Lower Dry Matter Digestibility Research Articles

Ration particle size has different effects on digestive but not production parameters in higher-yielding (Holstein) compared to lower-yielding (Girolando) cows.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of total mixed ration particle size (length) and breed of cow on intake dynamics, animal performance and CH4 emissions, comparing high yielding Holstein and low yielding Girolando cows. The experimental design was 2 × 2 Latin Square arranged as a crossover factorial scheme with two diets (short particle size, SPS and long particle size, LPS) and the two breed compositions. The design comprised two periods of 26 d each, where all data collection was performed at cow level. No influence of the particle size occurred for the passage rate, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, performance and milk composition, methane emissions or ruminal fermentation parameters. Girolando cows had greater dry matter intake (DMI) when fed SPS, while Holsteins had the same (P < 0.05). Girolando cows had lower dry matter digestibility when fed LPS compared to SPS, while Holsteins had the opposite effect (P < 0.05). Also, the digestibility of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased in Girolando cows fed LPS, but not in Holsteins (P < 0.05). Girolando cows reduced DMI by 10.6% when fed LPS diet (P < 0.05). Girolando had an increased eating rate (+24 g of DM/min; P < 0.05) compared to Holstein cows, but Holstein cows had a lower CH4 intensity (by 29.7%: P < 0.05). Girolando cows increased the dry matter intake when fed a diet with short particle size, while the same did not happen in Holsteins. Dry matter digestibility increased in Holsteins when fed long particle size, while the opposite was observed in Girolando cows. Nutrient digestibility was reduced in Girolando cows when fed short particle size. Particle size did not influence eating time, eating rate, feed trough visits, visits with intake, milk yield and composition regardless of the breed. Reducing particle size increased CH4 intensity in both breeds.

Variety and Digestibility of Forages Fed to Sacrificial-goats: A Preliminary Study in Mataram City

The study evaluated the variety and digestibility of forages fed to sacrificial-goats in Mataram. The study was carried out by direct observation method. A total of 20 points vendors selling sacrificial goats were used as sampling locations. From all stall selling point, all types of forage as feed were collected. The collected feed samples were identified and tested for digestibility. The results showed that Turi (Sesbania glandiflora) leaves had the highest Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD), which was 65.54%, compared to the DMD of other forage samples, while the lowest DMD was obtained of Gayam (Inocarpus fagifer) leaves, which was 24.86% (P&lt;0.05). As with the DMD value, the highest organic matter digestibility (OMD) was by Turi (61.08%) and the lowest OMD obtain by Gayam which had an OMD value of 11.85% (P&lt;0.05). The OMD of Waru leaves (48.68%) was not different but does not show any difference of Ketapang (Terminalia catappa) leaves (44.73%). It was concluded that among the ten forages offered by vendor to sacrificial-goats; by order of their digestibility, Turi (Sesbania glandiflora), Waru, (Hibiscus tiliaceus), and Ketapang (Terminalia catappa) leaves produced the highest DMD and OMD.

Provision of location-specific agricultural waste feed to Sumba Ongole cattle’s performance

The study focuses on the feeding of by products on the performance of Sumba Ongole cattle. The byproduct is in the form of concentrate and originates from the site-specific agricultural leftover. The expected goal is that Sumba Ongole cattle can optimally achieve their genetic potential. The research location was in East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, which is the source of local Ongole cattle. The study used 15 Sumba Ongole cows consisting of seven pregnant cows, four male calves, and four female calves. Basal feed uses rice straw, while the agricultural byproduct consists of several sources, rice bran, peanut straw, corn straw, corncob, leaves of river tamarind, leaves of Gliricidia sepium, and cassava. The results showed that the average change in body weight of broodstock cattle receiving concentrated treatment was higher than those that received bran. On an in-vitro basis, this is consistent with high crude fiber content (36%), low dry matter digestibility (25%), and low bran organic matter digestibility (27%). For the average weight gain in calves, the local concentrate treatment consistently shows crude protein as much as 12.1% compared to rice brand 5.6%. To improve the cattle’s productivity, giving the local-based concentrate is highly recommended, but the presence of rice bran still critical because of its ability to improve daily weight gain and also its high digestibility in dry matter, organic matter, and Total Digestible Nutrients.

Effects of fibre source on nutrient digestibility of diets for finishing lambs

Inexpensive fibre sources might be used as an alternative to lucerne hay in diets for finishing lambs. Thus, effects of providing fibre from lucerne hay (LH), soyhulls (SH), maize stover (MS) and Eragrostis teff hay (ET) on the nutrient digestibility of diets of finishing lambs with comparable NDF and nutrient concentration were evaluated. Thirty-six individually housed Merino ram lambs (x̄ = 43.03, SD = 3.72 kg) were randomly allocated to four diets (n = 9 lambs/treatment). A digestibility study was conducted to determine the nutrient availability of these diets. Dry matter (DM) intake of SH (1436 g) was lower than ET (1716 g). No differences were recorded between treatments for digestibility of NDF (0.32 - 0.34), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (0.41 - 0.44), and ether extract (EE) (0.67 - 0.75), except that MS (0.23) had lower NDF digestibility. Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) were similar for the LH (0.72; 0.75; 0.96) and SH (0.70; 0.74; 0.95) diets, whereas digestibility of crude protein (CP) (0.71 vs. 0.68), metabolizable energy (ME) (9.49 vs. 8.90 MJ/kg DM), and the available ash fraction (0.39 vs. 0.28) were altered. The SH and ET (8.70 MJ/kg DM) treatments had similar ME concentrations, but ET had lower DM digestibility (0.68). The MS treatment had the lowest ME concentration (8.25 MJ/kg DM). The LH treatment resulted in overall better nutrient availability compared with SH, MS, and ET.

Replacing corn grain with corn gluten feed: Effects on the rumen microbial protein synthesis, functional bacterial groups and epithelial amino acid chemosensing in growing goats

Corn gluten feed is rich in crude protein and has been widely used in ruminant diets as an economical substitution for corn grain. This study was conducted to assess the effect of corn grain replaced with corn gluten feed on the ruminal microbial protein (MCP) synthesis, amino acid profile, and mucosal amino acid chemosensing pathway in growing goats, as well as the related mechanisms involved in the ruminal nitrogen metabolism. Twenty male healthy goats with similar body weight (14.5 ± 2.2 kg) and age (1.2 ± 0.2 yr) were randomly assigned to either a corn gluten diet (CGF, 500 g/kg DM) or a corn grain diet (CRN, 500 g/kg DM) (n = 10/diet). The results showed that compared with the CRN diet, goats fed with CGF diet had greater (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) intake and CP digestibility, but lower dry matter digestibility than those fed CRN diet. The ruminal pH and ammonia levels in goats fed CGF diet were higher (P < 0.05) than those fed CRN diet, while ruminal MCP concentration was lower in goats fed CGF diet (P < 0.05). The copy numbers of ruminal total bacteria (P < 0.05), Provotella ruminicola (P < 0.05), Selenomonas ruminantium (P < 0.05) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (P < 0.05) were decreased by CGF substitution. No remarkable differences (P> 0.05) were noted for the copy numbers of other well-known amylolytic and cellulolytic bacteria, and free amino acids (FAAs) in the rumen fluids between the two diets. In respect to mucosal amino acid chemosensing pathway, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in mucosal FAAs profile, mRNA expression of anionic, neutral and cationic amino acid transporters, as well as concentration of second messengers in the ruminal mucosa in goats fed the diets. In summary, in response to CGF substitution, dietary CP was preferred to be accumulated in ammonia, and lower ruminal bacteria number decreased ruminal MCP synthesis. Further, CGF substitution did not suppress mucosal amino acid chemosensing system, along with elevated ruminal pH, indicating that the CGF is a better alternative when formulating diets for growing goats.

Short communication: Effects of a physiologically relevant concentration of aflatoxin B1 with or without sequestering agents on in vitro rumen fermentation of a dairy cow diet

Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen commonly found in animal feeds that can impair rumen fermentation at high concentrations; however, its effects at physiologically relevant concentrations are unknown. This study examined the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), with or without bentonite clay (CL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP)-based sequestering agents on in vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility of a dairy cow TMR. Corn silage-based TMR (0.5 g, 17.3% crude protein and 1.67 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation) was incubated in a rumen fluid-buffer inoculum (1:2 ratio; 50 mL) with the following treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) control + 0.75 µg/L AFB1 (T); (3) T + 80 mg/L sodium bentonite clay (CL; Astra-Ben-20, Prince Agri Products Inc., Quincy, IL); or (4) CL + 14 mg/L SCFP (CL+SCFP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Ruminal fluid was collected 3 h after the morning feeding from 3 cannulated cows fed the same TMR, and rumen fluid from individual cows was used to prepare separate inocula. Each treatment was incubated in duplicate at 39°C for 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h in each of 3 runs. Adding T reduced total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration after 4 and 8 h and molar proportion of propionate after 4 and 24 h of incubation relative to control. Adding sequestering agents (CL and CL+SCFP) with T did not affect total VFA concentration after 4 or 8 h, but increased total VFA after 16 h and tended to increase molar proportion of propionate after 24 h compared with T. At 24 h, T had lower DM digestibility and higher NH3-N concentration compared with the control. Thus, AFB1, even at very low concentration (0.75 µg/L), had detrimental effects on rumen fermentation and subsequently DM digestibility of the TMR. Adding sequestering agents did not prevent negative effects of T on rumen fermentation within 8 h of incubation; however, sequestering agents were effective after 16 h of incubation.

The effects on nutrient utilization and stool quality of Beagle dogs fed diets with beet pulp, cellulose, and Miscanthus grass12.

Dogs can benefit from dietary fibers. Traditionally, cellulose (CE) and beet pulp (BP) have been used by pet food companies as insoluble and soluble fiber sources. Miscanthus grass (MG) is a novel fiber ingredient made from Miscanthus giganteus, a C4 grass produced for its fiber content, but it has not been evaluated for dogs. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different fiber sources on nutrient utilization and stool consistency by dogs. Twelve Beagle dogs were fed 3 dietary treatments varying in their fiber sources (BP, CE, MG). Diets were fed for a 14-d period (9 d adaptation), fecal samples were collected (5 d total fecal collection) and scored. Nutrient digestibility was estimated using total fecal collection (TFC). Dogs fed BP diet had softer stools than dogs fed CE and MG (3.15 vs. 3.68 and 3.64, respectively). Wet fecal output was higher for dogs fed CE compared to MG, with dogs fed BP having the lowest values (254.3 g vs. 241.6 g vs. 208.5 g, respectively). Dogs fed CE and MG had lower DM digestibility than dogs fed BP (P < 0.05), dogs fed BP had lower CP digestibility compared with dogs fed MG and CE (81.4% vs. 85.5% and 85.8%, respectively). In conclusion, MG could be used as an alternative fiber source to CE.

Characterization of faecal microbial communities of dairy cows fed diets containing ensiled Moringa oleifera fodder

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a remarkable species with high nutritional value and good biomass production, which can be used as livestock fodder. In this study, we examined changes in the faecal microbiota of thirty dairy cows in response to alternative M. oleifera diets and their effects on nutrient digestion, milk traits and the faecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. No differences in milk yield and constituents were found between the control and the M. oleifera alternative groups. Cows fed M. oleifera silage had lower dry matter digestibility, as well as the propionate and isovalerate concentrations in M. oleifera treated group. Using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, 1,299,556 paired-end reads were obtained. Clustering analysis revealed 13 phyla and 93 genera across all samples. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the co-dominant phyla. Ten taxa displayed a significant difference in response to the high M. oleifera diet. In addition, strong correlations between Akkermansia and Prevotella with milk yield and protein indicated that some bacterial groups could be used to improve milk traits. Our results provided an insight into the microbiome-associated responses to M. oleifera in livestock diets, and could aid the development of novel applications of M. oleifera.

Introduction of sugar cane bagasse pellets in diets devoid of long fiber for feedlots finished steers

The use of diets without roughage in beef feedlot has become common in recent years due to practicality, feasibility and availability of inputs. However, the introduction of roughage that does not harm the operation of the feeding management can bring health benefits to animals and economic gain. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and economic performance of steers finished in feedlot, fed three levels of sugar cane bagasse pellets (SBP) in diets without long-fiber. The treatments consisted of 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP in a mixture of concentrate, comprising 80% whole corn grain plus 20% of a protein core. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The diet with 0% of SBP promoted lower dry matter intake and weight gain. Feed conversion was similar between treatments, with an average of 6.21 kg-1. The lower dry matter digestibility was found in the diet with 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP did not change the rumination, averaging 1.9 hours day-1. Animals fed 7% of SBP showed higher fat thickness. Due to the numerical differences between treatments for feed conversion in housing and daily cost of food, the profit margin was maximal in the diet with 0% of SBP, with values of R$ 338.1; R$ 311.6 and R$ 305,1 per animal, respectively 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP promoted improvements in production performance, but did not improve the economic results of steers finished in feedlot.

Variation in feed utilisation by sheep undergoing compensatory growth following underfeeding with and without additional dietary nitrogen in western China

Small mixed farming systems in developing economies often rely on compensatory growth to recover livestock weight lost during seasonal feed shortages; however, deficit feed management may continue to affect the capacity of livestock to efficiently use feeds even after adequate feeding has resumed. Accordingly, we compared the difference in liveweight gain and feed utilisation over time in Tan weaner sheep in western China, during a period of ad libitum compensatory feeding after alternative feed deficit scenarios. During the feed deficit period, sheep were offered, at 80% maintenance requirements, corn straw, corn grain and lucerne hay in a respective ratio of either 80 : 20 : 0 (S1 ration: metabolisable energy = 7 MJ/kg DM, crude protein = 40 g/kg DM) or 55 : 20 : 25 (S2 ration: metabolisable energy = 8 MJ/kg DM, crude protein = 65 g/kg DM) for 20 days. All sheep were then offered an ad libitum supply of the S2 ration for a further 20 days, during which DM digestibility (DMD), energy intake and liveweight was measured and compared at 5-day intervals. Results indicated that sheep previously fed the S1 ration were not able to digest as much of the ad libitum S2 ration as those previously fed the S2 ration, experiencing significantly lower DMD, energy intake and average daily weight gain. The difference in the effect of the two restrictive feeding treatments on the digestibility of the ad libitum S2 ration gradually decreased over time, indicative of a recovery adaptation during ad libitum feeding period. The rate of DMD recovery post-realimentation was greater in the S1 sheep, likely due to their significantly lower DMD values immediately following underfeeding. We concluded that the comparatively higher nutritive value of the S2 ration sustained rumen digestive function throughout the restrictive feeding period, permitting sheep to commence re-feeding under conditions that are more favourable. Additionally, it is evident that reliance on livestock winter rations typical in western China, as expressed by the S1 ration, degraded ruminant digestive conditions to such an extent that feed was used with reduced efficiency even after being supplied in adequate quantities.

In VitroRuminal Degradability, Fermentation Metabolites and Methanogenesis of Different Crop Residues

In vitro rumen fermentation study of different source of crop residues used for livestock feeding in semi-arid region was conducted to compare the effects on degradability, fermentation metabolites and methanogenesis. Cereal crop residues (CCR) included pearl millet, barley, sorghum and wheat; leguminous crop residues (LCR) were chick pea, groundnut, and clusterbean; oilseed crop residues (OCR) were sesamum, and mustard; and spices crop residues (SCR) was cumin and fennel. The samples were incubated with ruminal buffer in glass syringes under anaerobic conditions for assessing the ruminal fermentation attributes. The degradability and methanogenesis parameters were assessed at t1/2(h), being determined following fermentation kinetic study of the crop residues. The CP content (g/kg DM) in legumes crop residues (80.6–194) was higher (P<0.05) followed by sorghum (67.9) and mustard (62.5) and was lower in other crop residues. Whereas the NDF was lower (P<0.05) in legume and spices crop residues compared to oilseed and cereal crop residues. LCR produced highest and SCR lowest (P<0.05) cumulative gas at t1/2(h). Pearl millet, cumin and groundnut crop residues produced lowest whereas sesamum and mustard crop residues produced highest methane at t1/2(h). The OCR had lower DM digestibility and highest methane per unit digestible DM. Total volatile fatty acids production was higher in fermented substrate of clusterbean, groundnut, sorghum, and wheat having higher proportion of propionate. Above all, pearlmillet, cumin and groundnut crop residues produced less CH4 without compromising digestion and thus feeding of these crop residues could be a strategy to reduce CH4 emissions.

Changes in chemical composition and digestibility of three maize stover components digested by white‐rot fungi

Maize stover (total stem and leaves) is not considered a ruminant feed of high nutritive value. Therefore, an improvement in its digestibility may increase the viability of total forage maize production systems in marginal growth regions. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in chemical composition during the storage of contrasting components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem) treated with either of two lignin degrading white-rot fungi (WRF; Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor). Three components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem), harvested at a conventional maturity for silage production, were digested with either of two WRF for one of four digestion durations (1-4months). Samples taken prior to fungal inoculation were used to benchmark the changes that occurred. The degradation of acid detergent lignin was observed in all sample types digested with P.ostreatus; however, the loss of digestible substrate in all samples inoculated with P.ostreatus was high, and therefore, P.ostreatus-digested samples had a lower dry matter digestibility than samples prior to inoculation. Similarly, T.veriscolor-digested leaf underwent a non-selective degradation of the rumen-digestible components of fibre. The changes in chemical composition of leaf, upper stem and lower stem digested with either P.ostreatus or T.veriscolor were not beneficial to the feed value of the forage, and incurred high DM losses.

Short term consumption of Havardia albicans tannin rich fodder by sheep: Effects on feed intake, diet digestibility and excretion of Haemonchus contortus eggs

This experiment determined the short term effect of feeding Havardia albicans (HA) tannin rich fodder on voluntary feed intake (VFI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), digestible DM intake (DDMI) and fecal excretion of Haemonchus contortus eggs by hair sheep. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to identify possible roles of tannins on the results. Hair sheep lambs (12.6±3.33kg body weight (BW)) without browsing experience and raised free of gastrointestinal nematode infections were maintained in metabolic cages. There were 5 experimental groups with 3 of them infected with H. contortus (350L3/kg BW): Group IC: infected and fed a tannin free diet (n=8), Group IHA: infected and fed fresh HA fodder alone (n=5) and Group IHA+PEG: similar to IHA plus PEG (n=5). Two groups remained free of infection and were fed fresh HA fodder either alone (NIHA) (n=5) or with PEG (NIHA+PEG) (n=5). Sheep were assigned to the experimental groups when the H. contortus infection was patent (i.e., day 25 post-infection). The HA fodder was fed daily at 14g DM/kg BW) for 7d as part of the diet after a 5d of adaptation. A concentrate feed containing 150g/kg crude protein (CP) and 10.1MJ/kg DM of metabolizable energy, and sugar cane molasses, were used to meet requirements for a BW gain of 100g/d. Infected sheep (IHA) had higher HA consumption than non-infected (NIHA) (P<0.05). Such differences in HA fodder consumption due to infection did not occur between PEG supplemented groups. As a result, VFI of the NIHA group was lower than the other groups (P<0.05). Sheep fed HA had a lower DMD and DDMI compared to controls and use of PEG did not have an impact. Short term consumption of HA fodder reduced fecal egg excretion by 58.8% in the IHA versus the IC group (P<0.01). Such a reduction in egg excretion did not occur in the IHA+PEG group. Results show that sheep infected with H. contortus may increase consumption of tannin rich foliage in spite of negative effects on digestibility of the foliage. Such an increase in foliage consumption reduced fecal excretion of nematode eggs and these effects were blocked by PEG.

An evaluation of anthelmintic properties, assessed using faecal nematode egg counts, of New Zealand native flax (Phormium tenax)

AIM: To investigate the anthelmintic properties of New Zealand native flax (Phormium tenax) for cattle, using a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). METHODS: Twenty-six heifer calves with high (>300 epg) faecal nematode egg counts (FEC) were paired into two groups and fed either chopped flax leaves ad libitum, or barley straw at an equivalent dry matter (DM) rate, from Day 0–7; all were supplemented with 1.5 kg/head/day cereal feed supplement. On Days 8–10, all heifers were fed a common diet of 3.5 kg DM/ head/day barley straw and 1.5 kg/head/day cereal feed supplement. Heifers were weighed and faecal samples were collected on Days —6, 0, 7, and 10; samples were analysed in triplicate for FEC. The nutritive value of the flax and straw was analysed. RESULTS: Both the flax and straw had low dry matter digestibility (DMD) and protein content. Although the flax-fed claves grew more than the controls, this may have been related to gut fill. Total daily faecal egg output was similar for flax and straw groups on Day 7 (14.7 vs 15.0 x 106 eggs/day, respectively) and Day 10 (14.9 vs 15.1 x 106 eggs/day, respectively). There was no difference in the change in FEC with time between the calves fed flax or straw diets. CONCLUSION: Consumption of flax leaves did not reduce FEC in calves with a mixed nematode infection.

Variability in feed quality between populations of Acacia saligna (Labill.) H. Wendl. (Mimosoideae)—implications for domestication

Due to its favorable agronomic traits, Acacia saligna has the potential to be used as a perennial forage crop in the agricultural regions of southern Australia. The feed quality of populations from across the natural range of A. saligna was examined using in vitro and spectroscopic methods. The mean feed quality of A. saligna was found to be low in comparison to other forage species commonly used in southern Australia, this was due primarily to low dry matter digestibility (DMD) and high protein precipitable tannin (PPT) levels. The content of crude protein (CP) and fibre were both moderate, and the content of essential minerals was found to meet the basic requirements for sheep, with the exception of phosphorus. There was a significant level of variation in fodder quality between the sampled populations. The feed qualities of some populations were found to approach or exceed what is desirable for a livestock feed. The results showed that A. saligna has the potential to produce feed of an acceptable quality. Further development of the species as a crop requires the detailed characterisation of the variation. Some of the variation in feed quality was correlated with genetic variation in the species, and was poorly correlated with known environmental variation. It may therefore be genetically controlled, suggesting that the feed quality of A. saligna could be improved through selection and breeding.

Yield, composition and in vitro digestibility of new forage sorghum varieties and their ensilage characteristics

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the ensilage process on yield, composition and in vitro digestibility of three new forage sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor) varieties: Silobuster, Supersile 20, and the brown-midrib hybrid BMR-101. The commercial forage sorghum FS-5 was used as reference variety. Varieties were irrigated during summer with 242 mm water and harvested at their soft dough (SD) stage. All varieties were tall (>2.5 m), and their dry matter (DM) content at harvest was similar (270–280 g DM/kg green forage). FS-5 and BMR-101 contained higher proportion of heads on the account of lower proportion of leaves in FS-5, and stems in BMR-101. In all varieties the leaves tended to contain more neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) and were characterized by lower DM digestibility as compared with the stems and heads organs. Silobuster and BMR-101 suffered from high lodging (43–65%), whereas FS-5 and Supersile 20 were characterized by moderated levels of lodging (27–30%) at harvest. Dry matter yield of the green forage was similar (15.3–16.5 t/ha) in all varieties. The ensilage of all varieties in glass silos resulted in moderated DM losses (<0.09 of yield) mostly as volatile gases, solubilization of 0.05–0.15 hemicellulose, and high conversion of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) mostly into lactate, traces of ethanol and traces of volatile fatty acids (VFA). Consequently, similar pH (<4) was obtained in the silages of all varieties. In vitro DM digestibility of silage was similar in all varieties and ranged between 0.67 and 0.69. Silage aNDFom digestibility and yields per hectare of digestible silage DM and aNDFom were also similar. Ensilage resulted in 0.09–0.15 loss of digestible DM yield per hectare, and 0.04–0.14 loss of digestible aNDFom yield per hectare. Efficiency of water utilization for the production of digestible silage DM was high in all varieties. This study shows advantage of commercial FS-5 over the new varieties due to its better resistance to lodging and high quality silage.

꽃사슴에 있어서 육림부산물 발효사료의 체내이용성에 관한 연구

육림지에서 생산되는 육림부산물 전체 혼합 물과 개별 수엽류의 사슴용 사료화 가능성을 검토하기 위해 육림부산물 혼합 사일리지, 칡사일리지, 졸참나무 사일리지 및 갈참나무 사일리지를 급여한 꽃사슴에 있어서 건물 채식량, 영양소 소화율 및 질소출납을 비교하였다. 건물섭취량은 WOS가 가장 높았고 ARS가 가장 낮았으나, 그 차이에 대한 유의성은 인정되지 않았다. 가소화 건물섭취량의 경우는 건물 소화율이 높았던 FBS와 ARS가 건물소화율이 낮은 BOS와 WOS에 비해 높은 경향을 나타냈다(p＞0.05). 건물소화율은 ARS가 가장 높았고 BOS가 가장 낮았으며(P＜0.05), 조단백질 소화율도 건물소화율과 동일한 결과를 나타냈다. 조섬유 소화율은 FBS와 ARS가 BOS와 WOS에 비해 높았다(P＞0.05). 실험사료별 일당증체량은 WOS가 나머지 세 처리구에 비해 약간 많았으나 모든 처리구가 거의 비슷한 수준을 유지하였다(P＞0.05). 질소섭취량은 ARS가 가장 많았고 BOS가 가장 낮았으며(P＜0.05), 분 중 질소의 배출량은 질소섭취량과는 반대로 BOS가 가장 많았고 ARS가 가장 적었다(P＜0.05). 뇨 중질소의 배출량은 질소섭취량이 많았던 ARS가 가장 높았고 BOS가 가장 낮아 처리간에 유의성(P＜0.05)이 인정되었다. 체내 축적된 질소의 양은 FBS가 많았고 BOS가 가장 적었다(P＞0.05). 질소섭취량에 대한 체내 축적질소량의 비율은 처리간에 유의적 차이가 인정되지는 않았으나 FBS가 43.9%로 이용효율이 가장 높았고 BOS는 24.7%로 이용효율이 가장 낮았다. 이상에서 육림지에서 배출되는 부산물들은 높은 채식성과 체내이용성을 나타내어 사슴용 사료자원으로서 충분한 가치가 인정된다고 평가되었다. To determine availability as a feed source of deer of by-products that produced at reforestation areas and comprised shrubs and wild grasses, mixed forest by-product silage(FBS), arrowroot silage(ARS), bristletooth oak tree silage(BOS), white oak tree silage(WOS) were prepared to compare dry matter intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance in digestion balance trials with spotted deer. Dry matter intake was highest in WOS and lowest in ARS but there was no significant difference(P＞0.05). Digestible dry matter intake was higher in FBS and ARS that had higher dry matter digestibility than in WOS and BOS that had lower dry matter digestibility(P＞0.05). Dry matter digestibility was highest fur ARS and lowest for BOS(P＜0.05). Digestibility of crude protein was similar to that of dry matter. That of crude fiber was higher for FBS and ARS than for BOS and WOS(P＞0.05). Daily gain of body weight was slightly greater for WOS than fer other treatments(P＞0.05). Nitrogen intake was highest for ARS and lowest for BOS(P＜0.05), and fecal nitrogen was opposite to nitrogen intake(P＜0.05). Nitrogen excretion with urine was highest for ARS that had higher nitrogen intake and lowest for BOS and there was a significant difference(P＜0.05). Retained nitrogen was highest for FBS and lowest for. BOS (P＞0.05). Although there was no significant difference(P＞0.05): the ration of nitrogen intake to retained nitrogen was highest in FBS for 43.9% and lowest in BOS for 24.7%. Consequently because by-products that produced at reforestation areas had high intake and internal availability, it was evaluated to valuable feed source for deer.

Granivory rates by rodents, insects, and birds at different microsites in the Patagonian steppe

We studied the rates of seed removal by different granivores, in different microsites, at different times, in a Patagonian shrub steppe in South America. Granivory rates of exotic (Phalaris canariensis) and native (Mulinum spinosum) seed species were an order of magnitude lower than those reported for another cool desert from North America with comparable climatic conditions. Insects and rodents removed the greatest amount of seeds in comparison to birds. In general, there were no differences in seed removal across microsites, except at one sampling time (when rodents and insects removed more seeds from bare soil and beside tussocks in comparison to positions beside shrubs, while birds took similar amounts of seeds from all microsites). The length of the experiment differentially affected the granivory rate of different groups. Removal rates (per day) were significantly greater, and exhibited lower variability, when seeds were left for a longer period of time in the field (a month) than for a few days. Insects were more efficient at finding the seeds rapidly and rodents at depleting them; birds could not find or deplete many seeds in short periods of time. Rates of granivory decreased slightly but significantly as the summer progressed mainly due to a reduction of seed removal by birds and rodents but not by insects. Granivores removed an order of magnitude less native seeds than exotic seeds. These differences seemed to be related to palatability as M. spinosum seeds have more phenols, toxic concentrations of iron and copper, and lower dry matter digestibility, phosphorous, and nitrogen content, in comparison to P. canariensis seeds.

Digestive efficiency and dry-matter digestibility in Steller sea lions fed herring, pollock, squid, and salmon

Dry-matter digestibility and energy digestive efficiency were measured in six juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) fed three diets each consisting of a single species: herring, pollock, and squid. Two of the animals were also fed pink salmon. Dry-matter digestibility (DMD) and digestive efficiency (DE) were measured using the energy and manganese concentration in fecal and food samples. DE values were high for all prey species (herring: 95.4 ± 0.7% (mean ± SD), pollock: 93.9 ± 1.4%, salmon: 93.4 ± 0.5%, squid: 90.4 ± 1.3%). Steller sea lions appear to digest prey of high energy density more efficiently than prey of low energy density. DMD values were also high for all prey species (herring: 90.1 ± 1.8%, pollock: 86.5 ± 3.4%, salmon: 87.3% ± 2.6, squid: 90.5 ± 1.2%). The low DMD value for pollock compared with herring and squid was due to the high proportion of bony material in pollock. There was a strong linear relationship between DE and DMD for each prey type, but the terms cannot be used interchangeably. DE measures are more meaningful than DMD in conveying the energetic benefits derived by sea lions from different types of prey. Species-specific measures of the digestible energy obtained from an array of prey items are a necessary component in understanding the bioenergetic consequences of consuming different prey species.

Digestive efficiency and dry-matter digestibility in Steller sea lions fed herring, pollock, squid, and salmon

Dry-matter digestibility and energy digestive efficiency were measured in six juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) fed three diets each consisting of a single species: herring, pollock, and squid. Two of the animals were also fed pink salmon. Dry-matter digestibility (DMD) and digestive efficiency (DE) were measured using the energy and manganese concentration in fecal and food samples. DE values were high for all prey species (herring: 95.4 ± 0.7% (mean ± SD), pollock: 93.9 ± 1.4%, salmon: 93.4 ± 0.5%, squid: 90.4 ± 1.3%). Steller sea lions appear to digest prey of high energy density more efficiently than prey of low energy density. DMD values were also high for all prey species (herring: 90.1 ± 1.8%, pollock: 86.5 ± 3.4%, salmon: 87.3% ± 2.6, squid: 90.5 ± 1.2%). The low DMD value for pollock compared with herring and squid was due to the high proportion of bony material in pollock. There was a strong linear relationship between DE and DMD for each prey type, but the terms cannot be used interchange- ably. DE measures are more meaningful than DMD in conveying the energetic benefits derived by sea lions from dif- ferent types of prey. Species-specific measures of the digestible energy obtained from an array of prey items are a necessary component in understanding the bioenergetic consequences of consuming different prey species. Resume : Las digestibilite des matieres seches et l'efficacite de l'energie digestive ont ete mesurees chez six Otaries de Steller juveniles (Eumetopias jubatus) gardees a une diete monospecifique constituee de hareng, de goberge ou de calmar. Deux animaux ont aussi recu du Saumon rose en nourriture. La digestibilite des matieres seches (DMD) et