Sacco Dry Matter Digestibility Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Oats (Avena sativa) Grown in Mixture with Vetch (Vicia villosa) with or Without Phosphorus Fertilization in East shoa Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine forage chemical composition as well as in vitro and in sacco dry matter digestibility of oats-vetch mixture forage. The study was conducted in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was five different seed proportions, i.e., 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of oats and the remains vetch for SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5, respectively. The sole oat had a seeding rate of Oats 80 kg/ha or 48 gm/plot, and that of sole vetch had a seeding rate of 25 kg/ha or 15 g/plot. The second factor was either without (P0) or with (P1) phosphorus fertilizer (DAP) application at a rate of 100 kg/ha or 60 g/plot. The size of the plots was 3 × 2 m. Seeds were drilled by hand in rows 30 cm apart, spaced approximately 5 cm between plants and covered with soil to about 3 cm depth. The CP content of forages was affected (P 0.05) by both seed proportion and phosphorus application. Conversely, in sacco DM degradability was significantly affected (P<0.01) by seed proportion across the different incubation hours, but without a consistent trend for a conclusive remark.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis natto on milk production, rumen fermentation and ruminal microbiome of dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis natto, which was initially isolated from fermented soybeans on milk production, rumen fermentation and ruminal microbiome in dairy cows. In Experiment 1, 36 early lactation Chinese Holstein dairy cows (56 ± 23 days in milk) were randomly assigned to three groups: Control, cows were fed total mixed ration (TMR); BSNLOW, TMR plus 0.5 × 1011 colony-forming units (cfu) of B. subtilis natto/cow per day; and BSNHIGH, TMR plus 1.0 × 1011 cfu of B. subtilis natto/cow per day. During the 70-day treatment period, daily milk production and daily milk composition were determined in individual cows. The results showed that supplementing dairy cows with 0.5 × 1011 and 1.0 × 1011 cfu of B. subtilis natto linearly increased (P < 0.01) milk production (25.2 and 26.4 kg/day v. 23.0 kg/day), 4% fat-corrected milk (27.3 and 28.1 kg/day v. 24.2 kg/day), energy-corrected milk (27.3 and 28.2 kg/day v. 24.2 kg/day), as well as milk fat (1.01 and 1.03 kg/day v. 0.88 kg/day), protein (0.77 and 0.82 kg/day v. 0.69 kg/day) and lactose yield (1.16 and 1.22 kg/day v. 1.06 kg/day) but decreased milk somatic cell counts (SCC) by 3.4% to 5.5% (P < 0.01) in BSNLOW and BSNHIGH treatments compared with Control. In Experiment 2, four rumen-cannulated dairy cows were fed the basal diet from 1 to 7 days (pre-trial period) and rumen samples were collected on days 6 and 7; the same cows then were fed 1.0 × 1011 cfu/day B. subtilis natto from days 8 to 21 (trial period) and rumen samples were collected on days 20 and 21. B. subtilis natto was discontinued from days 22 to 28 (post-trial period) and rumen samples were collected on days 27 and 28. Compared with the pre- and post-periods, ruminal pH decreased by 2.7% to 3.0% during the trial period (P < 0.01), whereas ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total volatile fatty acids and molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.01) and valerate (P < 0.05) increased. Molar proportion of acetate decreased and the acetate to propionate ratio was lower (P < 0.01) during the trial period. However, no differences for 24-h in sacco dry matter digestibility were detected among different periods (treatments) though NDF digestibility was reduced in the trial and post-trial periods (P < 0.01). Compared with pre-trial period, total ruminal bacteria, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria in rumen enumerated by culture methods increased by 15.0%, 16.2% and 11.7%, respectively (P < 0.01) but protozoa decreased to 5.35 log10 cfu/ml (P < 0.01) during the trial period. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis natto improves milk production and milk components yield, decreases SCC and promotes the growth of total ruminal bacteria, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria, which indicate that B. subtilis natto has potential to be applied as a probiotic for dairy cows.

Nutritive value, methane production and energy efficiency for animal functions of dual purpose sorghum hybrids

Dual purpose sorghum hybrids (20) were developed using 8 male sterile lines and 18 advanced breeding selected lines. Hybrids were grown under similar agronomic and soil conditions and evaluated for their nutritional composition, palatability attributes and energetic efficiency for animal production. Mean CP contents of hybrids were 9.50%, ranging from 12.0% (673A × EC 507815) to 7.2% (673A × CSV 15). Cell wall polysaccharides (NDF, ADF and cellulose) varied from 55.71–70.53, 31.84–42.88 and 25.43–33.32%, respectively, across the hybrids. Mean EE and lignin contents were 1.40 and 4.73% in the evaluated hybrids. Hybrids had mean values of 60.91 and 57.47% for digestible dry matter (DDM) and in sacco dry matter digestibility (ISDMD), respectively. Relative feed value (RFV) and dry matter intake (DMI% body weight) of hybrids 682A × 62404 and 699A × ICSR 93039 were highest among the tested genotypes. Non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) were highest in 682A × 62404 and 699A × ICSR 93039 hybrids. Energy value in terms of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible energy (DE) was higher for 673A × GD 65 and 699A × ICSR 93039 hybrids. Net energy efficiency for maintenance (NEM), milk production and body weight gain (NEG), (NEL) was higher for 682A × 62404 and 699A × ICSR 93039 hybrids, respectively. Methane production (g/k DDM) of hybrids varied from 45.61 (679A × IS697) to 73.45 (673A × PC-6). Hybrids 673A × GD 65, 674A × JHV 12 and 699A × ICSR 93039 had higher CP, less fiber contents, more dry matter digestibility, higher palatability and net energy efficiency for different animal functions.

Quantitative trait loci for dry matter digestibility and particle size traits in two-rowed × six-rowed barley population

More than half of the barley grown in the USA is used for livestock feed, with the remaining stocks diverted for human food and malting purposes. The use of barley grain as a major source of cattle feed has been criticized because of its rapid digestion in the rumen, which can result in digestive disorders in cattle. In sacco dry matter digestibility (ISDMD) and particle size (PS) after dry rolling have been found to play a role in the feedlot performance of barley as a feed grain. Reducing the rate of ISDMD is predicted to result in significantly improved animal health and average daily gain. A recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between a high ISDMD, two-rowed barley cultivar (Valier) and a six-rowed Swiss landrace line (PI370970) exhibiting far slower ISDMD has been developed for studying the underlying genetic locations and mechanisms of these traits. To detect associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs), we collected and analyzed data from irrigated and rain-fed environments. A significant negative correlation was observed between ISDMD and PS. High heritability estimates for ISDMD and PS suggest that early selection for these traits during breeding would be achievable. Four QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2H, 6H, and 7H, explaining 73–85% of ISDMD phenotypic variation, while three QTLs on 2H and 7H were associated with variation in PS and explained 58–77% of its variation. A major QTL on chromosome 2H tightly linked to the morphology-modifying gene vrs1 was found to dramatically control 35–62% of the phenotypic variation of ISDMD and 26–53% of that of PS. The impact of the vrs1 locus on ISDMD was validated in two populations representing different genetic backgrounds. Our results suggest that it may also be advantageous to simultaneously overlap these QTLs around the vrs1 locus.

Effect of Cotton Stems Addition on the Chemical Composition and In Sacco Dry Matter Digestibility of Pearl Millet Silage

The possibility of using cotton stems as a roughage source in animal feeding was explored. Ground cotton stems (T2 and T3) or stems treated with 0.5% urea (T4 and T5) were ensiled with pearl millet green fodder in double lined plastic bags of 3k g capacity for 50 days. Formic acid (0.4% v/v) was sprayed on T3 and T5 silages. The treatments were compared with pearl millet silage alone (T1) which constituted the control. All the bags were placed in the silo pit of pearl millet silage. Results indicated that urea treatment of cotton stems increased and formic acid application reduced dry matter loss of the silages. Inclusion of cotton stems in the silage significantly (p<0.05) increased CF, ADF, cellulose and ADL due to its higher cell wall content. The hemicellulose was significantly lower in T3 (16.7%) and T5 (22.52%) as compared to T2 (23.45%) and T4 (24.6%) due to formic acid application. Ammoniation significantly increased NH3-N content in T4 (0.202%) and formic acid controlled NH3-N level in T5 (0.107%).The in sacco dry matter digestibility was significantly higher (p<0.05) in formic acid preserved silages T3 and T5 (47.73 and 47.93%) as compared to silages without formic acid (44.94 and 41.22 %) in T2 and T4 respectively, but lower than T1 (54.39%). It is concluded that cotton stems can be ensiled with pearl millet fodder in 1:4 ratio with or without urea treatment. Formic acid application further increases the silage quality. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 12 : 1722-1724)

Evaluating variation in feed attributes of elite grain sorghum cultivars

Current cereal breeding programmes at commodity-oriented research centres emphasize grain yields with little consideration for fodder yield and quality. In farming systems with livestock, the use of varieties with high-grain yields but low stover yields may be rejected by farmers. This study investigated the variability in chemical characteristics and digestibility of stovers among 10 `best-bet' sorghum cultivars selected for grain yield with the view to study the merits of selecting among cultivars for feed attributes. Cluster analysis of N, ADF and NDF obtained from chemical analyses, and in sacco dry matter digestibility of stovers showed that wide intercultivar variations existed at the three-cluster solution (designated cluster groups III, IV, V). Cultivar BES, the only member of group IV, had a relatively high N content (90 g kg −1 DM), a high 48 h dry matter loss (637 g kg −1 DM) and relatively low ADF and NDF values (386 and 598 g kg −1 DM). Members of group V (KSV 8 and Gaya Early) contained the lowest N (67 g kg −1 DM), lowest digestibility coefficient (511 g kg −1 DM) and highest ADF and NDF values (466 and 665 g kg −1 DM). Values for members of group III (ICSV 111, ICSV 210, ICSV 247, ICSV 400, ICSH 89009NG and ICSH 89002NG) were intermediate. There were no significant correlations between indicators of nutritive values, grain yield and grain mass. The results suggest existence of variation in indicators of nutritive values within the cultivars to warrant consideration for selection among these for detailed nutritional studies, and that improving the nutritive value in stovers through breeding may not necessarily impair grain yield and grain mass.

Effects of chemical treatments of barley straw on leaching, and digestibility by rumen fluid and cellulolytic bacteria

Effects of chemical treatments on in sacco and in vitro digestibility of barley straw by rumen fluid and pure cultures of celluloytic bacteria were studied to evaluate the pretreatment and to improve the poor quality feed. Chemicals were applied by dissolving them in water equivalent to 40% of the weight of the straw (dry matter basis). Pretreatment with 5% NaOH yielded the largest increase in sacco digestion followed by pretreatment with 2% (NH4)2SO3, 2.6% NH4OH, 1.6% NaHSO3 and untreated straw (control). In sacco dry matter digestibility of straw treated with NaOH and (NH4)2SO3 continued to increase as the concentration of chemical increased (1 to 7.5%), as it was the in vitro dry matter loss by leaching. Treatment of barley straw with 5% NaOH enhanced significantly (p<0.01) in vitro digestibility by rumen fluid, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus though the fermentation products by celluloytic bacteria were low, whereas the treatment with 5% (NH4)2SO3 inhibited in vitro digestibility by F. succinogenes and R. albus together with lower fermentation products. Dry matter loss by leaching and bacterial digestion from barley straw treated with NaOH and (NH4)2SO3 suggested the effect of pretreatment with these chemicals were based on leaching, and the celluloytic bacteria had little to do with digestion.

Biodegradation of tannins in oak (Quercus incana) leaves by Sporotrichum pulverulentum

Fermentation of oak leaves with Sporotrichum pulverulentum decreased the contents of total phenols and condensed tannins by 58 and 66% respectively in 10 d. The protein precipitation capacity decreased by 65%. Further increase of fermentation time up to 40 d did not increase substantially, the tannin degradation. Following fermentation, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin decreased by 12–16%, 8–10%, 31–51%, 0.3-3% and 14–15% respectively. The loss in dry matter was from 17–21%. The in sacco dry matter digestibility of the fermented leaves was 17% compared to 27% for the unfermented leaves.

Effect of storage and urea addition on detannification and in sacco dry matter digestibility of mature oak ( Quercus incana) leaves

Tannin levels as total phenols (TP), condensed tannins (CT) and protein precipitation capacity (PPC), in sacco dry matter digestibility (DMD) and cell-wall constituents were determined in leaves of Quercus incana stored under various conditions in sealed polythene bags. The rate and extent of both TP and CT inactivation were highest at 37°C, followed by 50°C and room temperature, on storage of whole fresh leaves containing 40% moisture. Storage of fresh leaves at 37°C after chopping increased these values. Increase of moisture to 55% at 37°C increased the rate and extent of tannin inactivation. The changes in PPC were similar to those for TP or CT. The relative degree of polymerisation increased two-fold on storage of leaves up to 45 days. In the second experiment, on ureaammonia induced inactivation of tannins in whole fresh leaves (moisture 55%, 30°C), the reduction in TP, CT and PPC increased as the level of urea increased. At 4% urea, the reduction in TP and CT was 88% and 100%, respectively, on Day 10. The level of neutral and acid detergent fibres and lignin increased gradually from Day 5 to Day 30 of storage in the absence of urea, whereas these changes were marked up to Day 5 and did not change appreciably from Day 5 to Day 30 in the presence of urea. The DMD decreased as storage time increased from Day 5 to Day 30. In the third experiment, whole fresh leaves with a moisture content of 55% and 4% urea were kept at room temperature and 30°C for 1–5 days only. The rate and extent of tannin reduction was lower at room temperature than at 30°C. The decreases in the values of TP, CT and PPC were 55%, 77% and 65%, respectively, at Day 1, and 72%, 89% and 83%, respectively, at Day 5, on storage at 30°C. The DMD did not change on storage up to Day 5. The results suggest that storage of oak leaves in the presence of 4% urea and high moisture could become a field method for inactivation of oak tannins.

EFFECT OF HERBICIDE TREATMENTS ON DANDELION, ALFALFA AND SAINFOIN YIELDS AND QUALITY

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were seeded in 1978 and 1979, respectively. Weed control treatments initiated in sainfoin in 1979 and in alfalfa in 1980 included annual applications of terbacil, metribuzin, simazine, hexazinone and chlorsulfuron until 1985 plus an untreated check. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) was the main weed infesting check plots in the sainfoin and alfalfa stands. Quackgrass (Agropyron repens L. Beauv.) and nonpalatable weeds such as foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) produced 4.5 and 4.0% of the total yield, respectively, where chlorsulfuron selectively controlled broadleaf weeds. In hexazinone, metribuzin and chlorsulfuron treatments, alfalfa and sainfoin stands were almost free of dandelions. In sainfoin plots, dandelion control produced large increases in sainfoin and total herbage yield. In alfalfa plots, dandelion control had no effect on alfalfa yield or total yield. In sacco dry matter digestibility in a 72-h experiment was higher for dandelions than for alfalfa, whereas protein digestibilities were similar for these herbages. The protein content was less in dandelions than in alfalfa at the first harvest. Thus, dandelion control in sainfoin may increase yield, whereas dandelion control in alfalfa does not seem to increase yield but may increase protein content and marketability.Key words: Control, protein, digestibility, hexazinone, terbacil, metribuzin

Observations on the changes in in sacco digestibility of urea ammoniated wheat straw during treatment

The treatment of straw using ammonia released by the hydrolysis of urea and subsequent improvements obtained in digestibility of straws have been reported (Jayasuriya &amp; Pearce, 1983; Williams, Innes &amp; Brewer, 1984). Benefits achieved by this method compare well with those obtained by sodium hydroxide (Verma, 1983). Urea is widely and cheaply available in many developing countries; this favours its use in improving nutritive values of low quality roughages. In addition, this method is relatively safe, uncomplicated and inexpensive compared with some other chemical treatments. Considerable attention has been paid to the treatment conditions for treating cereal straws with liquid or anhydrous ammonia which lead to the optimum effects (Waagepetersen &amp; Vestergaard Thomsen, 1977; Solaiman, Horn &amp; Owen, 1979; Borhami &amp; Sundstøl, 1982), but equivalent studies on the ammoniation of crop residues through urea are limited (Cloete &amp; Kritzinger, 1984; Singh &amp; Negi, 1985). No report is available on the changes in in sacco dry-matter digestibility (DMD) of urea ammoniated straw during treatment at different temperatures. This paper describes our observations on the changes in in sacco DMD of urea ammoniated wheat straw at different treatment times and temperatures.