Neutral Detergent Fiber Values Research Articles

Effect of Phenological Stages on Chemical Composition of Platychaete aucheri Boiss. as an Important Endemic Shrub in Iran

Platychaete aucheri Boiss. is a native long-lived, perennial shrub adapted to the arid regions of southern Iran. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive composition of the endemic forage species, P. aucheri Boiss., in arid communal grazing area of southern Iran. Aerial parts of plants were harvested at three vegetation stages (prebud, flowering, and maturity) in the natural habitats of Jahrom area. The chemical analysis included were crude protein (CP), ash, metabolizable energy (ME), dry matter digestibility (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Growth season had a significant effect on the forage quality of P. aucheri Boiss. The foliage CP content and ME value ranged from 3.56 to 4.56 % and from 6.11 to 8.07 MJ kg−1, respectively. The DMD and CP declined when plant matured. Phenological stage indicated a significant effect on NDF and ADF values, increasing from flowering to maturity stage. The highest crude protein content was 4.56 %, and it would be concluded that this plant alone could not meet nutritional requirements of grazing animals. In general, the best grazing time is in the flowering stage when the forage has higher nutritive composition.

Canopy Visible and Near‐infrared Reflectance Data to Estimate Alfalfa Nutritive Attributes Before Harvest

ABSTRACTCanopy reflectance (i.e., remotely sensed) data may allow rapid assessment of nutritive values, such as total N, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF), as well as nutritive quality indicators such as relative feed value (RFV) and a forage energy/protein ratio of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Remotely sensed data were acquired over seven alfalfa cultivars in the 2005 to 2008 growing seasons (n = 580) to develop and test calibration equations to predict concentrations of total N, NDF, and ADF. About 31% of the canopy reflectance dataset and corresponding measured values of total N, NDF, and ADF were used in calibration equation development while the remaining samples (69%) were used to validate the calibration equations. The remote sensing based values of NDF, ADF, and crude protein (CP = total N × 6.25) were used to calculate RFV and the total digestible nutrients/crude protein (TDN/CP) ratio. Measured total N, NDF, ADF, RFV, and the TDN/CP ratio were used to assess the accuracy of the corresponding predicted values from the remotely sensed canopy reflectance data. The remotely sensed based prediction equations explained from 78 to 83% of the variation in measured total N, NDF, and ADF, correctly predicted about 80% of the RFV‐based hay grade classifications, and about 78% of the measured TDN/CP ratios. This technology could help improve profit margins by timing the cutting or harvesting of alfalfa, in rapid assessment of nutritive values over large areas devoted to growing alfalfa, and assessing nutritive quality in real time.

Valor nutricional de cultivares de azevém consorciados ou não com aveia sob dois resíduos de pastejo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam) cv. Barjumbo and common ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum ) intercropped or not with oats ( Avena strigosa Schreb) cv. IAPAR 61 under two post-grazing residue. The study was conducted at the Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana, Câmpus Dois Vizinhos, in the period April-September, 2012. The experimental design was a bifactorial 4x2, totaling eight treatments with three replicates, common and Barjumbo ryegrass single or intercropped with oat in two post-grazing residue: High: 50% of the input height; Low: 30% of the input height being evaluated. The variables evaluated were crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The single Barjumbo had higher CP. NDF and ADF were lower for single cultivar or intercropped Barjumbo in comparison to the common cultivar and, consequently, the IVDMD and TDN were higher. Within the trial period, the grazing slightly increased the CP content, TDN and IVDMD until about 100 days after emergence. The NDF and ADF values have showed a linear increase from the beginning to the end of the trial period.

Biological fungal treatment of olive cake for better utilization in ruminants nutrition in Egypt

Crop residues and agro-industrial by-products, available in appreciable quantities, can play a significant role in the nutrition of ruminants. The appropriate utilization of by-products in animal nutrition can improve the economy and the efficiency of agricultural, industrial and animal production. The present work investigates the bio-conversion of olive cake (OC), generated by the olive oil industries in Egypt, using locally isolated filamentous fungi in solid state fermentation, so as to upgrade its nutritional values and digestibility for its use as ruminants feed. Seven non-mycotoxin producing fungal strains namely Trichoderma reesei F-418, T. harzianum F-416, T. virdie F-520, T. koningii F-322, Aspergillus oryzae FK-923, A. fumigatus F-993, and A. awamori F-524 were cultured on OC for 7 days at 36 °C. Subsequently, the chemical composition and lignocellulolytic enzyme activities of the resultant substrate were determined. The most promising result was obtained by A. oryzae FK-923, whereas, an increase in crude protein content ranging from 9.5 % (untreated) to 17.4 % (treated) was detected, while phenols were decreased from 3.1 to 0.92 % and fibers declined from 33 to 22.2 %. A reduction in the values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were reported. The addition of sugar cane molasses at 2 % showed an increase in crude protein to 18.9 % with a reduction in phenols and fibers to 0.69 and 21.8 %, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of active dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 1.5 % to the fermentation medium raised the crude protein to 20.2 % (w/w), while phenols and fibers were declined to 0.55 and 19.2 %, respectively. Therefore, the present findings revealed A. oryzae FK-923 to be an efficient organism for lignocellulolytic enzymes production and simultaneous enhancement in crude protein and in vitro digestibility of OC.

Applicability of Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico

ABSTRACTModels to estimate alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations using easily available variables were developed and tested in northern, humid regions of the United States but have not been validated in arid areas below 35° N latitude. The objective of this research was to test the performance of predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) on nondormant alfalfa grown in irrigated desert regions in New Mexico and northern Mexico. Alfalfa with fall dormancy ratings of 8 and 9 were sampled over 1 or 2 yr at three irrigated locations. Five alfalfa samples were taken per field on each sample date between 0730 and 0830 h, leaving a stubble of approximately 4 cm. Observed NDF and ADF values were regressed on predicted values yielding r2 and root mean square error values in the range of those previously reported for alfalfa grown in northern states. The accuracy of predictions was improved by using field means (n = 5) rather than individual samples. In most cases regression equations were biased (slope ≠ 1 and/or intercept ≠ 0), but the magnitude of bias was relatively small. The index of agreement (d) was greater than 0.86 for all data, indicating an acceptable goodness of fit to predict NDF and ADF concentration using PEAQ. It is concluded that PEAQ can predict, with reasonable accuracy, fiber concentrations in alfalfa grown in desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Effect of fall-grazed sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on gastrointestinal nematode infections of growing goats

High prevalence of anthelmintic-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in goats has increased pressure to find effective, alternative non-synthetic control methods, one of which is adding forage of the high condensed tannin (CT) legume sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) to the animal's diet. Previous work has demonstrated good efficacy of dried SL (hay, pellets) against small ruminant GIN, but information is lacking on consumption of fresh SL, particularly during the late summer–autumn period in the southern USA when perennial warm-season grass pastures are often low in quality. A study was designed to determine the effects of autumn (September–November) consumption of fresh SL forage, grass pasture (predominantly bermudagrass, BG; Cynodon dactylon), or a combination of SL+BG forage by young goats [intact male Spanish kids, 9 months old (20.7±1.1kg), n=10/treatment group] on their GIN infection status.Three forage paddocks (0.40ha) were set up at the Fort Valley State University Agricultural Research Station (Fort Valley, GA) for an 8-week trial. The goats in each paddock were supplemented with a commercial feed pellet at 0.45kg/head/d for the first 4 weeks of the trial, and 0.27kg/head/d for the final 4 weeks. Forage samples taken at the start of the trial were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and a separate set of SL samples was analyzed for CT in leaves, stems, and whole plant using the benzyl mercaptan thiolysis method. Animal weights were taken at the start and end of the trial, and fecal and blood samples were collected weekly for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. Adult GIN was recovered from the abomasum and small intestines of all goats at the end of the experiment for counting and speciation. The CP levels were highest for SL forage, intermediate for SL+BG, and lowest for BG forage samples, while NDF and ADF values were the opposite, with highest levels in BG and lowest in SL forage samples. Sericea lespedeza leaves had more CT than stems (16.0g vs. 3.3g/100g dry weight), a slightly higher percentage of PDs (98% vs. 94%, respectively) and polymers of larger mean degrees of polymerization (42 vs. 18, respectively).There were no differences in average daily gain or blood PCV between the treatment groups, but SL goats had lower FEC (P<0.05) than the BG or SL+BG forage goats throughout most of the trial. The SL+BG goats had lower FEC than the BG forage animals by the end of the trial (week 8, P<0.05). The SL goats had lower numbers (P<0.05) of male Haemonchus contortus and tended to have fewer female (P<0.10) and total (P<0.07) H. contortus compared with the BG goats. The predominant GIN in all the goats was Trichostrongylus colubriformis (73% of total GIN).As a low-input forage with activity against pathogenic GIN (H. contortus), SL has a potential to reduce producers’ dependence upon synthetic anthelmintics and also to fill the autumn ‘window’ in good-quality fresh forages for goat grazing in the southern USA.

Nutritional Value of Acacia Amentacea and Parkinsonia Texana Grown in Semiarid Conditions

In order to evaluate the nutritional value of Parkinsonia texana and Acacia amentacea, two leguminosae species of the Tamaulipan scrubland, Northeastern Mexico, two experiments were carried out: the first tested the effects of season and browse species on chemical composition as nutritional variable to small ruminants; the second tested the effect of the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on fermentation parameters. Foliage samples were collected from three sites. Data of chemical composition were analysed using analysis of variance for a bi-factorial arrangement, whereas the effect of PEG was analysed by a strip plot design. Results of chemical composition were affected by interacting factors season*species as individually they were significantly different (P<0.001). Addition of PEG affected (P<0.001) fermentation parameters. Significantly higher values of neutral detergent fibre (42%), condensed tannins (19%), purines (9 μmol), partitioning factor (PF) (6.1) and gross energy losses (GEL=6.7%) were found in A. amentacea, while P. texana gave higher crude protein (18%), in vitro true organic matter digestibility (82%), metabolisable energy (ME) [2.1 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM)], A (183 mL), c (0.07/h) and L (0.86 h). Addition of PEG increased ME, and affected (P<0.001) fermentation parameters A and c, while purines and PF decreased. Results indicate that chemical composition and fermentation parameters vary according to seasons and species. PEG addition increases the fermentation parameters, which indicates that PEG counteracts the detrimental effects of secondary components of samples. Data suggest that using both species combined could supply necessary nutritional requirements to small ruminants in the Tamaulipan scrubland.

Field prediction of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fibre constituents in northern Europe

AbstractModels to predict neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of alfalfa before harvest have been developed in the USA, but have not been tested in northern Europe or above 50°N latitude. Our objective was to test predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) and the New York prediction equation for alfalfa quality (NYPQ) for estimating alfalfa NDF and ADF in northern Poland. A total of 275 alfalfa samples, varying in height and maturity, were collected from twenty farm fields over 3 years. Observed NDF and ADF values were regressed on predicted values. The accuracy of PEAQ for predicting NDF and ADF in Poland was equal to that observed in the USA (r2 &gt; 0·89; RMSE &lt; 21·6). In most cases regression equations were not biased (slope = 1 and y‐intercept = 0), and when there was bias it was minimal. The relationship between observed and NYPQ prediction of NDF was also strong (r2 &gt; 0·88; RMSE &lt; 23·0), but these equations were extremely biased. The results demonstrate that the PEAQ model provides a simple, rapid and reasonably accurate means to estimate fibre concentrations of alfalfa before harvest, appropriate for the growing conditions of northern Europe.

Characterization of date palm lignocellulosic by-products and self-bonded composite materials obtained thereof

In the present work, we investigated the possibility of valorizing four date palm tree by-products: leaflets, rachis, leaf sheath and fibrillum as self-bonded materials. First, their chemical composition and morphological properties were studied and showed high neutral detergent fiber values for all samples (65–91%) as normally required for self-bonding adhesion. Particleboard composites were then manufactured by thermopressing without any pretreatment or addition of synthetic binders. The properties of the resulting composites were assessed using bending test, internal bonding measurement, thickness swelling, water absorption and dynamical mechanical analysis. The fibrillum, leaflets and rachis based- composites have sufficient modulus of rupture to meet the Japanese Industrial Standard. However, only the fibrillum panels meet the French Standards. Furthermore, the results of dynamic mechanical analysis of leaflets composites reveal a relaxation peak which could be attributed to higher molecular weight carbohydrates. These preliminary results will allow to discriminate the various sources of fibrous particles on the same tree and to choose adequate preprocessing for further research.

Nutritive Value of Grasses in Semi-arid Rangelands of Ethiopia: Local Experience Based Herbage Preference Evaluation versus Laboratory Analysis.

We examined the nutritive value of common grass species in the semi-arid rangelands of Borana in southern Ethiopia using local experience based herbage preference (LEBHP) perception and laboratory techniques. Local pastoralists in the study area were asked to identify common grass species and rank them according to the species’ preferences and palatability to cattle. The pastoralists listed a total of 15 common grass species which were then sampled during the main rain and cold dry seasons and analyzed for crude protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and ash content to verify pastoralists’ claim regarding the quality of individual species. The relative feed value (RFV) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were also calculated using NDF and ADF contents. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to examine possible relationships between laboratory results and pastoralists’ experience on grass quality. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon aucheri, Digitaria milanjiana, Eragrostis papposa and Panicum maximum were the top five species based on LEBHP perception. There were indications of inconsistency in terms of LEBHP perception among the different pastoral communities. The chemical composition of all grass species showed significant (p<0.05) variation between sites, seasons and species. The results showed that the CP values for the Borana rangelands were in the range of 8.7% in the main rain season to 5.1% for the cold dry season. The fiber constituents were relatively low in the main rain season compared to the cold dry season. Overall, Digitaria milanjiana had the highest CP (16.5%) content, while the least was recorded with Heteropogon contortus (10.8) and Aristida adoensis (9.8%) during the main rain season. It seems that the spatial variability of landscapes within the wider geographical regions, soil properties and texture, and land-use patterns probably contributed to site differences in species quality. Generally, the RFV of individual grass species was significantly (p<0.05) varied between and within sites. The ranking of species by pastoralists according to their preferences by cattle was highly correlated with the chemical composition of laboratory results of individual grass species with ‘r’ values for CP (0.94), ash (0.95), NDF (−0.98), ADF (−0.93) and ADL (−0.93). We suggest the complimentary use of LEBHP and laboratory techniques in evaluating the nutritive quality of rangeland forage species for sustainable animal production.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of pastures of peanut forage or red clover

With this study, we aimed at evaluating the nutritional value and chemical composition of forage legume intercropping with elephant grass (EG) + spontaneous growth species (SGS) + annual ryegrass (AR) + peanut forage (PF), as treatment T1; and EG + SGS + AR + red clover (RD), as T2. The EG was planted in 4- m spaced rows. The annual ryegrass was planted between the EG rows during the cool season; the RC was sowed and the PF was preserved. The experiment was performed between October 2009 and April 2010, with six grazing cycles. Samples of forage legume was collected, under simulated the grazing, to determine the levels of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter in situ digestibility (OMISD), total phenols (TF), total tannins (TT), and condensed tannins (CT). The mean values of OM, CP, NDF, OMISD, TF, TT and TC were 90.8, 20.96, 48.38, 86.68, 1.92, 1.42 and 1.39%; and 91.84, 21.41, 41.36, 85.18, 1.90, 1.31 and 0.17% for peanut forage and red clover, respectively. Higher values (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the level of CT of peanut forage.

Improving the nutritive value of Olive Cake by solid state cultivation of the medicinal mushroom Fomes fomentarius

Olive Cake (OC) generated by the olive oil industries, well implanted in Tunisia, represents a major disposal and potentially severe pollution problem. This work presents the study of bioconversion of OC in solid state fermentation with the medicinal mushroom, Fomes fomentarius so as to upgrade its nutritional values and digestibility for its use as ruminants feed. The fungus was cultured on OC for 7–30d, and subsequently the chemical composition, lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and in vitro digestibility of the resultant substrate were determined. The results obtained showed an increase in the crude protein ranging from 6% to 22% for the control and for treated OC, respectively. Significant (P<0.05) decreases in the values of neutral detergent fiber (hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin), acid detergent fiber (lignin and cellulose) and acid detergent lignin were detected (23%, 13% and 10%, respectively). The estimated in vitro digestibility improved from 9% (control) to 25% (treated OC). The present findings revealed F. fomentarius to be an efficient organism for lignocellulolytic enzymes production and simultaneous enhancement in crude protein and in vitro digestibility of OC.

The feeding value of deseeded pods from &lt;i&gt;Moringa stenopetala&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; as evaluated by chemical analyses and &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; gas production

This study evaluates the nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of deseeded green pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera cultivated at low and moderate altitudes. Crude protein (CP) content (g/kg DM) varied from 103 in Moringa oleifera to 135 in Moringa stenopetala. The CP contents for Moringa stenopetala cultivated at low and moderate altitudes were 135 and 127 g/kg DM, respectively. The CP values for Moringa oleifera were 103 and 105 g/kg DM at low and moderate altitudes, respectively. Low values of neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and cellulose were found in Moringa stenopetala. High concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn, and Cu were observed in Moringa oleifera. Significantly high values of metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility, and short-chain fatty acids were found in Moringa stenopetala. These values were also significantly high at moderate altitude. The ME values were 7.35 and 5.80 MJ/kg DM for Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera, respectively. In conclusion, deseeded pods of the Moringa tree could be used as an alternative, cheap source of home-grown energy supplements for low quality crop residues of tropical livestock while using the seeds for human consumption.

Use of different urea levels in the feeding of Alpine goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior and blood parameters of milking goats fed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) and increasing urea levels in substitution to soybean meal. Ten multiparous Alpine goats with average weight of 31±6.0 kg were used and distributed into (5 × 5) Latin squares and assessed during five 17-day periods, receiving five treatments with the following substitution levels: 0; 5; 10; 15 and 20 g/kg of urea. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fiber carbohydrates, ether extract, organic matter and water intake values showed differences, whith average values ranging from 1.03 to 1.13; 0.12 to 0.14; 1.76 to 2.10 kg/day and 0.77 to 1.48 kg/day, respectively. The NDF and crude protein apparent digestibility values were significantly affected by urea levels. In relation to the ingestive behavior, the urea levels did not influence the feeding, idleness or rumination parameters. Difference was observed for the following physiological variables: feces frequency (11.5 to 15.9 times per day), urine frequency (10.8 to 14.2 times per day) and frequency of search for water (0.8 to 2.1 times per day). The urea levels influenced the blood parameters, whose average levels ranged from 29.83 to 40.76 mg/dL. Pear cactus and increasing urea levels in substitution to soybean meal do not alter the dry matter intake or ingestive behavior. The use of urea associated with forage cactus reduces water intake and increases the blood urea concentration of milking goats.

KECERNAAN IN SACCO HIJAUAN LEGUMINOSA DAN HIJAUAN NON- LEGUMINOSA DALAM RUMEN SAPI PERANAKAN ONGOLE

&lt;p&gt;This study was aimed to explore the optimum potential of forage and the degradation rate the rumen of nutrient of forage (legume and non legume) derived different forage fodder used farmers. Seven forages i.e. Gliricidia (GL),&lt;br /&gt;Manilkara (SW), Sesbania (TP), Ficus (BR), Calothyrsus (KL), Jackfruit (NG), and Cacao leaves (CO), were used in this experiment. Samples were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle with different time intervals, namely 2, 4, 8,&lt;br /&gt;12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The collected data were the nutrient digestibility residues in rumen, including dried matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Data&lt;br /&gt;were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). From the calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the degradation theory (DT) values of DM : GL 60.06%; SW 34.78%; TP 73.96%; BR 41.40%; KL 43.80%; NG 43.67%; and CO 28.67%. From in sacco rumen calculation, it was obtained the DT values of OM : GL 59.13%; SW 32.74%; TP 73.07%; BR 42.83%; KL 44.18%; NG 45.04%; and CO 26.80%. Calculation of in sacco rumen showed the DT values of CP : GL 66.14%; SW 32.49%; TP 81.46%; BR 42.89%; KL 31.84%; NG 47.05%; and CO 29.46%. The calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the DT values of NDF: GL 46.84%; SW 46.59%; TP 56.69%; BR 44.18%; KL 23.01%; NG 30.07%; and CO 55.43%. From the calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the DT&lt;br /&gt;values of ADF: GL 61.27%; SW 43.95%; TP 56.53%; BR 40.11%; KL 21.08%; NG 44.66%; and CO 69.15%. There were significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) on the degradation of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF. It is concluded that not all of legume has higher DT values of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF fraction than non-legume. There is a tendency that the longer retention time in the rumen, the higher degradation rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(Keywords: Legume, Non-legume, In sacco rumen)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Quality of the forage apparently consumed by beef calves in natural grassland under fertilization and oversown with cool season forage species

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the forage apparently consumed by steers in a natural grassland on region of Campanha, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, subjected or not to different inputs: NP - natural pasture without inputs; FNP - fertilized natural pasture and INP - improved natural grassland with fertilization and over-seeded with cultivated winter species. Three Angus steers testers and a variable number of regulator animals per experimental unit were utilized in order to maintain 13 kg of DM/100 kg of live weight (LW) as forage allowance. One time at each season, hand plucking samples were performed along the daily grazing time simulating forage harvested by the animals. The collected samples after drying and grind were submitted to chemical analysis to determine the forage quality. Except in winter and spring, the values of neutral detergent fiber were higher than the critical value of 550 g/kg of DM, which could limit forage intake, demonstrating that the values of forage on offer provided (15.6; 13.7; 13.5; 15.8 kg of DM/100 kg of LW/day in summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively) were not restrictive to intake. The oversowing of winter cultivated species or fertilization positively alter the degradable fiber content. The seasons had marked influence on the chemical composition of forage apparently consumed; positively increasing some fractions of forage chemical composition in the seasons in which native or cultivated winter species increased their participation. The forage chemical composition is the determining factor in animal performance in natural pasture.

Cinética de degradação de frações nutricionais de euforbiáceas

Objetivou-se determinar a composição e a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro dos fenos da mamona Paraguaçu (Ricinus communis), da mamona Nordestina (Ricinus communis), do pinhão manso (Jatropha curcas) e da maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii). Utilizaram-se três ovinos sem raça definida fistulados no rúmen. Em cada animal foram incubados 12 sacos nos períodos de 6; 12; 24; 48 e 96 horas, sendo três por feno de euforbiácea. O teor proteico variou entre 10,3% para o feno de pinhão manso e 19,6% para o feno da maniçoba. O valor de fibra em detergente neutro foi semelhante entre os fenos do pinhão manso e da maniçoba, enquanto os fenos das mamonas, apresentaram valores inferiores às anteriores e semelhantes entre si. O feno da mamona Paraguaçu obteve maior e mais rápida degradação da matéria seca, com valor de 85,5%, estagnado em 44 horas. Os fenos da maniçoba e do pinhão manso apresentaram degradação da proteína bruta semelhantes com valores final de 92,5% em 40 e 46 horas, respectivamente. O feno do pinhão manso obteve degradação da fibra em detergente neutro de 68,0% e foi superior aos fenos das outras euforbiáceas, porém, apresentou taxa de degradação mais lenta, estabilizada em 86 horas. Os fenos das mamonas foram superiores aos fenos das demais euforbiáceas em relação à composição bromatológica, aos coeficientes de degradação ruminal e a degradação potencial e efetiva dos nutrientes.

Responses of herbage and cattle tail switch hair δ15N value to long-term stocking rates on a rough fescue grassland

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of δ15N in herbage and cattle tail switch hair to long-term grazing pressure on a rough fescue grassland (Festuca campestris Rydb.) near Stavely, Alberta, Canada. Cattle have grazed the paddocks from 15 May to 15 November annually since 1949. Stocking rates were 0, 2.4 and 4.8 animal unit months ha−1 for non-grazing (Control), moderate grazing (MG) and heavy grazing (HG), respectively. Green standing crop (GSC) was sampled monthly throughout the grazing season in 2007. The GSC was fractioned into neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and their total nitrogen (TN) concentration and δ15N values in NDF, ADF and GSC were determined. Tail switch hair samples from cows (>2 years old) and calves (<1 year) were collected at the end of the grazing season in 2007 and 2008 and analysed for δ15N values. The TN concentrations in NDF and δ15N values in herbage NDF and ADF fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MG and HG than the Control, and decreased over the grazing season. The δ15N values in tail hair also decreased (P < 0.05) over the grazing season but were not affected by grazing intensity. However, as expected, δ15N values in tail hair increased with herbage δ15N values. The δ15N values in tail hair were enriched by +5.2‰ compared to herbage δ15N values in 2007. Changes in δ15N value in GSC and cattle hair reflect the influence of grazing practices on N cycles through the animal/plant/soil system on this rough fescue grassland.

Semi arid browse forages: Their antinutritive substances and in sacco neutral detergent fibre and organic matter degradability

Three ruminally cannulated bulls were used to determine variations in dry matter (DM) degradability of forage consumed by ruminants in the semi-arid region of north Nigeria. Organic matter and crude protein (CP) contents were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browse forages. Higher numerical values of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose were recorded. Condensed tannin varied from 0.08 mg/g DM in Kigalia africana to 0.41 mg/g DM in Maerua angolensis. A range of 0.24 mg/g DM in Olea hochstteteri to 0.48 mg/g in Khaya senegalensis was obtained for phenolic. Saponin content of the experimental leaves range from 1.08 mg/g DM in Poupartia sirrea to 2.95 mg/g DM in Garderna sokotensis. Oxalate in the browses used ranged from 4.59 mg/g DM in Maerua angolensis to 8.14 mg/g DM in Olea hochstteteri. The highest value of 5.81 mg/g DM was obtained in Khaya senegalensis while Olea hochstteteri had the lowest value of 2.02 mg/g DM for Phytic acid in the browses studied. The hydrogen cyanide and Fluoroacetate are generally low in all the browse samples studied. The result showed no significant difference among the browse forages.NDF degradability after 24 and 48 h of ruminal incubation were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browses. Higher values (P< 0·05) in DM bag losses at zero time ('a' fraction) were high for the browses. The insoluble but fermentable NDF ('b' fractions) were low (P< 0·05) among browse forages. Numerically lower values of NDF 'c' fraction were found in browses except for Kigalia africana, whereas NDF potential degradability were higher (P< 0·05) in all the experimental leaves. High (P< 0·05) contents of CP in the browse forages, NDF degradability after 48 h of ruminal incubation, and a+b, were observed in the browse leaves. Thus, these results may be related to both the better feeding value of forage consumed by the animals and better performance of livestock during in these areas. Then, the NDF degradability after 48 h, together with the soluble fraction 'a' and insoluble but fermentable fraction 'b' and the c fraction permit the nutritive value of the forage consumed by grazing goats to be accurately described. The rate of OM disappearance was highest for Garderner sokotensis 97.20% though the values were generally high for all the browse forages studied. The soluble fraction 'a', rate of degradation 'c' and effective degradability 'ED' were generally low for all the browse forages while the insoluble but degradable fraction 'b' and potential degradability a+b were high for all the browse forages. Base on these findings, it can be concluded that the browse forages are of good nutritive value and can be use as supplement.

CARACTERÍSTICAS ESTRUTURAIS E BROMATOLÓGICAS DO CAPIM TANZÂNIA SOB PASTEJO ISOLADO, SIMULTÂNEO E ALTERNADO DE OVINOS COM BOVINOS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three types of rotational pasture: isolated (I – grazing only by sheep), simultaneous (S – simultaneous grazing by cattle and sheep) and alternated (A – granzing by cattle and then by sheep) on the structural and chemical traits of grass. Twelve crossbreed heifers, weighing initially 207 kg, 30 Santa Ines lambs, weighing 23 kg, and 16 adult ewes weighing 47 kg were used. The following parameters were determined on the pasture: forage mass available per grazing cycle (FMC); proportion of leaf (PF); stalk (PS); dead material (PDM), leaf:stalk ratio (L/S); levels of dry matter (DM); mineral matter (MM); crude protein (PB); ether extract (EE); neutral detergent fiber (NDF); acid detergent fiber (ADF); inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). The S and I systems presented the smallest values for PS and NDF, while their values for L/S, CP, EE and TDN were higher than in A system. Therefore, the results showed that the grass offered to sheep in S and I systems had better quality than in the A system. There was not effect of systems and cycles of pasture on the others parameters evaluated. Tanzania grass available to sheep showed best structural and chemical traits in S and I systems while it presented worse quality in A system. The S system may be an alternative to traditional sheep rearing systems in the Brazilian savannah region. KEYWORDS: grass; pasture; ruminant.