5), and 15% CHPE (CHPE15). Lambs were individually housed, fed every day, and weighed every two weeks to measure performance characteristics over the 60-day study period. Four lambs per treatment were chosen at random on day 42 to participate in an N balance study and assess diet digestibility. All lambs were slaughtered at the termination of the trial period to measure the features of the carcass characteristics and meat quality. As the amount of CHPE included in the diets increased, the cost of diets reduced. As the amount of CHPE in the diets increased, so did the intake of ether extract (EE). The CON group's cost per kilogram of increase was higher (P = 0.017) than that of the CHPE7.5 and CHEP15 groups. The digestibility of EE was higher (P = 0.024) in the CHPE15 diet as opposed to the CHPE7.5 and CON diets. The various treatments did not impact blood metabolites, carcass features, or meat quality. Therefore, the present study suggested that chickpeas might be added to the diets of finishing lambs up to 15% of dry matter.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING UREA TREATED ENSILED COWPEA HUSK BASED DIETS ON FEED INTAKE AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SOKOTO GOATS

Eighteen healthy growing male goats (13.40 ± 0.59 kg BW) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion of urea treated ensiled cowpea husk (UTECH) at 0, 35 and 70% to replace 0, 50 and 100% of dried brewers' grains (DBG). Daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, total carbohydrate and neutral detergent fibre were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) affected by diets. Intakes of ether extract and non-fibre carbohydrate were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for the 0% (control) relative to 35 and 70% UTECH. Mineral intake progressively decreased (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing level of UTECH in the diet. Diet effects on the linear body measurements and testicular morphology of the goats were not (P &gt; 0.05) significant. It is concluded that 70% inclusion level of UTECH in goat ration was well tolerated, as voluntary intake and morphological parameters were not affected.

Soybean Oil, Linoleic Acid Source, in Lamb Diets: Intake, Digestibility, Performance, Ingestive Behaviour, and Blood Metabolites.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of soybean oil inclusion in diets on feeding behaviour, digestibility, performance, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Forty non-castrated Santa Inês lambs with a mean age of 5 months and initial body weight of 34.88 ± 3.19 kg were used in a 40-day feeding trial. The lambs were distributed in five experimental diets with the inclusion of increasing soybean oil (SO) levels: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM. The SO inclusion promoted a linear reduction in DM intake (p < 0.001), crude protein (CP, p < 0.001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, p < 0.001), and total digestible nutrients (TDN, p = 0.004). There was an increasing quadratic effect on the intake of ether extract (EE; p = 0.002) and decreasing for neutral detergent fiber (p = 0.005). The soybean oil inclusion promoted the greater apparent digestibility of CP (p = 0.016), EE (p = 0.005), NDFom (p < 0.001), and TDN (p < 0.001); on the other hand, the apparent digestibility of NFC (p = 0.005) was decreased. The average daily gain decreased (p < 0.001) with SO inclusion. The SO inclusion increased feeding time (p = 0.004), reduced the efficiency of DM rumination (p = 0.001), and reduced the concentration of blood N-ureic (p < 0.001). Considering the productive parameters, SO can be included in diets and it is recommended that we include SO of up to 41 g/kg DM in diets for fattening lambs as the ideal maximum level. The strategy implemented to adapt lambs to increasing levels of high-fat diet mitigated the detrimental effects of lipids on the rumen, with high-density energy intake being the constraining factor on performance.

IMPACTS OF CONCENTRATE FEEDING LEVEL WITH OR WITHOUT N-CARBAMYLGLUTAMATE ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GOATS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding three levels of concentrate 2%, 3%, and 4% with or without additives of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on the digestibility, feed efficiency, and daily gain of Shami goats. Twenty-four male goats were used aged 8-10 months with an initial weight 32.687 ± 1.52kg divided into six treatments in a 2×3 factorial experiment/ Completely Randomized Design. Individual feeding was used for 70 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. The results of increasing concentrate showed a non-significant increase in nutrients intake with superiority of NCG treatments and a significant increase (P&lt;0.01) of ether extract intake. Non-significant increase in digestibility with increasing feed intake. Significant increases (P&lt;0.01) in total and daily gain of 3% concentrate with or without NCG and non-significant increases for final weight. The better feed efficiency with 3% concentrate then 2% and 4% respectively. In conclusion: A level of feeding 3% had a positive effect on animal performance and the best for fattening.

Nutrient utilization and energy balance profile in probiotic supplemented Asian elephants

Aim: A study was methodized to evaluate whether supplementation of probiotics could impact the utilization of nutrients and energy in Asian elephants. Materials and Methods: Eighteen elephants were randomly selected for 60 days experiment including five days of the digestibility trial and divided into three groups with six elephants each i.e. control with no probiotic (T1) and the other two with probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus in T2 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in T3 groups at 1 × 109 CFU/gm concentrate per 50 kg body weight/ day orally. Results: : The intakes of ether extract and total ash revealed significant whereas the digestibility coefficients of total ash and acid-insoluble ash exhibited a highly significant effect of treatment. However, other values of intakes and the digestibility coefficients of proximate principles and fibre fractions could not reveal any significant effect. Practical nutritional worth, plane of nutrition and energy balance profile were also found to be non significant among the groups. Increasing trend of intake and the digestibility of energy; and the relative difference was associated with increased DM intake and NDF digestibility. The mean values for TDN%, NR, digestible DM and OM intakes and TDN intake were obtained to be higher for probiotic supplemented groups than the control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that probiotic supplementation could not exhibit any significant effect on nutrients and energy utilization in elephants. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of high doses, strain and viability of the probiotics.

Effects of different concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, ruminal degradability, and microbial efficiency in beef cattle

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage (SS)-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, Nitrogen (N) balance, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, and in situ degradability of complete diets. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 242 ± 5 kg) received five dietary treatments in a 5×5 Latin square experimental design. The dietary treatments consisted of five concentrate levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 g of concentrate/kg on a DM basis) in SS-based diets. The experiment lasted 120 d, with five periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 17 d for dietary adaptation, and 7 d for data collection. In situ degradability assays were conducted to estimate ruminal degradability. Total feces and urine collection were performed to estimate nutrient intake and digestibility and estimate N balance. Omasal and ruminal digesta collection were performed to estimate ruminal digestibility and ruminal parameters. Increasing concentrate levels in SS-based diets led to linear increases (P<0.001) in the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE). Neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein contamination (apNDF) and starch intake showed quadratic responses (P≤0.008). Ruminal digestibility of DM, OM and CP responded quadratically (P≤0.040), while apNDF exhibited linear decrease (P=0.003). Starch ruminal digestibility exhibited a cubic effect (P=0.016). Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, and EE increased linearly (P≤0.001), whereas apNDF, and CP digestibility decreased linearly (P≤0.012), and starch presented a quadratic effect (P=0.029). In situ ruminal degradation parameters increased linearly with higher concentrate levels (P<0.001). Ruminal pH exhibited a quadratic pattern (P=0.006), ammonia concentration linearly decreased (P=0.003). Total volatile fatty acids, and butyrate showed linear increases (P<0.001), acetate and propionate had quadratic effects (P<0.001), while the ratio Acetate to Propionate decreased linearly (P<0.001). N intake, fecal N excretion, retained N, total digestible nutrients, digestible organic matter, and microbial production increased linearly (P<0.001), although urine N excretion, urinary urea, and blood urea concentration decreased linearly (P<0.028). Therefore, increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets improve TDN intake, microbial protein synthesis efficiency, in situ ruminal degradability parameters, and nitrogen utilization. Moreover, our findings indicate that AGRI-002E sorghum silage demonstrates potential as a fiber source for high-concentrate diets. However, its effectiveness is limited without concentrate supplementation, emphasizing the importance of balanced dietary composition for optimal utilization in beef cattle.

Effect of dietary inclusion of urea encapsulated in low-trans vegetable fat microspheres on fatty acids intake, carcass traits, quality, and fatty acid composition of lamb meat

This study evaluated the effect of including slow-release urea (SRU) coated from the low-trans vegetable fat (LTFV) microspheres in the diet of lambs on fatty acids intake, carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat. Thirty-two non-castrated Santa Inês lambs (17.98 ± 2.01 kg of initial weight) were used in a randomized complete block design. Experimental treatments included a control which contained 5 g/kg urea (U0.5%) and three other treatments in which SRU (60% LTFV and 40% urea) was incorporated at 1.25% (SRU1.25%); 2% (SRU2.0%) and 3% (SRU3.0%) of total diet dry matter (DM). The inclusion of SRU in lamb diets increased linearly (P < 0.05) the intake of ether extract, metabolizable energy, and fatty acids. Carcass traits and physical-chemical composition of the Longissimus muscle were not changed by protected urea addition in lamb diet (P > 0.05). The addition of the protected urea in lamb diet linearly increased proportions of CLA and the 18:1 isomer (cis-12, cis-15, and cis-16) compared to U0.5%. There was a linear increase in branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) content (P = 0.048) in Longissimus muscle due SRU inclusion. There were a quadratic increases for the sums of trans-MUFA (P = 0.003) and n-6 PUFA (P = 0.046) and total PUFA (P = 0.037) as SRU was added to lambs diet. Adding urea coated into low-trans vegetable fat microspheres increased the lamb intake of most FA and energy dietary, however, without affecting carcass traits and meat physicochemical composition. The inclusion of protected urea (SRU) in the lamb diet quadratically increases trans-MUFA, n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA concentrations in meat, and lambs fed with SRU at level 1.25% in DM total diet presented greater CLA and trans-MUFA concentrations compared free urea (U0.5%), which is beneficial from the point of view of the lipid quality of the meat and its relationship with consumer health.

Protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste reveal potential as dog food ingredients.

The increased fish consumption by the growing human population in the world translates into an increase in fish waste. The reintroduction of these fish by-products into food and feed chains presents economic benefits and contributes to counteracting their negative environmental impact. Under this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dietary inclusion of fish hydrolysate and oil obtained from fish waste (experimental diet) in substitution of shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil (control diet) mainly imported from third countries on palatability, apparent total tract digestibility, fecal characteristics and metabolites, blood fatty acid profile, flatulence, and coat quality of adult dogs. A two-bowl test was performed to evaluate palatability by the pairwise comparison between the two diets. A feeding trial was conducted according to a crossover design with two diets (control and experimental diets), six adult Beagle dogs per diet, and two periods of 6 weeks each. The replacement of shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil with fish hydrolysate and oil did not affect the first diet approach and taste, as well as the intake ratio. Generally, the digestibility of dry matter, nutrients, and energy was not affected by diet, but the intake of digestible crude protein (CP) and ether extract was higher, respectively, with the control and the experimental diet. The higher intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid with the experimental diet was reflected in a higher content of these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and the omega-3 index of red blood cells, but it did not affect coat quality. The significantly higher intake of digestible CP with the control diet might have contributed to the higher fecal ammonia-N and valerate concentrations. Daily fecal output and characteristics were similar between diets. Overall, results suggest that fish hydrolysate and oil from the agrifood industry might constitute sustainable functional ingredients for dog feeding while adding value for wild fisheries, aquaculture, and fish farming under a circular economy approach and reducing dependence on imports from third countries with a high carbon footprint.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.

Effects of supplementing cassava root silage to grazing dairy cows on nutrient utilization, milk production and composition in the tropics.

The current study evaluated the effects of supplementing cassava root silage (CRS) to dairy cows grazing on Megathyrsus maximus cv Mombasa on nutrient intake and digestibility, as well as on milk production and composition. Ten primiparous Girolando cows with average body weight ± (SEM) of 373.45 ± (63.55) kg were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square. Animals were subjected to five treatments: (I) grazing cows without supplementation (WCS); (II) grazing cows provided with 5kg DM of supplement without CRS (0g/kg DM of CRS) or including (III) 260, (IV) 520, and (V) 780g/kg DM of CRS. Statistical analyses were performed using the PROC MIXED of SAS with significance at P < 0.05. Intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract decreased (P < 0.01), while intake of non-fiber carbohydrates increased (P < 0.01), with increased CRS in the diets. Total DM intake and digestibility of DM, and digestibility of nutritional components were lower (P < 0.03) in WCS animals compared to supplemented animals, except for intake and digestibility of NDF, which was the opposite. Milk yield (MY) and fat corrected milk (FCM), as well as all milk components were unaffected (P > 0.05) by CRS inclusion. In contrast, MY, FCM, protein, lactose, casein, and non-fat milk solids (NFMS) were greater for animals that received supplementation (P < 0.05), compared to animals WCS. Milk fat and total dry extract (TMS) did not differ (P > 0.11) between two groups. In conclusion, CRS may be a potential corn meal replacer in the supplement of dairy cows under tropical conditions.

Finishing of grazing crossbred steers supplemented with detoxified castor bean meal (Ricinus communis L.) in the rainy-dry transition period.

This study evaluated levels of replacement of soybean meal by castor bean meal in the finishing crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period. Forty Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers with an average initial weight of 395.93 ± 10kg were randomly allocated to four treatment groups that were supplemented with concentrate levels of replacing (0, 290, 613, and 903g/kg DM of the supplement; at 0.4% body weight [BW]). The experimental period was 120days. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted; with regression analysis using the computational software package (SAS 9.2, USA). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients and animal performance were evaluated. The replacement levels did not influence (P > 0.05) the intakes of DM (kg/day), organic matter (OM, kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, kg/day and %BW), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, kg/day), or total digestible nutrients (kg/day). However, the intake of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE, kg/day) decreased as the replacement levels were increased (P < 0.05). The digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and EE did not change, whereas CP digestibility decreased linearly and NFC digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05). The replacement levels did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion, and carcass yield. Castor bean meal can replace up to 903g/kg DM of soybean meal in the composition of the supplement without compromising the performance of steers on Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period.

Effect of adding different levels of palm oil-protected fat in the diet of lambs concerning rumen parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of protected fat with palm oil and calcium salts in the diet of lamb nutrient intake and total-tract apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal fermentation. Four castrated lambs, without defined breed, with an average weight of 50±14 kg, kept in metabolic cages, distributed in a 4×4 Latin square experimental design, were used. The experiment had four periods of 20 days each, 15 days of adaptation to the diet, and 5 days for data collection, in addition to 10 initial days for adaptation to the environment, totaling 90 days. Four treatments were used, being the control diet (without the addition of protected fat), and with three levels of inclusion (2, 4, and 6 g/100 g DM). The data were submitted for analysis of variance and regression as a function of fat inclusion. The bulky used was Tifton 85 hay. The inclusion of protected fat did not affect the intake or the digestibility of dry matter. A positive linear effect was observed for the ether extract intake (EEI). There was a positive linear effect for the digestibility coefficient in the ether extract. There was no treatment effect for rumen pH, and the mean value observed was 6.03, however, there was about time, with cubic effect (P<0.05), for the addition of 2 g/100 g DM of protection. Ammonia nitrogen (Ammonia-N) concentrations had a quadratic effect on the control treatment (P<0.05) of fat levels and time. There was a quadratic effect on the values of total sugars (P<0.05), as a function of fat levels and as a function of time after feeding for the addition of 2 g/100 g DM of protected fat. The inclusion of up to 6 g/100 g DM of protected fat is recommended, as there was no influence on ruminal parameters and lamb consumed.

EFFECT OF REPLACING TREATED AND UNTREATED CORN IMPURITIES WITH UREA INSTEAD OF WHEAT BRAN ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF AWASSI LAMBS

The study was conducted to study the effect of replacing different levels of treated and untreated corn impurities with urea instead of wheat bran on productive performance of Awassi lambs. Wheat bran were replaced by five levels of treated and untreated corn impurities as: 44:0%, 32:11%, 20:22%, 10:32% and 0:39% bran: impurities in a 2×5 factorial experiment. Concentrated fed at 3% of live body weight as dry matter basis, while alfalfa hay was offered ad libitum. Forty Awassi lambs were used, with an initial weight of 27.45 ± 2.16 kg and 4-5 months old. All lambs were fed individually feeding for 70 days, preceded by 14 days as adaptation period. Results showed a non-significant superiority in dry matter and nutrients intake by increasing corn impurities and a highly significant increased (p&lt;0.01) in ether extract and ash intake (g/day), with superiority of digestibility (P&lt;0.05) of organic matter% (OM) and crude protein% (CP), feed efficiency, daily gain (g/ day) and total weight gain (kg) for feeding 30% of corn impurities treated with urea (T9). In conclusion, it is possible to use corn impurities instead of wheat bran, preferably treated with urea to increase crude protein content, degraded crude fibers and improved nutritional values.

Whole-plant sesame silage in substitution of whole-plant corn silage in diets of feedlot lambs

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the replacement of whole-corn plant silage (WCPS) by whole-sesame plant silage (WSPS) in diets for finishing lambs. Forty castrated crossbred Santa Inês lambs with an average initial body weight of 21.8 ± 1.97 kg were randomly assigned to four replacement levels: 0, 333, 670 and 1000 g kg−1 DM. The intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) decreased linearly while ether extract intake increased linearly. The digestibility of NDF decreased linearly while crude protein digestibility decreased quadratically with the lowest value (690 g kg−1) found at the level of 333 g kg−1. Digestibility and intake of the other nutrients, such as the performance did not display differences. The time spent per chewed bolus decreased quadratically, reaching the minimum value of 39 sec/bolus at the level of 370 g kg−1. The feeding efficiency of NDF decreased quadratically with the lowest efficiency of 77 g/h at the level of 600 g kg−1. Rumination efficiency (RE) of DM increased linearly while RENDF reduced quadratically, reaching the lowest value of 36 g/h at the level of 370 g kg−1. Carcass traits were not affected by the diets. Thus, WSPS can be used up to 400 g kg−1 DM in diets for finishing lambs.

Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites and Carcass Characteristics of Black Goat Kids Fed Diets Containing Olive Cake.

This study investigated the dietary effect of incorporating different levels of olive cake (OC) on the metabolic responses, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of black goat male kids. Thirty kids (body weight = 17.3 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly distributed into one of three equally sized dietary groups: a control diet (CON), OC at 75 g/kg (OC75), and OC at 150 g/kg (OC150) of dietary dry matter (DM). The results revealed that the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was similar (p ≥ 0.11) among the three treatment groups. However, the OC150 group had the greatest (p < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to the OC75 and CON groups. The growth measurements were similar (p ≥ 0.13) among the three groups. Feed efficiency was not affected by the inclusion of OC. In contrast to the CON diet, the cost of gain was, however, reduced (p = 0.004) in the OC diets. All three treatment groups' digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF was similar. However, when compared to the OC75 and CON groups, the digestibility of NDF was better (p < 0.05) in the OC150 group. The N intake did not differ among the three experimental groups. Nitrogen retained as g/d was higher (p = 0.04) in the OC150 and OC75 groups compared to the CON group, while retention as a percentage (g/100 g) was similar among the three groups. Except for intermuscular fat, total fat, leg fat depth, and tissue depth, the inclusion of OC did not result in any discernible treatment effects on the carcass and meat quality parameters. Only alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity was lower (p < 0.0001) in OC-treated groups compared to the CON group. In summary, incorporating OC at 75 g/kg and 150 g/kg levels into the diets of black goat kids had positive comparable effects on some parameters related to growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality. Importantly, utilizing olive cake led to cost savings in production and may serve as a viable alternative feed source in goat nutrition.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, and utilization in goats fed graded levels of hempseed cake finisher diets

Globally, the price of soybean meal, the most common proteinaceous ingredient in livestock diets, has become highly expensive prompting a search for alternative ingredients. Hemp seed cake is a promising alternative but could be limited by its high neutral detergent fiber and ether extract contents which impede nutrient intake and digestibility. However, some ruminant species such as goats have superior ability to digest high fiber and ether extract diets. Thus, the current research evaluated nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis of goats fed hempseed cake as a substitute for soybean meal in finisher diets. A total of 25 Kalahari Red castrates (27 ± 3 kg, 4–5 months old) were assigned to five dietary treatments (5 goats/ diet) in a completely randomized design. A maize-lucerne-based finishing diet was formulated with hempseed cake substituting soybean meal as the primary protein ingredient at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g/kg dry matter. Ether extract intake exhibited a positive linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) while crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply exhibited a negative linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary inclusion of hempseed cake. However, feeding hempseed cake did not influence (P > 0.05) apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters and nitrogen use efficiency. In conclusion, the substitution of soybean meal for hempseed cake decreased crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply in goat finisher diets without compromising nutrient digestibility and nitrogen use efficiency. The study recommends partial or full replacement of soybean meal with hempseed cake in goat finisher diets.