Roughage Intake Research Articles

<b>Performance of dairy females fed dried yeast from sugar cane

This study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of dried yeast from sugar cane when replacing soybean meal in dairy heifers' diets. Twenty-four heifers, with an initial body weight (BW) of 178 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments were four levels of inclusion of dried yeast from sugar cane replacing to soybean meal (0, 33, 67 and 100% on a dry matter (DM) basis). While there was no difference in DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), metabolizable energy or roughage intakes, the intakes of non-fiber carbohydrates and concentrate were increased. The crude protein intake decreased according to the dried yeast from sugar cane when replacing soybean meal. The digestibility coefficients of DM and NDF showed no difference. Replacement of soybean meal with dried yeast from sugar cane had no effect on performance, because average daily gain and body measurements studied were similar for all animals and inclusion levels. Soybean meal can be completely replaced with dried yeast from sugar cane in diets for growing dairy heifers without restrictions; this will not affect the intake, digestibility, physical development of animals or metabolization of protein compounds.

Effects of Pregnancy Stage on Eating Behaviors of Hanwoo Heifers (Bos taurus coreanae)

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different pregnancy stages on the eating and ruminating behavior of Hanwoo heifers (Bos taurus coreanae). A total of twelve Hanwoo heifers were divided into four groups depending on pregnancy stage: C: before pregnancy, 9 months old, T1: 3 months pregnant, 16 months old, T2: 6 months pregnant, 19 months old, T3: 9 months pregnant, 22 months old (3 replicates per group). Concentrate of 1% of the body weight was fed to them. Roughage was provided at ad libitum to all treatments. Our results revealed that the intake of roughage was the highest in the T3 group (at 3.68 kg) and the lowest in the C group (at 1.02 kg, p T2 > T1 > C (p T2 > T1 > C (p T1 > T3 > T2 (p T2 > T1 > C). Ruminating efficiency was significantly (p

Validation of a pressure sensor-based system for measuring eating, rumination and drinking behaviour of dairy cattle

The main objective of our study was to validate, for dairy cows, a new pressure-based system (RumiWatch noseband sensor, Itin+Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland; RWS) that measures eating, rumination and drinking time. In experiment 1, eating, rumination and drinking time (RWS, min/h) measurements were compared with continuous behaviour recording (CR) of six dairy cows in tie-stalls (a total of 72h). In addition, eating time measured by RWS was compared with the visiting time at automated feeders of a widely used type (Roughage Intake Control, RIC, Insentec BV, Marknesse, The Netherlands) to gain experience of the utility of RWS in a loose-housing system (experiment 2). A total of 403h of RWS and RIC data from 18 cows was used for these two comparisons in experiment 2. In experiment 1, RWS and CR had a very dependable relationship (random coefficient regression model) for eating and rumination: eating, y=0.98 (0.89–1.07)x+3.25 (1.35) (the slope with the 95% confidence interval and the intercept with standard error of the mean) and rumination, y=0.88 (0.73–1.02)x+1.77 (1.00). The R2 values were 0.94 and 0.93, respectively, i.e. random error was small. The 95% confidence intervals of the slopes included value 1, and the intercepts did not differ from 0; i.e. there was no significant systematic error. However, experiment 2 confirmed a tendency observed in experiment 1 that RWS overestimated eating, since RWS eating time (5.1±2.7h/24h) exceeded significantly visiting time (RIC) (3.2±1.1h/24h; paired t-test, n=18) in the setup where, in principle, eating was possible only in the RIC feeders. In experiment 1, the relationship between drinking time (RWS) and CR was poor: R2=0.20, and y=0.49 (0.12–0.85)x+0.64 (0.13). However, this may reflect more the challenges in measuring drinking in general than merely with RWS. In conclusion (i) the RWS results were relatively free from random errors for rumination and eating, but not for drinking, (ii) there was systematic error for eating and drinking, but not for rumination, and (iii) due to the relatively limited size of our data, further validation of RWS is recommended and RWS needs further development at least for eating and drinking measurements.

Nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation of Thai native purebred compared with Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred beef cattle

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to compare voluntary feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation of Thai native and Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred beef cattle fed with different diets. Three different diets consisting of ad libitum rice straw (RS), ad libitum RS supplemented with 0.5% body weight (BW) concentrate (RS+C), and ad libitum Pangola grass hay (PH). The experiment was conducted as 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of dietary treatment and breed. It was found that Thai native and Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred beef cattle had comparable roughage intake, BW change, nutrient digestibility, and all parameters from rumen fluid. Cattle fed with different type of feed showed similar roughage intake, BW change, and number of protozoa and fungal zoospore in rumen fluid. However, nutrient intake and digestibility of cattle supplemented with concentrate were higher than those fed the roughage alone. Accordingly, concentration of total volatile fatty acid and proportion of propionic acid in rumen fluid of cattle received concentrate was higher than cattle fed only RS (P < .05) but not for cattle fed with PH. Moreover, the PH-fed group had a higher ammonia concentration in rumen fluid than did the RS-fed group (P < .05). Therefore, the two breeds of beef cattle showed comparable feed response while supplementation of concentrate at 0.50% BW was a useful alternative feeding pattern.

Influence of Roughage in the Rations of Early Weaned Lambs

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exclusion of roughage from the ration of early weaned lambs. The experiment was carried out with 30 lambs from the Blackhead Pleven sheep breed weaning at 19.6 days of age with an weight of 9.3 kg and divided in two groups.The lambs deprived of roughage intake by 26.8% more wheat grain, which is a prerequisite for a smaller expense of protein 4.6% and higher energy expenditure by 7.3% per kg gain. Average daily gain of lambs deprived of roughage was 2.9% less than lambs who received alfalfa hay (P>0.05). Lambs deprived of roughage have a higher carcas syield (P<0.05) and they accumulate by 9.2% more separable internal fat, which influenced the higher fatness, compared with lambs who received alfalfa hay. Insignificance was detected in the chemical composition of meat and weight of internal organs between the two groups of lambs.

Concentrate reduction and sequential roughage offer to dairy cows: effects on milk protein yield, protein efficiency and milk quality.

An experiment was conducted during 6 weeks to evaluate effects of a reduced dietary level of protein-rich concentrates in a moderate dairy production system on cows' performance, protein efficiency and milk quality including fatty acid profiles. Twenty-three lactating cows (Swiss Fleckvieh) were assigned either to a group receiving on average 2.4 kg/d individually fed concentrates (Prot+, n = 12) or to a group receiving no individually fed concentrates (Prot-, n = 11). All cows had ad-libitum access to a total mixed ration (TMR) mainly based on grass and maize silage, hay and little potatoes and soybean cake. In weeks 4-6 of the experiment, part of the hay was excluded from the TMR, and fed separately in the morning. Individual feed intake and milk yield were recorded during weeks 3 and 6 of the experiment; at the same time feed, faeces and milk samples were collected twice per week for analyses. Data were processed in linear mixed models. Omission of individual concentrates in Prot- was fully compensated by higher roughage intake in terms of dry matter. Crude protein (CP) and net energy intake was almost maintained. Despite a lower apparent CP digestibility in Prot-, the ratio of milk protein to ingested CP was the same in both groups, indicating a higher ruminal utilisation of degraded CP in Prot-. This corresponded with lower milk urea concentrations in Prot-. Milk quality was affected in terms of lower concentrations of linoleic and conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat of Prot-. Concentrations of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids in milk were increased in Prot-. Sequential offer of hay and TMR did not lead to considerable effects in intake, efficiency and milk quality. In conclusion, the results indicate that the efficiency of feed protein utilisation for milk protein is not impaired if concentrates are reduced in a moderate- to low-input dairy production system.

Influence of Condensed Tannins Supplementation through Leaf Meal Mixture on Urinary excretion of Purine Derivatives, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Performance ofHaemonchus contortusInfected Sheep

Study was carried out to assess the effect of condensed tannins (CT) containing leaf meal mixture (LMM) on feed intake, body weight changes, parasitic load, urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) and microbial protein synthesis (MP) in Haemonchus contortus infected sheep. Eighteen adult male sheep of similar age and body weight (25.03±1.52) were randomly divided into three groups (negative control; NC, infected control; C and treatment; T) of six each in a completely randomized block design (CRD) for a period of 90 days. Twelve H. contortus infected sheep were allocated into C and T groups, containing 0 and 1.5% of CT, respectively. Six non-infected sheep was taken in NC group to compare their performance with C group. Concentrate intake was significantly (P<0.000) lower in T group as compared to C group, while roughage intake did not differ significantly irrespective of groups. Final body weights were comparable (P<0.063) among all three groups. Faecal egg counts (FECs) were significantly (P<0.001) higher in C group as compared to T group. MP synthesis was calculated by estimating urinary excretion of PD through High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total PD excretion, absorption of PD and Microbial nitrogen (MN) supply (g d−1) were comparatively (P<0.05) higher in T group than in the C group. It may be concluded that CT supplementation (1.5%) decreased H. contortus load in sheep by reducing FECs and has a potential benefits on protein nutrition by altering partitioning of nutrients towards higher microbial yield and absence of any depressing effect on rumen MN synthesis.

Feeding behavior of early weaned lambs deprived of roughage

The aim of the present study was to trace the feeding behavior of early weaned lambs deprived of roughage compared with lambs that were fed alfalfa hay ad libitum. The results showed that lambs deprived of roughage intake 10% more concentrated feed, compared to the animals of the second group, which received alfalfa hay. The lambs intake 12.5% more feed, compared to the animals deprived of roughage. The lambs deprived of roughage made fewer attempts to feed (P<0.05), which has reduced the total time for eating by 94.8 min, compared to the animals receiving alfalfa hay (P<0.01). The lambs in the group receiving alfalfa hay had 38.9% more ruminating periods, compared to the animals deprived of roughage, which has an insignificant influence on the total ruminating time. Deprived of roughage the lambs ruminate the intake dry matter (DM) faster, which affects the shorter chewing time (feeding and ruminating). The number of feedings in lambs deprived of roughage showed a high positive correlation (P<0.01) with the time of consuming 1 kg of DM and a high negative correlation with the DM intake speed (P<0.05). There was a linear effect between lying down ruminating in lambs receiving alfalfa hay, significant in lambs deprived of roughage, with the results being significant at (P<0.01). An increased locomotor activity (standing up and playing) was established in the hours around noon, when our observations were conducted. Light was the most intensive around noon and the temperature in the room was the highest.

Can stealing cows distort the results of feeding trials? An experiment for quantification and prevention of stealing feed by dairy cows from roughage intake control feeders

Practical experience suggests that stealing behaviour of dairy cows may affect the results in feeding trials, when automated feed troughs are used for measuring and controlling the feed intake. The objectives of the present study were to analyse the stealing behaviour from the log data of the feeder, quantify its biasing effects and make a proposal to solve the problem. Twenty dairy cows, ten of which were previously observed to steal roughage, were housed in a loose-housing system with 12 feed troughs (1.66 cows per trough). To induce the stealing behaviour, the animals were offered two kinds of feed, partial mixed ration (PMR) and silage (SIL). In a learning period (P0, three days), all the cows had free access to all the troughs. In periods 1 (P1, seven days) and 2 (P2, 14 days), 10 cows had access only to the SIL troughs and 10 cows only to the PMR troughs. In P2, barriers were built to prevent the stealing behaviour. In period 3 (P3, four days), the structure of the barriers was improved. We analysed two types of stealing behaviour: (1) stealing feed over a closed gate (S-GATE) and (2) stealing feed by displacing a legitimate cow from a trough (S-DISP). S-GATE by the SIL group, as measured by the average daily frequency and the amount of stolen feed (the PMR feed), decreased significantly (frequency: P=0.001; dry matter: P=0.001) from P1 (frequency: 8.0±2.54; dry matter: 0.7±0.26kg; mean±SEM) to P2 (1.0±0.66; 0.1±0.06kg) and remained the same in P3 (1.0±0.47; 0.1±0.07kg) as in P2. The frequencies of S-DISP, where the PMR feeding animals were displaced, was lower (P=0.022) in P3 (0.0±0.03 per animal per 24hours) than in P1 (1.3±0.60) and P2 (1.3±0.53), but the differences were not statistically significant in the post hoc analyses. There were remarkable individual differences in the frequencies of how often a cow was detected to steal over a closed gate or being displaced from a trough. To conclude: stealing occurred frequently enough to bias the feed intake results in the experimental setup where cows clearly preferred one feed (PMR) over the other (SIL). However, appropriate barrier structures alleviated the problem markedly.

Effect of fiber content of roughage on energy cost of eating and rumination in Holstein cows

The effect of the fiber content of roughage on energy cost of chewing was determined by indirect calorimetry. Four Holstein non lactating cows [779±71kg body weight (BW)] were used in a cross over design with 14-day periods. Two cows were fed sugarcane silage as high fiber roughage (HF) and the other two cows were fed oaten hay as low fiber roughage (LF), along with soybean meal [0.5g/kg BW on a dry matter (DM) basis]. The aNDFom and peNDF contents were different (718 vs. 542g/kg DM and 554 vs. 402g/kg DM, respectively), whereas the physical effectiveness factors (pef) was similar between sugarcane silage and oaten hay (771 vs. 741g/kg DM). The study was performed in open circuit respiration chambers over a 14-day period, consisting of a 9-day adaptation and a 5-day energy balance measurements. Energy cost of chewing per minute was determined using a multiple linear regression model, with heat production per 10min as the dependent variable and duration of activities per 10min as independent variables. DM intake (DMI) of roughage in HF was lower than that in LF (5.46 vs. 9.79kg/day; P=0.006), whereas duration in total chewing (Eating+rumination) was higher for HF than for LF (120 vs. 77min/kg DMI; P=0.006). Energy cost of rumination per unit DMI tended to be higher for HF than for LF (0.71 vs. 0.48MJ/kg DMI, P=0.062), whereas energy cost of each eating and rumination per unit time was similar between treatments (17.7 vs. 18.4J/min/kg BW for eating, P=0.272; 12.0 vs. 12.7J/min/kg BW for rumination, P=0.285). Energy cost of total chewing per unit metabolizable energy (ME) was higher for HF than that for LF (14.3 vs. 9.0MJ/100MJ ME, P=0.009). These results indicate that fiber content in roughage possibly affects energy cost of chewing per DMI and consequently results in loss of ME available for production.

Performance of goats fed on low quality veld hay supplemented with fresh spiny cactus (Opuntia megacantha) mixed with browse legumes hay in Zimbabwe.

Nutrition is a major constraint in smallholder livestock production; hence, the use of alternative sources which are adaptive to long dry seasons is imperative. The study was conducted to establish options of improving nutrition and palatability and also to determine the performance of goats fed on cactus-browse hay as dry season supplements. Palatability and adequacy of nutrition was investigated using 32 castrated male goat kids. The kids were housed in individual metabolism cages for 84 days in a complete randomised design (CRD) with eight replicates for the four treatment diets. Daily experimental diet, basal diet and water intake were measured, and live mass was measured at weekly intervals. Daily diet intake was significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments. Kids that were supplemented with cactus-Leucaena leucocephala meal (CLLM) consumed more than those on cactus-Acacia angustissima meal (CAAM), cactus-Gliricidia sepium meal (CGSM) and cactus-Pennisetum purpureum meal (CPPM) in that order. CGSM was not readily palatable as goat kids refused to take it when mixed with fresh cactus. Animals that were not supplemented with a source of nitrogen together with those that were supplemented with less palatable diet of CGSM lost weight significantly (P < 0.05) initially but gained weight slightly towards the end of the study. Significantly higher weight gains (P < 0.05) were observed in animals in CLLM and CAAM treatment. It was concluded that fresh cactus could be used to improve poor quality roughage intakes in goats, and therefore, there is need to promote its use in periods of feed deficit especially in smallholder sector.

Short communication: Automatic detection of social competition using an electronic feeding system

The objective of this study was to determine if data derived from a system that electronically monitors feeding behavior could be used to identify competitive interactions of dairy cows at the feed bunk. A short interval between successive feeding events of 2 cows at 1 feed bin was predicted to be associated with a competitive replacement: when one cow displaced a feeding cow and then took her position at the bin. To identify the interval between feeding events that best predicted these replacement events, the feeding activity of 5 Holstein dairy cows was monitored using an electronic feeding system and video recordings. The number of times a cow was replaced at the feed bunk over 3 consecutive 24-h periods was determined using video analysis and these events were paired with the corresponding feeding events recorded by an electronic feeding system (Roughage Intake Control system; Insentec B.V., Marknesse, the Netherlands). A pooled analysis of all 5 cows showed that the optimal interval for predicting replacements at the feed bunk was 26s (sensitivity=86% and specificity=82%); this interval was termed the replacement criterion. This criterion was then applied to feeding data from a sample of 24 independent Holstein dairy cows, each observed for 3d during the week following calving. Video had previously been used to measure the number of times each cow was an actor and reactor of a displacement (when one cow displaced a feeding cow but did not necessarily take her position at the bin). Despite the differences in measures, the number of replacements (as estimated by our algorithm) was positively correlated with the number of displacements [as measured using video; correlation coefficient (r)=0.63 as actor, r=0.69 as reactor]. Estimates of an index of success in competitive interactions (number of times actor/number of times actor = number of times reactor) generated using the 2 methods were highly correlated (r=0.94). These results suggest that competitive behavior at the feed bunk can be automatically quantified using data derived from an electronic feeding system.

Chopped or Long Roughage: What Do Calves Prefer? Using Cross Point Analysis of Double Demand Functions

The present study aimed to quantify calves'(Bos taurus) preference for long versus chopped hay and straw, and hay versus straw, using cross point analysis of double demand functions, in a context where energy intake was not a limiting factor. Nine calves, fed milk replacer and concentrate, were trained to work for roughage rewards from two simultaneously available panels. The cost (number of muzzle presses) required on the panels varied in each session (left panel/right panel): 7/35, 14/28, 21/21, 28/14, 35/7. Demand functions were estimated from the proportion of rewards achieved on one panel relative to the total number of rewards achieved in one session. Cross points (cp) were calculated as the cost at which an equal number of rewards was achieved from both panels. The deviation of the cp from the midpoint (here 21) indicates the strength of the preference. Calves showed a preference for long versus chopped hay (cp = 14.5; P = 0.004), and for hay versus straw (cp = 38.9; P = 0.004), both of which improve rumen function. Long hay may stimulate chewing more than chopped hay, and the preference for hay versus straw could be related to hedonic characteristics. No preference was found for chopped versus long straw (cp = 20.8; P = 0.910). These results could be used to improve the welfare of calves in production systems; for example, in systems where calves are fed hay along with high energy concentrate, providing long hay instead of chopped could promote roughage intake, rumen development, and rumination.

Effect of cassava bioethanol by-product and crude palm oil in Brahman x Thai native yearling heifer cattle diets: I. Nutrient digestibility and growth performance

The effects of cassava bioethanol by-product (CEP) and crude palm oil (CPO) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of yearling heifers were investigated in a 150-day feeding trial. Eighteen, crossbred heifers (Brahman x Thai native) were randomly allotted according to 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Low or high levels of CEP (15 or 30% of concentrate, LCEP, or HCEP) were basal treatments and 0, 2, and 4% CPO were daily top-dressed. Concentrate was supplemented at 1.75% of body weight (BW) and rice straw offered ad libitum. CEP level had no significance on feed intake. CPO increased roughage intake, concentrate intake, and total feed intake when expressed as %BW/d (P < 0.01) and as metabolic BW (kg(0.75)/d, P < 0.05). Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) were similar (P > 0.05). Intake of fat increased with higher levels of CPO (P < 0.001). The DM, OM, CP, and EE digestibility of cattle-fed HCEP was lower than LCEP, but adding 4% CPO increased digestibility. Growth performance was similar for all diets (P > 0.05). We concluded that CEP can be used up to 30% in the diet, with or without additional fat inclusion.

The effect of feeding natron (ATRON) as a mineral and buffering agent on the general health and production of camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Six camels of 279±16.14 kg live body weight and 3–6 years old were divided into 2 groups of 3 animals each, to study the feeding effect of Natron on general health and production through measuring the feed intake, some haemoglobin (Hb) indices and the body weight gain. Two diets supplemented and un-supplemented with Natron were used for the purpose of this experiment. The results showed that Natron's cation content has no significant (P>0.05) effect on the camel buffering system. Roughage intake was not improved within the 2 groups when fed the un-supplemented diets, but there was an improved roughage intake (P<0.05) in the 2 groups when fed the Natron supplemented diets. The live weight gain of the experimental camels was significantly (P<0.05) affected by Natron supplementation. The Hb level, white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) count were increased significantly along with the increase in roughage intake and live body weight gain.

Effects of eucalyptus crude oils supplementation on rumen fermentation, microorganism and nutrient digestibility in swamp buffaloes.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of eucalyptus (E. Camaldulensis) crude oils (EuO) supplementation on voluntary feed intake and rumen fermentation characteristics in swamp buffaloes. Four rumen fistulated swamp buffaloes, body weight (BW) of 420±15.0 kg, were randomly assigned according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were untreated rice straw (RS) without EuO (T1) and with EuO (T2) supplementation, and 3% urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) without EuO (T3) and with EuO (T4) supplementation. The EuO was supplemented at 2 mL/h/d in respective treatment. Experimental animals were kept in individual pens and concentrate mixture was offered at 3 g/kg BW while roughage was fed ad libitum. Total dry matter and roughage intake, and apparent digestibilites of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber were improved (p<0.01) by UTRS. There was no effect of EuO supplementation on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. Ruminal pH and temperature were not (p>0.05) affected by either roughage sources or EuO supplementation. However, buffaloes fed UTRS had higher ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen as compared with RS. Total volatile fatty acid and butyrate proportion were similar among treatments, whereas acetate was decreased and propionate molar proportion was increased by EuO supplementation. Feeding UTRS resulted in lower acetate and higher propionate concentration compared to RS. Moreover, supplementation of EuO reduced methane production especially in UTRS treatment. Protozoa populations were reduced by EuO supplementation while fungi zoospores remained the same. Total, amylolytic and cellulolytic bacterial populations were increased (p<0.01) by UTRS; However, EuO supplementation did not affect viable bacteria. Nitrogen intake and in feces were found higher in buffaloes fed UTRS. A positive nitrogen balance (absorption and retention) was in buffaloes fed UTRS. Supplementation of EuO did not affect nitrogen utilization. Both allantoin excretion and absorption and microbial nitrogen supply were increased by UTRS whereas efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was similar in all treatments. Findings of present study suggested that EuO could be used as a feed additive to modify the rumen fermentation in reducing methane production both in RS and UTRS. Feeding UTRS could improve feed intake and efficiency of rumen fermentation in swamp buffaloes. However, more research is warranted to determine the effect of EuO supplementation in production animals.

The effect of mechanical processing of wheaten straw on intake and rumen parameters following grain feeding in sheep

While the effect of roughage chop length on decreasing the risk of acidosis in cattle is well established, there is limited information on the effect of roughage processing on intake and rumen parameters in sheep. Intake and rumen parameters were assessed in 10-month-old crossbred wethers (n = 24, 48.4 kg ± 5.3) offered wheaten straw as finely chaffed (6 mm), coarsely chaffed (15–20 mm) or unprocessed (40 mm) lengths, along with barley grain. Animals were offered 300 g/head of barley grain on the first day of grain introduction, 450 g/head.day for Days 2–3, 550 g/head.day for Days 4–6, 650 g/head.day for Days 7–9 and 750 g/head on Day 10. Rumen fluid was collected 3 h post-feeding from each animal the day before grain introduction and on Days 1–3 of grain introduction. During Days 1–3 of grain introduction, roughage intake within 3 h of feed being offered was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in sheep offered finely chaffed (0.20 kg ± 0.03) than those offered either coarsely chaffed (0.09 kg ± 0.03) or unprocessed (0.08 kg ± 0.03) straw. Rumen pH did not differ between treatments, but increased grain feeding significantly (P &lt; 0.001) reduced pH. Sheep offered finely chaffed straw had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) daily straw intake (0.59 kg ± 0.06) than sheep offered coarsely chaffed straw (0.37 kg ± 0.06), while sheep offered unprocessed straw had an intermediate intake (0.49 kg ± 0.06); sheep consumed all grain offered. Shorter straw particle lengths may have a role in reducing the risk of acidosis during grain introduction.

Feeding practices for captive greater kudus ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in UK collections as compared to diets of free -ranging specimens

Diet-related disorders occur frequently in captive browsing ruminants. To assess current feeding practices, diets of 15 captive greater kudus ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros ) from three zoological collections were compared to that of free-ranging conspecifics and current feeding recommendations. Dry matter intake (DMI) varied considerably in captivity from 49.2 to 75.7 g dry matter kg BM -0.75 d -1 . Roughage intake determined DMI; with a low DMI associated with low body condition scores (BCS). Compared to free-ranging kudus with diets of 11.1-14.2% crude protein (CP), only one collection had a diet with a similar CP concentration (13.0%), the other collections providing diets with CP of 15.1-16.8%. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) in the zoo diets was comparable to that in the diet of free-ranging animals (24.7-29.4%), but the latter consumed diets with less cellulose and more lignin. In addition, faecal consistency scores (FS) were positively correlated with dietary CP and faecal nitrogen, and negatively with faecal ADF, indicating that higher proportions of highly digestible feeds caused softer faeces. In total, only four of fifteen captive individuals had normal BCS 3.0 and FS 1.0. These results suggest that diets fed to captive browsing ruminants are too digestible, even in terms of fibre composition. Recommendations for higher CP may be unnecessary. Providing browse and high quality lucerne hay may increase the proportion of roughages in the diet and overall DMI to meet requirements and recommendations. To balance the diet and reduce digestibility, the pellets should have lower levels of CP, starch and sugar, and a higher level of fibre, particularly lignin.

Effect of carbohydrate source and cottonseed meal level in the concentrate on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of carbohydrate source and cottonseed meal level in the concentrate on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes. Four, 4-yr old rumen fistulated swamp buffaloes were randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design. Factor A was carbohydrate source; cassava chip (CC) and CC+rice bran at a ratio 3:1 (CR3:1), and factor B was level of cottonseed meal (CM); 109 g CP/kg (LCM) and 328 g CP/kg (HCM) in isonitrogenous diets (490 g CP/kg). Buffaloes received urea-treated rice straw ad libitum and supplemented with 5 g concentrate/kg BW. It was found that carbohydrate source did not affect feed intake, nutrient intake, digested nutrients, nutrient digestibility, ammonia nitrogen concentration, fungi and bacterial populations, or microbial protein synthesis (p>0.05). Ruminal pH at 6 h after feeding and the population of protozoa at 4 h after feeding were higher when buffalo were fed with CC than in the CR3:1 treatment (p<0.05). Buffalo fed with HCM had a lower roughage intake, nutrient intake, population of total viable and cellulolytic bacteria and microbial nitrogen supply than the LCM fed group (p<0.05). However, nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia concentration, population of protozoa and fungi, and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were not affected by cottonseed meal levels (p>0.05). Based on this experiment, concentrate with a low level of cottonseed meal could be fed with cassava chips as an energy source in swamp buffalo receiving rice straw.

Effect of Cassava Hay and Rice Bran Oil Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation, Milk Yield and Milk Composition in Lactating Dairy Cows

Four crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian) lactating dairy cows, with an average live weight of 418±5 kg and 36±10 d in milk were randomly assigned according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of cassava hay (CH) and rice bran oil (RBO) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk yield, and milk composition. Factor A was non-supplementation or supplementation with CH in the concentrate. Factor B was supplementation with RBO at 0% or 4% in the concentrate mixture. The four dietary treatments were (T1) control (Concentrate with non-CH plus 0% RBO; C), (T2) Concentrate with CH plus 0% RBO (CH), (T3) Concentrate with non-CH plus 4% RBO (RBO), and (T4) Concentrate with CH plus 4% RBO (CHRBO). The cows were offered concentrate, at a ratio of concentrate to milk production of 1:2, and urea-lime treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. Urea-lime treated rice straw involved 2.5 g urea and 2.5 g Ca(OH)2 (purchased as hydrated lime) in 100 ml water, the relevant volume of solution was sprayed onto a 100 g air-dry (91% DM) straw, and then covering the stack with a plastic sheet for a minimum of 10 d before feeding directly to animals. The CH based concentrate resulted in significantly higher roughage intake and total DM intake expressed as a percentage of BW (p<0.05). Ruminal pH, NH3-N, BUN and total VFA did not differ among treatments, while RBO supplementation increased propionate, but decreased acetate concentration (p<0.05). Furthermore, the population of total ruminal bacteria was significantly lower on the RBO diet (p<0.05). In contrast, the total ruminal bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria on the CH diet were higher than on the other treatments. Supplementation with CH increased (p<0.05) F. succinogens and R. flavefaciens populations, whereas the populations of B. fibrisolvens and M. elsdenii were increased on the RBO diet. In addition, supplementation with CH and RBO had no effect on milk production and composition in dairy cows, while fatty acid composition of milk was influenced by RBO supplementation, and resulted in significantly lower (p<0.05) concentrations of both short-chain and medium-chain FA, and increased (p<0.05) the proportion of long-chain FA in milk fat, as well as significantly increased cis-9, trans-11 CLA and total CLA. In conclusion, RBO or CH exhibited specific effects on DM, rumen fermentation, microbial population, milk yield and composition in lactating dairy cows, which were not interactions between CH and RBO in the diets. Feeding lactating dairy cows with RBO could improve fatty acid in milk fat by increasing cis-9, trans-11 CLA.