Potential Degradability Of Dry Matter Research Articles

Impact of combined management strategies of monensin and virginiamycin in high energy diets on ruminal fermentation and nutrients utilization.

Feed additives such as monensin (MON) and virginiamycin (VM) are commonly utilized in feedlot diets to enhance rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, the precise effects of combining MON and VM during specific feedlot periods and the advantages of this combination remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the adaptation and finishing periods on ruminal metabolism, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility in Nellore cattle. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin square, where each period lasted 28 days. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore yearling bulls were used (414,86 ± 21,71 kg of body weight), which were assigned to five treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period; (2) VM during the entire feeding period; (3) MON + VM during the adaptation period and only VM during the finishing period 1 and 2; (4) MON + VM during the entire feeding period; (5) MON + VM during the adaptation and finishing period 1 and only VM during the finishing period 2. For the finishing period 1, animals fed T3 had improved potential degradability of dry matter (p = 0.02). Cattle fed T3 and T5 had the highest crude protein degradability when compared to animals receiving T2 (p = 0.01). Animals fed T2 and T3 had reduced the time (p < 0.01) and area under pH 6.2 (p = 0.02). Moreover, animals fed T4 had greater population of protozoa from the genus Diplodinium (p = 0.04) when compared to those from animals fed T2, T3 and T5. For the finishing period 2, animals fed T3 had greater starch degradability when compared to animals receiving T4 and T5 (p = 0.04). Animals fed T3, T4 and T5 had increased the duration of time in which pH was below 5.6 (p = 0.03). The area under the curve for ruminal pH 5.2 and pH 5.6 was higher for the animals fed T3 (p = 0.01), and the area under pH 6.2 was higher for the animals fed T3 and T5 (p < 0.01) when compared to animals receiving T2. There is no substantial improvement on the rumen fermentation parameters by the concurrent utilization of MON and VM molecules, where the higher starch and protein degradability did not improve the rumen fermentation.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND IN SITU DEGRADABILITY OF SELECTED FORAGES, BROWSE TREES AND AGRO INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS

The in situ dry matter and crude protein degradability of grasses, legumes, browse trees and agro industrial by products were evaluated by three fistulated bulls (Boran × Holstein-Friesian with mean body weight 580 kg and age= 29±3 months). The lower (P &lt; 0.05) crude protein content was reported in Bracharia grass than the other grasses. The higher (P &lt; 0.05) washing loss rapidly soluble nutrients (a) in Bracharia and Rhodes grasses and the greater (P&lt; 0.05) potential and effective degradability for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were observed in desho grass compared with the other grasses. The content of crude protein, relative feed value, washing loss or rapidly soluble nutrients (a) and potential DM degradability were higher (P&lt; 0.05) in Sesbania than Pigeon pea and tree lucerne browse trees. Acacia nilotica and Wanza (Cordia African) had the greater (P&lt; 0.05) washes loss (a), potential and effective degradability for dry matter and crude protein than the other browse trees. Cactus (Cleistocactus sextoianus) and Shola (Ficus sure) had the highest (P&lt; 0.05) undegradable protein than Acacia nilotica and Wanza (Cordia african). The energy source feed (maize bran) had the greater (P &lt; 0.05) potential and effective dry matter and crude protein degradability parameters than the other by products. The rumen undegradable protein was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in vetch than lablab. The rumen undegradable protein was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in Rhodes grass than the other forage grasses. Brewery spent grain and cotton seed cake have the higher (P &lt; 0.05) rumen undegradable protein than Noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) cake, wheat and maize bran. The in situ dry matter and crude protein degradability values obtained in this study can be useful to identifying the best materials used for ruminant feeds.

Chemical composition and in situ degradability of sugarcane tip hay subjected to alkaline treatment

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of alkaline treatments with urea, NaOH and Ca(OH)2 on chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability of dry matter, crud protein and neutral detergent fiber of sugarcane tip hay. Samples were incubated in the rumen of three cannulated cattle for up to 72 hours in a split plot randomized block design. Ammoniation with 6% urea increased (p<0.05) the crude protein content by 13% and reduced the neutral detergent fiber and insoluble nitrogen content of the hay. When treated with the highest doses of the compounds, there was a high potential degradability of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, and a shorter neutral detergent fiber lag time. Ammoniation with urea promotes a reduction in the content of NDF, hemicellulose and insoluble nitrogen, with an increase in the content of CP in the hay, with emphasis for the level of 6% urea. The ruminal degradation of sugarcane tip hay increases with alkaline treatments using 6% urea or 3% NaOH, however, ammoniation with urea is indicated for the treatment of hay, as this is low cost and can be easily adopted by farmers in the semiarid region.

Tropical fruit peels as potential modifiers of rumen fermentation characteristics in goats: in vitro and in situ evaluations

Context Methane (CH4) accounts for loss of dietary gross energy in ruminants and is a potent greenhouse gas. Feedstuffs that could alter ruminal fermentation by decreasing methane production without reducing total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration are desirable. Aims Tropical fruit peels, which can be simply collected and exploited, were compared with lucerne (Medicago sativa) in order to assess their potential to modify in vitro and in situ rumen fermentation and CH4 production of goats. Methods For the in vitro study, buffered rumen fluid (30 mL from each of four rumen-fistulated goats fed concentrate and lucerne hay) was mixed with 250 mg dry matter (DM) of each peel sample (dokong, mangosteen, papaya, pineapple, rambutan) and incubated for 48 h. A total of 250 mg DM of lucerne was mixed with rumen fluid as control. For the in situ study, dried samples (lucerne, and peel of dokong, mangosteen, papaya, pineapple, rambutan) were passed through a 2-mm sieve, weighed (5 g) into nylon bags, and individually placed in the rumen of four fistulated goats for 48 h. Key results In the in vitro study, tropical fruit peels lowered (P < 0.05) the production of CH4 compared with lucerne. Tropical fruit peels did not cause inhibition of total VFA (e.g. acetic, butyric and propionic acids) or decrease the concentration of ammonia-N compared with lucerne. In the in situ study, effective DM degradability of papaya (62.99%) and pineapple (54.45%) peels were higher than of lucerne (51.04%). Potential DM degradability of pineapple (75.07%), dokong (72.62%), papaya (66.88%) and rambutan (59.15%) were also higher than of lucerne (57.55%). Conclusions Tropical fruit peels had no negative effect on ruminal fermentation and reduced CH4 production in vitro. However, in vivo studies should confirm these effects. Implications Tropical fruit peels may be suitable as a feedstuff for goats and could be an effective way to reduce methane gas emissions; however, more research under in vivo conditions is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which tropical fruit peels mitigate of methane production in ruminants.

Yield and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu grass at different regrowth ages

The objective was to evaluate the productivity, chemical composition, ruminal degradability of dry matter and digestibility of BRS capiaçu grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) managed at five regrowth ages. A completely randomized design with ten replications was used in the BRS capiaçu elephant grass subjected to five cutting intervals (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days) in the summer, making a total of 50 plots with a useful area of 4 x 2 m. There were daily increases in the dry matter production in the order of 382 kg ha-1, with 49,859 kg ha-1 being produced at 150 regrowth days. The dry matter content and organic matter linearly increased (P &lt; 0.01) at different regrowth ages. The crude protein content, in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber linearly reduced (P &lt; 0.01) 0.037%, 0.196% and 0.256% per day, respectively. Potential degradability of dry matter decreased from 68.9% at 30 days to 44.7% at 150 regrowth days (0.194 percentage units per day). The rate of degradation of fraction B 'c' was not modified (P = 0.94), averaging 1.46% hour-1. In the cultivation of BRS capiaçu elephant grass in the summer season, in the northern region of Minas Gerais, the age for harvesting between 90 and 120 days of regrowth is recommended.

Determination of ruminal dry matter and crude protein degradability and degradation kinetics of several concentrate feed ingredients in cashmere goat

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation parameters of several commercially available concentrate feed ingredients used in Shaanbei White Cashmere Goat (SWCG). Three 4-year-old female SWCGs fitted with permanent rumen fistula were fed with corn straw and concentrate feed. Tested energy and protein feed ingredients were corn, wheat bran (WB), corn germ meal, soybean meal (SBM), rape seed meal (RSM), and distillers dried grains. The feed samples were placed in a nylon bag and incubated in the rumen for 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h to measure the ruminal disappearance of DM and CP. The exponential model was used to calculate the degradation kinetics. There were significant differences between sources in terms of DM and CP disappearance and degradability. In terms of energy feed ingredients, the potential degradability of DM and CP of corn was significantly higher than those of the other energy feed ingredients, whereas the effective degradability (ED) of CP of WB at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of the others. In protein feed ingredients, SBM had the highest potential degradability of DM and CP. Furthermore, the ED of DM of SBM at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of the other protein feed ingredients, whereas the ED of CP of RSM at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of others. Those feed ingredients with low degradability can increase the bypass nutrients, which will be digested in the small intestine. The degradation parameters obtained in this experiment using SWCG would be useful in improving the accuracy of formulation of cashmere goat diet in Northwest of China.

Ruminal degradation of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber of banana peel treated with limestone

This study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of dry matter degradation and neutral detergent fiber of banana peel treated with limestone. The banana peel has been acquired from a candy manufacturer that after washing with chlorinated water to 1% and pulp removal was discarded. The banana peel in nature was treated with 1, 2, 3 and 4% of limestone in the natural matter, homogenized and pre-dried in the sun for 120 hours. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments (0 (control), 1, 2, 3 and 4% inclusion of limestone) with 3 repetitions. The dry matter potential degradability, showed no difference (P&gt;0.05) in the levels compared to the control with an average of 67.58%. The insoluble degradation fraction rate of dry matter and the fiber fraction did not differ (P&gt; 0.05) between levels and control. In relation to effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber, there was an increase of 3.47% for each percentage unit increased limestone. In relation to the ruminal degradation parameters of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber is not recommended the utilization of limestone as an additive in the treatment of banana peel.

Effects of season and species on in sacco degradability of forages in the sub-humid subtropical savannah

Effect of season and plant species on in sacco dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability of five plant species were investigated. Plant species were Acacia natalitia, Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachys cinerea, Scutia myrtina and Chromolaena odorata. Leaves were harvested during dry, early wet and late wet seasons, subjected to degradation in cows’ rumen using nylon bags technique. Season affected potential DM degradability and effective degradation of DM and CP. Species affected all parameters except slowly degradable fraction of CP. Interaction between season and species affected the parameters except potential and slowly degradable fraction of CP. Chromolaena odorata had highest estimated parameters of degradation among seasons compared to others. Based on potential and effective degradation, plants followed this decreasing order: C. odorata, A. nilotica, A. natalitia, S. myrtina and D. cinerea. These plants have a potential as feed supplements. C. odorata has the highest potential as feed protein source in ruminants. It concluded that season and species affected in sacco degradability of DM and CP of browse species. Key words: Dry matter, crude protein, Chromolaena odorata, ruminants, nutritive value.

Ruminal degradability of Guinea grass silage inoculated with Streptoccocus bovis isolated from bovine rumen combined or not with com wheat bran

This experiment aimed to evaluate the ruminal degradability in situ of the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Guinea grass silages. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and six repetitions: Guinea grass silage, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 10% wheat bran, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1; Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1 plus 10% of wheat bran; Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5; Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5 plus 10% of wheat bran. The silages inoculated with Streptococcus bovis and with added wheat bran resulted in higher values of ruminal degradability of DM, 32.76% and 32.17%, and of crude protein 38.28% and 37.89%. For the effective and potential degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF the highest values occurred for silages in these silages as well, in all passage rates. There is a similarity between the responses of Streptococcus bovis JB1 and the HC5, and the wheat bran enhanced the effectiveness of the microbial additive.

Comparative study on the biomass yield, chemical composition and in-sacco dry matter degradability of different cultivars of triticale fodder

An experiment was conducted to determine the biomass yield, chemical composition and in-sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of 10 cultivars (WRF-7, TSN-111, TYT-03, TYT-05, TYT-06, TYT-08, TYT-12, ITYN-10, ITYN-14 and ITYN-15) of triticale fodder. The fresh yield of different cultivars of triticale was ranged from 5.03 to 6.85 (t/ha). The organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents of different cultivars of triticale were found 89.62 to 91.78 %, 21.34 to 25.99 %, 23.09 to 29.99 %, 46.77 to 50.80 %, 0.42 to 0.61 % and 0.33 to 0.41 %, respectively. The yield of DM and CP of different cultivars of triticale were varied from 0.77 to 1.44 (t/ha) and 0.193 to 0.351 (t/ha), respectively. Among different triticale cultivars the highest OM and CP contents were found in TYT-12 (91.78 %) and ITYN-10 (25.99 %), respectively. The highest NDF and ADF contents were found in ITYN-14 (50.80 %) and TYT-05 (29.99 %), respectively among different cultivars. The contents of Ca and P in ITYN-10 (0.61 %) and ITYN-14 (0.41 %), respectively were found to be the highest among the cultivars. Potential DM degradability observed in different cultivars of triticale was higher in ITYN-14 and TYT-05 (84.81 and 81.88 %, respectively) compared to others and relatively poor degradability was found in TSN-111 and TYT-03 (60.74 and 61.35 %, respectively). Therefore, it may be concluded that, the cultivar ITYN-10 will be the promising one due to comparatively higher fresh yield, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content and less acid detergent fibre (ADF) fraction cultivated for fodder production in Bangladesh.http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i1.11972

Evaluation of festulolium (×Festulolium Braunii) ‘Paulita’ haylage in dairy cows: Nutritive value, dry matter intake, animal performance and rumen degradability

We compared haylage prepared from festulolium (×Festulolium Braunii) ‘Paulita’ (a cultivar with high flooding tolerance) with those from festulolium ‘Evergreen’ (a standard cultivar in Japan) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) ‘Nosappu’ (a common early-maturing cultivar in Japan), in terms of chemical composition, short-term (during the first hour after the start of the morning meal) and daily intakes, animal performance and rumen degradability in dairy cows. Fermentation of the forages was depressed, leading to low concentrations of lactic acid and volatile fatty acids. ‘Paulita’ haylage showed a significantly higher content of total digestible nutrients than ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Nosappu’ haylages. Short-term intake rate of haylage and daily voluntary intake of feeds were higher for ‘Paulita’ than for ‘Evergreen’. The in sacco potential dry matter degradability and the disappearance of neutral detergent fiber at 96 h were highest for the ‘Paulita’ haylage. Milk yield was highest in animals fed the ‘Paulita’ diet. We conclude that ‘Paulita’ haylage has adequate nutritive value and can be ingested by dairy cows more efficiently than haylages prepared from the common temperate grasses.

Digestibilidade in situ e cinética ruminal de bovinos de corte a pasto sob suplementação com proteinados

Foram estudados os efeitos da suplementação com proteinados sobre a degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido (FDN e FDA) em bovinos de corte em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. Foram utilizados quatro bovinos Nelore com 395 ± 9 kg, fistulados no rúmen para avaliação da degradabilidade e da cinética da fase líquida e das partículas. Dois bovinos com fístulas esofagianas foram usados para a colheita de extrusas. Suplementos com 50, 40 e 30% de proteína bruta (PB) foram fornecidos na proporção de 400 g/animal/dia em comparação à suplementação controle, com apenas sal mineral. A oferta de suplemento proteinado não influenciou a degradabilidade potencial da MS, PB e FDN, mas promoveu aumento de 36,85% para 48,97% na degradabilidade efetiva da MS e de 22,06% para 30,05% na degradabilidade da FDN. Os suplementos com 40 e 30% de proteína bruta foram superiores ao controle, pois promoveram maior degradabilidade efetiva da PB e maiores taxas de saída das partículas. A taxa de passagem da fase líquida foi 11,4% maior nos animais que receberam os suplementos em relação aos do grupo controle. A degradabilidade efetiva da FDA não foi afetada pelo consumo dos suplementos e variou de 12,19% (controle) a 16,75% (suplemento com 30% de PB). Os resultados deste estudo mostram a importância da suplementação protéica para animais em pastagem de baixa qualidade e também do nível de N dos suplementos.

Valor nutritivo do capim-elefante ensilado com farelo de cacau e cana-de-açúcar

Foram estudados os efeitos da adição de farelo de cacau e cana-de-açúcar sobre o valor nutritivo de silagem de capim-elefante, adotando-se um esquema fatorial 2 x 4, utilizando-se 0 e 15% de farelo de cacau e 0, 15, 30 e 45% de cana-de-açúcar, com quatro repetições. O capim-elefante apresentava 29,2% de matéria seca (MS), e as silagens foram produzidas em silos experimentais de PVC, que foram abertos aos 60 dias após a ensilagem. A adição de farelo de cacau reduziu a fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e aumentou os teores de MS, proteína bruta e a degradabilidade potencial da MS (DP MS48h). A cana-de-açúcar também reduziu os teores FDA, aumentou a DP MS48h e aumentou os valores dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) até a inclusão de 20,5% de cana, embora tenha reduzido os teores de MS. Nas silagens contendo farelo de cacau e com a inclusão da cana-de-açúcar foi observada redução linear do conteúdo de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e aumento linear dos carboidratos não estruturais e NDT. A associação farelo de cacau e cana-de-açúcar aumentou o teor de CNF e os valores de NDT, e reduziu a FDN, melhorando o valor nutritivo das silagens de capim-elefante.

DEGRADAÇÃO DA MATÉRIA SECA, PROTEÍNA BRUTA E FIBRA EM DETERGENTE NEUTRO DE SILAGENS DE CAPIM-ELEFANTE CONTENDO PEDÚNCULO DE CAJU DESIDRATADO

To evaluate the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in situ degradation of elephant grass silages with five levels (0%; 4%; 8%; 12% and 16%, on a fresh matter basis of the ensiling mass) of dehydrated cashew stalk (DCS), this research was carried out. The design was a split-plot one, consisting the addition levels the plots and the incubation times the sub-plots, with 4 replicates (silos). For the silages making, the elephant grass was cut 70 days-old and mixed to the by-product, in 20 plastic drums (silos). From these silos, samples were taken to dry, grid in a bolter of 5 mm mesh, being used 3 g of samples in each nylon bag , with 50 ?m of porosity for incubation in the rumem for 0, 6, 48 e 96 hours. Two ram without defined breed were used. After the incubation, the bags were taken out from the rumen, washed and oven dried at 60oC for 72 hours. After, they were weighed and on the residue the chemical analysis were performed. The inclusion of the DCS in the elephant grass silage increased the potential degradability of DM and NDF of the silages by 12% of the inclusion, with values of 77.60% and 61.96% respectively. The highest potential degradability of CP (84.80%) was observed when it was added 16% of the DCS silage. The effective degradability of DM and NDF increased with the inclusion of DCS, reaching the highest values with 16% for inclusion. The elephant grass silage containing dehydrated cashew stalk can be used in feed for small ruminants. KEY WORDS: Anacardium occidentale L., degradability, ensiling, Pennisetum purpureum, Schum., sheep.

Rumen Degradability of Dry Matter and Crude Protein in Tree Leaves and Crop Residues of Humid Nigeria

Degradability characteristics of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in four tree leaves and four crop residues were evaluated in this study using the nylon bag technique with three cannulated rams. The results revealed significant variations between the leaves and residues in terms of DM and CP degradability characteristics. The potential degradability of DM ranged from 65.94 to 96.69% in the leaves and 51.28 to 73.77% in the residues whereas DM disappearance after 48 hrs of incubation was from 43.27 to 73.50% and 34.03 to 54.27% respectively. Effective degradability (ED) of DM decreased with increase in outflow rates ranging from a low of 35.88% (k=0.05) to 72.67% (k=0.02) in the leaves and 26.59% (k=0.05) to 54.60% (k=0.02) in the residues. Potentially the degradability of CP in the leaves was between 22.41 and 57.38% and 22.87 and 57.19% in the residues. The least ED (k=0.05) of CP was 14.11% while the highest was 48.01% (k=0.02) in the leaves whereas the residues had a range between 13.20% (k=0.05) and 46.70% (k=0.02). Crude protein disappearance post-incubation for 48 hrs ranged between 17.63 and 53.81% and 14.34 and 53.07% in the leaves and residues respectively. The findings of this study showed that the DM compared with CP in the leaves and residues was more degradable in the rumen with the leaves better in this same regard. The information thus provided by this study could be useful in the planning of ruminant diets particularly in the dry season of the tropics.

In vitro and in situ evaluation of selected multipurpose trees, wheat bran and Lablab purpureus as potential feed supplements to tef ( Eragrostis tef) straw

In vitro and in situ evaluations of feed samples were carried out at Debre Zeit Research Station (Ethiopia) of the International Livestock Research Institute. The feed samples consisted of tef straw, wheat bran, dried Lablab purpureus, and dried foliage of the multipurpose trees (MPT), namely Sesbania sesban 1198, Sesbania sesban 15019, Acacia angustissima 15132, Leucaena pallida 14203, and mixtures of S. sesban 1198+L. pallida 14203; S. sesban 15019+L. pallida 14203; S. sesban 1198+A. angustissima 15132; S. sesban 15019+L. pallida 14203 at a ratio of 2:1. The objectives of the study were to assess the nutritive value of the feed samples and to also consider their potential as supplements to tef straw. The MPTs contained higher crude protein (CP) (216–278 g kg −1 dry matter (DM)), and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (204–338 g kg −1 DM) than wheat bran and L. purpureus. Anti-nutritive factors such as soluble phenolics and fiber bound condensed tannins were high in A. angustissima 15132 and L. pallida 14203, respectively. Wheat bran produced significantly more gas ( P<0.001) than either sole or mixtures of MPTs, but the rate of gas production was significantly greater ( P<0.001) for the MPTs than for wheat bran. Significantly lower ( P<0.05) extent and rate of gas production were observed in sole A. angustissima 15132 than in its mixtures with both accessions of S. sesban. L. pallida 14203 yielded significantly lower ( P<0.05) in vitro ammonia than its mixtures with both accessions of S. sesban. Sole L. pallida 14203 and A. angustissima 15132 had significantly lower ( P<0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in situ potential and effective degradability of DM and nitrogen (N) than their respective mixtures with both accessions of S. sesban. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and NDF had a strong negative impact on the rapidly degradable and potential degradability of DM ( P<0.001), whereas neutral detergent fiber bound N (NDF-N) significantly limited ( P<0.05) the rate and effective degradability of DM, as well as the extent and rate of in vitro gas production. IVDMD was also negatively influenced by contents of NDF ( P<0.01), ADF and acid detergent lignin (ADL) ( P<0.05). In situ extent of DM degradability, potential and effective degradability of DM were positively correlated ( P<0.01) with IVDMD, and the rate of in vitro gas production was also positively correlated ( P<0.05) with the rate of in situ DM degradability. It is concluded that all the MPTs and their mixtures have desirable characteristics as potential feed supplements to tef straw compared with wheat bran or L. purpureus. Within the MPTs, A. angustissima 15132 and L. pallida 14203 could be inferior supplements to tef straw compared to S. sesban 1198 or S. sesban 15019. However, mixing both accessions of S. Sesban with either A. angustissima 15132 or L. pallida 14203 has the potential of improving the utilization of the latter MPTs. Moreover, it is concluded that in vitro gas production, in situ DM degradation and IVDMD methods could be alternatively used to evaluate the nutritive value of feeds similar to those used in this study.

Efeito do tanino na degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca e da proteína bruta de seis genótipos de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) ensilados no estádio de grão pastoso

Para avaliar o efeito da presença de tanino sobre os parâmetros de degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca e da proteína bruta de seis genótipos de sorgo, ensilados no estádio de grão pastoso, foram utilizados quatro novilhos, canulados no rúmen, com peso vivo médio de 350kg, alimentados duas vezes ao dia com feno de Tifton 85. Os genótipos de silagem de sorgo utilizados foram: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601 e AG 2006 (sem tanino no grão) e BR 700 e BR 701 (com tanino no grão). Cinco gramas de cada amostra de silagem foram acondicionados em bolsas de náilon (15x8cm, 50mim) e suspensas no rúmen, utilizando os tempos de incubação de 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Foi calculada a fração solúvel no tempo zero (t0). Concluiu-se que o tanino no grão das silagens de sorgo testadas não afetou a média de desaparecimento com 96 horas de incubação. A presença de tanino em sorgos ensilados no estádio de grão pastoso foi capaz de inibir somente a degradabilidade potencial da MS. Não houve efeito negativo do tanino para as silagens de sorgo BR 700 e BR 701 sobre os parâmetros de degradabilidade potencial e taxa de degradação da proteína bruta.

Effects of Protein and Carbohydrate Supplements on Feed Digestion in Indigenous Malaysian Goats and Sheep

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soybean meal (SBM) as a source of protein and sago meal (SM) as a source of carbohydrate on in situ and in vivo digestibility of dietary components in four male goats (Kambing Katjang) and four male sheep (Malin) weighing 25-35 kg. Rumen volume, as well as rumen fluid dilution rate were also determined. The animals were housed in single pens with individual feeding and drinking troughs and each animal was fitted with a rumen fistula. They were fed two diets : chopped rice straw+200 g soybean meal (SBM), and chopped rice straw+190 g soybean rneal+300 g sago meal (SBM+SM). Rice straw was offered ad libitum. The supplements were isonitrogenous (80 g crude protein/animal/d), but the proportions of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were lower in the SBM supplement (191, 165, 11, 40, 15 g/animal/d for DM, OM, CF, NDF and ADF, respectively) than in the SBM+SM supplement (445, 423, 25, 102, 38 g/animal/d for DM, OM, CF, NDF and ADF, respectively). Two animals from each species were fed either supplement in a cross-over design in two periods. Each period lasted for four weeks. In situ and in vivo digestibility studies were carried out, followed by the determination of rumen volume and rumen fluid dilution rate. The results showed that straw DM and total DM intakes of goats (average of 48.7 g/kg W0.75, 72.7 g/kg W0.75, respectively) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than sheep (average of 35.6 g/kg W0.75, 61.6 g/kg W0.75, respectively), but OM, N and GE intakes were not significantly different between the two animal species. When the effect of supplements was compared, animals fed SBM+SM supplement had significantly (p<0.001) higher DM, OM and GE intakes than animals fed SBM supplement. Potential degradabilities of rice straw DM were significantly (p<0.01) higher in goats (average of 48.8%) than in sheep (average of 46.1%). The supplements had no significant effect on the potential degradabilities of DM, OM and NDF, but they had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the degradation rates of DM and NDF. The addition of sago meal in the diet reduced the degradation rates of DM and NDF of rice straw in the rumen. Potential degradability of DM of soybean meal was not significantly different between animal species as well as between supplements. Sago meal was highly degradable. At 24 h of incubation in the rumen, 90-95% of DM loss was observed. There was a significant interaction between animal species and supplements in the m vivo digestibility of ADF and GE. In animals fed SBM supplement, the in vivo digestibility of ADF was significantly (p<0.05) higher in goats (50.6 ± 4.22%) than in sheep (44.4 ± 3.21%), but digestibility of GE was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sheep (70.2 ± 1.93%) than in goats (63.0 ± 3.07%). The digestibility values of CP and OM were significantly (p<0.05) higher in sheep when compared to goats. Animals fed SBM+SM supplement showed significantly (p<0.05) higher DM and OM digestibility values than animals fed SBM supplement, but digestibility values of CP were significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals fed SBM supplement. Differences in in vivo digestibility values of CF and NDF were not significantly different between animal species or supplements. Water intake, rumen volume (1/kg W0.75), rumen fluid dilution rate and mean retention time were similar between the two animal species. However, rumen fluid dilution rate and mean retention time was significantly (p<0.01) affected by supplements. Animals fed SBM+SM had faster rumen fluid dilution rate and consequently shorter mean retention time.

Availability and use of dry season feed resources on smallholder dairy farms in central Kenya

A cross-sectional survey on 41 farms followed by six weeks monitoring of dairy cattle feeding on ten smallholder dairy farms in central Kenya was conducted to investigate the use, availability and quality of dry season feed resources. Fodder production was largely from Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) grown on small plots and contour strips where it acts both as a fodder source as well as a biological barrier to soil erosion. There is a need to broaden the choice of fodder crops on such farms to provide a wide range of harvesting management options and to avoid total loss in case of pest or disease outbreaks. Intercropping of Napier grass with leguminous fodder trees could boost the quantity and quality of herbage production especially during the dry season. Roughage from a variety of sources was utilised during the dry season in addition to Napier grass. Among the herbages, leguminous feeds had the lowest potential dry matter degradability while weeds harvested from cropland and roadsides had the highest. Energy and protein intake from the roughage fed to grade dairy cattle during the dry season may be insufficient to meet the requirements of these animals due to the high levels of fibre concentration (acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre (ADF and NDF)) in them. It is recommended that the scope for alternative sources of improved roughage such as Napier/calliandra mixtures, to boost the energy, protein and overall dry matter provision on the farms should be investigated further.

Comparison of rumen fermentation patterns and in situ degradation of grazed herbage in Churra and Merino sheep

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of breed (Churra and Merino) and advancing season (middle June, late July and early October) on rumen fermentation in sheep grazing a continuously stocked grass/white clover pasture. Six mature sheep (three Churra and three Merino) fitted with rumen cannulae were used. During each grazing period, samples of the grazed herbage (obtained using three oesophageal-cannulated sheep from each breed) and grass hay were incubated in situ. Rumen pH, ammonia-N and volatile fatty acids concentrations were determined in ruminal samples at 11.00, 14.00, 17.00 and 21.00 h. Breed did not affect ( P>0.05) any of the dry matter (DM) degradation parameters of grazed herbage during July, but potential DM degradability and effective DM degradability were higher ( P<0.05) in Merinos than in Churras during June and lower ( P<0.05) during October. On the contrary, there were no differences ( P>0.05) between breeds in the effective degradability of either DM or neutral-detergent fibre from grass hay. Differences between breeds in rumen degradation parameters of grazed herbage are discussed in relation to seasonal changes in the composition of the grazed herbage and to changes in rumen parameters in both breeds.