Sacco Rumen Research Articles

EFFECT OF LEGUME FODDER ON RUMEN DEGRADATION OF SORGHUM FODDER BY SHEEP

In an agro-pastoral setting where land is a constraint to crop and livestock production, improvement in cereal and legumes for their food value will need to be evaluated for their corresponding improvement for feed. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of legume fodder on degradability of sorghum fodder from improved cereal and legume cultivars. In Sacco rumen degradation technique was used and cultivars of groundnut (samnut23 and samnut26), cowpea (X-IITA) and sorghum (DEKO) were evaluated and examined. Mixed proportions of cereal and legumes as 60:40, 50:50 & 40:60 were ruminally degraded by Yankasa sheep. Results from the experiment unveiled mixture of 50:50 (Deko: samnut26) had better proximate composition, while mixture of 50:50 (Deko:X-IITA) was better in fiber composition. The Potential Degradabilities of both mixtures were 66.94% and 54.46% effectively degraded, respectively. It can be concluded that mixture of 50:50 (Deko: Samnut26) and mixture of 50:50 (Deko:X-IITA) facilitates the effective degradation of sorghum fodder. It is therefore recommended that the cultivars be promoted to farmers and the residue from Deko, haulms from Samnut23 and Samnut26; and X-IITA be fed to sheep at 50:50 for proper residue utilization.

Nutritional Value and In sacco Rumen Degradability of Pod and Leaf Meals from Raintree (Samanea saman) in Comparison with a Commercial Dairy Feed

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutritive values and in sacco rumen degradability of pod and leaf meals, derived from raintree (Samanea saman), in comparison with a commercial dairy feed for decision making of smallholder dairy farmers for efficient management of local feed resources. Treatments were: raintree pod meal (RPM), raintree leaf meal (RLM), and commercial dairy feed (CDF). The experiment was assigned in a completely randomized design. The results indicated that RPM, RLM, and CDF had the same amount of crude protein (CP) content (P =.17), whereas RLM was the highest in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents while CDF was the lowest in NDF and ADF (P =.001). Dry matter disappearances at various incubated times were the highest for RPM, followed by CDF, and RLM, respectively (P =.001). The rapidly soluble dry matter fraction (a) was the highest for RPM (P =.023), while the insoluble but fermentable fraction (b) was the highest for CDF (P =.001). The constant degradation rate of b (c) did not differ among treatments (P = .095). The potential degradability (PD) was the highest for CDF, compared with RPM, and RLM, respectively (P =.001). In contrast, the effective degradability (ED) parameters was the highest for RPM, followed by CDF and RLM, respectively (P =.001). Overall, this work demonstrated that RPM is more beneficial than RLM compared with CDF in nutritional values and degradability characteristics. Hence, RPM is recommended as an alternative local feed source for dairy cows raised by smallholder dairy farms in the tropics.

Effect of Graded Levels of Fishmeal or Urea Supplementation on Rumen Environment and Ruminal Feed Degradation in Bali Cows

An experiment to study the effects of supplementation of graded levels of urea or fishmeal on rumen environment and ruminal feed degradation in Bali cows fed low quality tropical grass hay (crude protein, CP = 3.53%) was conducted according to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design with five animals and five periods. In each period lasting for 3 weeks, five non-pregnant Bali cows were given ad libitum access to grass hay (G) or supplemented daily with two level of urea, i.e. 38 g (U38) and 74 g (U74), or two levels of fishmeal, i.e. 156 g (FM156) and 312 g (FM312). Supplementation of both urea and fishmeal reduced significantly (P < 0.01) the average rumen pH from 6.89 in G to 6.74 in FM156. Rumen ammonia concentration increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of supplementation and the increase was more pronounced with urea than with fishmeal supplementation. Rumen ammonia concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in urea than fishmeal supplemented cows at both levels of supplementation. Ruminal total as well as individual VFAs (Acetate, Butyrate and Propionate) concentrations were not affected by the increasing level of supplementation of both urea and fishmeal. Supplementation improved significantly (P < 0.05) in sacco rumen degradation of DM but not protein. Ruminal DM effective degradability was increased significantly with increasing level of fishmeal supplementation but not with increasing level of urea supplementation. Supplementation of increasing level of both urea and fishmeal improved rumen environment and feed degradability in Bali cows maintained on low quality tropical grass hay with fishmeal was proven to be the better supplement over urea.

Rumen Degradability of Selected Forage Legumes Using the In Sacco Nylon Bag Technique

The in sacco rumen disappearance of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of silverleaf (Desmodium uncinatum), velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) legume forages were evaluated. Two cows fitted with 10 cm diameter rumen cannulae on a complete dairy feed ration were used. The forages were shade dried and milled through a 2mm sieve and incubated using the nylon bag technique for 0, 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hour periods. Cowpea forage had the highest disappearance values of DM and CP (P<0.05) from 3 to 72 hours followed by velvetbean. Forage of cowpea had the highest (a) and (b) values on DM disappearance and were statistically significant (P<0.05). Velvetbean had the highest values of (a) and (b) on CP disappearance and were not significantly different from cowpea. Similar results were observed on effective degradability where cowpea had the highest values at the outflow rates P=0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 on DM disappearance and they were statistically significant (P<0.05). The disappearance profiles of these forage legumes indicated that they are highly degradable in the rumen and can be used as alternative protein supplements by smallholder farmers.

Feeding value potential of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal to replace concentrate mix

The experiment was carried out to estimate the feeding value of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal by evaluating its chemical composition in vitro organic matter digestibility and in sacco dry matter (DM) degradability. This study aimed to assess the potential of mulberry foliage in supplementing the feed of ruminant animals during the dry season, when other feed resources are scarce and their quality generally fall short of animal requirements. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the different diets were determined. In vitro organic matter digestibility was determined by two-stage method. In sacco rumen degradability was measured using three rumen fistulated Boran-Holstein Friesian cross steers at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The composition of mulberry leaf meal compares favorably with that of the concentrate mixture in most of the nutrients. The ash content of mulberry leaf meal was more than double that of the concentrate mixture. Similarly, the calcium value of mulberry leaf meal was more than threefold to that of calcium content of concentrate mixture. Mulberry leaf meal alone had the greatest values for slowly degradable fraction (b) than the diets with less proportion of mulberry, whereas mulberry leaf meal alone (T5) and 75 g concentrate mix + 259.7 g mulberry leaf (T4) had significantly (p>0.05) less soluble fraction (a), and effective degradability (ED) values as compared to the diets with less proportion of mulberry. In a nutshell, all treatment diets recorded more than 66% DM degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all greatly degradable in the rumen. Key words: Chemical composition, degradability, digestibility, Morus alba.

Comparison of In Sacco Rumen Dry Matter Degradability and Feeds intake and Digestion of Crossbred Dairy Cows (Holestian Friesian X Horro) Supplemented with Concentrate Diet

A study was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Centre to evaluate the feeding value of Pennisetum purpureum Silage (PPS) as basal diet when offered sole or in mixture with Natural Grass Hay (NGH) on voluntary feed intake, digestibility, degradability, milk yield and composition of crossbred dairy cattle. Ten dairy cows (Horro X Friesian) with similar milk yield (6.2-8.5 kg d^-1), initial body weight of 307.99±8.53 kg (mean ± SEM), early stage of lactation, but differing in parities were used in a switch over 5X5 double Latin square design. There were five periods each composed of 30 days, 15 days for adaptation and the remaining 15 days for data collection. Treatments were NGH and PPS at a ratio of 100:0 (T1), 75:25 (T2), 50:50 (T3), 25:75 (T4) and 0:100% (T5), respectively. The basal diets were fed ad libitum. All animals were fed concentrate mix (49.5% maize grain + 49.5% noug seed cake + 1% salt) at a level of 0.5 kg/l of milk and additional 100 gram mineral mixtures was added for each cows daily into feed trough. Results of chemical analysis and degradability studies of experimental feeds indicated that PPS (CP=13.85%, ME=10.22 (MJKg-1DM) had better nutritive value than NGH (CP=11.72% and ME=7.98 (MJKg-1 DM). Ruminal in Sacco degradation characteristics observed for PPS were good indicative of being better basal feed than NGH. The daily DM, CP, and ME intake were highly significant (P<0.001) among the treatments with the highest intake observed when cows were fed sole PPS (T5). Apparent DM digestibility of T5 (66.1) were higher (P<0.001) than T1 (63.4), T2 (63.6), T3 (64.1) and T4 (64.9%). Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility coefficient were not affected by the different dietary treatments (P>0.05). Daily milk yield was higher (P<0.01) for T4 (6.60) and T5 (6.89) as compared to T1 (6.28 l/d). Composition of all milk constituents were not significantly (P>0.05) different among dietary treatments. Mean daily live weight loss was not significantly (P>0.05) different among treatments. Therefore, the result demonstrated that PPS had better feeding value as compared to the NGH for crossbred lactating dairy cows and can be conserved and used especially in the dry season when conventional roughages are in short supply and low in CP content.

Rumen degradability characteristics of five starch-based concentrate supplements used on Australian dairy farms

This experiment compared the rumen degradability characteristics of five starch-based concentrate supplements used by Western Australia (WA) dairy producers. Six rumen-fistulated, non-lactating, Holstein-Friesian cows were used to measure the in sacco rumen degradability of maize grain, oats, wheat, sodium hydroxide-treated wheat (NaOH wheat) and Maximize® (a commercial pellet commonly used by WA dairy producers). Cows were offered a basal diet of custom-made cubes (60 : 40 lucerne hay : wheat grain) at maintenance feeding level. Rumen disappearance of dry matter (DM), starch and crude protein was determined for each concentrate at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h, and fitted to an exponential model to estimate degradation kinetics. Effective degradability coefficients were then calculated at three rumen solid-outflow rates (0.02, 0.05 and 0.08/h). Degradability of DM at 0.08/h was lowest (P &lt; 0.001) in maize grain (0.64) and oats (0.68) and greatest in wheat (0.83), with that in NaOH wheat (0.80) and Maximize (0.76) being intermediate. Starch degradability at 0.08/h was also lowest (P &lt; 0.001) in maize grain (0.70), intermediate for NaOH wheat (0.83) and Maximize (0.87), and greatest for wheat (0.96) and oats (0.98). Degradability of crude protein was lowest (P = 0.001) in Maximize (0.66) and NaOH wheat (0.69), greatest in oats (0.85), with that in maize grain (0.72) and wheat (0.79) being intermediate. For producers where availability of maize grain for dairy cow rations is limited, such as in WA, these results indicated that NaOH wheat and Maximize may be considered as alternative starch sources to increase post-ruminal digestion of starch, although the magnitude of this increase will still not be as great as for maize grain.

Mineral release kinetics of common tropical green forages in the rumen of cattle

The potential release of macro and micro minerals from six tropical green forages were determined by in sacco rumen degradability method. The release of minerals in the rumen were estimated in green forages (maize fodder, hybrid napier, doob grass, para grass, berseem and sunhemp) by incubating the forage samples for different periods, i.e. 10h, 24h, 48h and 72h in three adult cattle fitted with rumen cannula by in sacco nylon bag technique. The release of macro and micro minerals from experimental green forages were significantly (P&lt;0.001) different and highest release was observed in potassium (K) and lowest in calcium (Ca) from different classes of forages. The pattern of macro minerals release from different categories of green forages was as follows: K &gt; Mg &gt; P &gt; Ca. Among the green forages, berseem and sunhemp showed highest release of various minerals in the rumen at different periods of incubation. Manganese (Mn) release was lowest among the micro minerals from experimental green forages in the rumen. The pattern of micro minerals release from green forages was as follows: Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Mn. Results obtained from the study concluded that the potential availability of various minerals in the rumen from different classes of green forages was different and this information may be useful in strategic supplementation of minerals to animals through green forages.

Evaluasi nilai nutrisi bungkil inti sawit yang difermentasi dengan kapang sebagai sumber protein ruminansia

The objective of the research was to improve the nutritive value of PKC through fermentation and to evaluate its degradation characteristics in the rumen and post rumen digestibility as a protein feed source for ruminants. PKC was fermented using Aspergillus niger , Trichoderma viridae and Aspergillus oryzae . To evaluate the in sacco rumen degradability, 2 rumen fistulated females Fries Holstein 3.5 years old were used. Samples were incubated in the rumen for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Determination of dry matter (DM) degradation characteristics value and crude protein (CP) in the rumen was calculated based on formula y = a + b (1 - e -ct ). The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design with four replicates. The results showed that fermentation increased protein content of the PKC by 79.21% with the highest increase from fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae (88.34%). DM and CP degradability ​in the rumen and post rumen of fermented PKC was affected by type of mold used for fermentation. Fermentation increased the amount of water soluble DM (a) of fermented PKC with average of 46.7%, but the value of insoluble but degradable fraction in the rumen (b) was decreased. Fermentation by molds resulited in the reduction of fraction of insoluble CP but degradable (b) in the rumen by 50.42%. PKC fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae resulted in the higest CP degradability in the rumen and post rumen. It can be concluded that PKC has a high content of degradable CP in the rumen even without fermentation. Protein source from PKC fermented using Aspergillus oryzae categorized as the best source of feed protein in terms of increasing CP content and digestibility. Key Words : Palm Kernel Cake, Fermentation, Protein, Digestibility

Digestion, ruminal fermentation and microbial nitrogen supply in sheep fed soybean meal treated with Cistus ladanifer L. tannins

Three rumen-cannulated rams were used in a 3×3 Latin square experiment to evaluate the effect of a condensed tannin (CT) extract of Cistus ladanifer L. on apparent digestibility, N balance, rumen microbial N supply, ruminal fermentation characteristics, in sacco rumen degradability and in vitro intestinal digestibility (ivID) of soybean meal. The rams were fed with diets consisting of 600g of oat straw, 300g of manioc and 100g of soybean meal treated with 0, 15 and 30g/kg of Cistus CT, resulting in three treatments: control (SC), medium (SM) and high condensed tannins (SH).Apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and gross energy (GE) was similar among experimental diets (P>0.05). In the rumen, the concentration of NH3-N and microbial N supply in g/day tended to be reduced with the inclusion of CT extract (P=0.08 and P=0.06, respectively). The pH and VFA concentrations were not affected by CT. Tannins decreased the effective degradability (P) of soybean meal protein at high levels of feeding, with faster outflow rates (k=0.08h−1) (0.53, 0.50 and 0.50 for SC, SM and SH, respectively) (P=0.02) and the ivID of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) (0.77, 0.74, 0.74 for SC, SM and SH, respectively) (P=0.04).The utilisation of soybean meal supplemented with 15g/kg of C. ladanifer condensed tannins can be a valuable approach to reduce the rumen protein effective degradability without compromising the effective dry matter degradability and the digestibility in the whole digestive tract. The reduction of the intestinal digestibility of RUP and of microbial protein synthesis seems to be balanced by an increase in protein absorption in lower digestive tract.

The use of banquettes of Posidonia oceanica as a source of fiber and minerals in ruminant nutrition. An observational study

In the search for new food sources that contribute to the optimization of livestock production this paper discusses the possibility of using waste (called banquettes) of a marine plant commonly found on the Mediterranean coasts: Posidonia oceanica. The idea stems from the use of a waste that in summertime generates large costs because it is considered bothersome on the beaches. Thus, tons and tons of residues are collected each year from the beach, being destined for incineration. However, alternative uses for these residues are suggested, such as forage that is particularly relevant for the Mediterranean coast, where the weather does not support abundant grass growth. With this purpose, samples of banquettes of P. oceanica from six different points of a touristic place located in the Murcia Region (S.E. of Spain) were collected in April 2012 on the same day directly from the beach above the water line, washed with distilled water and sun-dried for 48 h. Approximately 500 g of each sample of plant material was chopped and two subsamples of 200 g each were placed in airtight plastic containers and sent to the laboratory for mineral and chemical analysis. This report provides data on the nutritional composition of P. oceanica such as mineral contents (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and chemical composition (ash, CP, ether extract (EE), NDF and ADF, respectively) and ADL. Finally, the in sacco rumen disappearance of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP and NDF were studied. Our results showed that minerals, except for Fe, where within the range of values reported for P. oceanica in other parts of the Mediterranean region. Given the high Fe content further studies assessing the antagonic Fe–Cu interaction and its effect on animal health should be addressed. In relation to chemical composition, it is clear that this seagrass is a poor protein source and has levels of DM degradability at 24 h, similar to those obtained for cereal straw. The information summarized here shows some potential for the use of banquettes of P. oceanica as forage source in ruminant nutrition.

Chemical composition and in sacco ruminal degradation of tropical trees rich in condensed tannins

The study was aimed at determining the chemical composition, in sacco ruminal dry matter and organic matter degradability of leaves and fruits of tropical condensed tannin rich multipurpose tree species (MPTS). The MPTS studied were Ekebergia capenesis, Ficus sycomorus, Maesa lanceolata, and Rhus glutinosa. Chemical composition of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC), and condensed tannin (CT) was determined. In sacco rumen degradability was measured using three rumen fistulated Holstein Friesian-Boran cross steers at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The DM and organic matter (OM) degradability data were fitted to the equation Y = a + b(1 &amp;ndash; e&lt;sup&gt;&amp;ndash;ct&lt;/sup&gt;). The values for each chemical constituent ranged 5.43&amp;ndash;11.49% (CA), 7.97&amp;ndash;17.06% (CP), 1.57&amp;ndash;31% (EE), 12.20&amp;ndash;27.5% (CF), 5.84&amp;ndash;39.30% (NFC), and 7.2&amp;ndash;16.72% (CT). Ekebergia capensis leaves had the greatest values for slowly degradable fraction (b), effective degradability (ED), and rate of degradation (c) in DM (P &amp;lt; 0.001) whereas E. capensis fruit had significantly the greatest soluble fraction (a), potential degradability (b), and effective degradability (ED) values as compared to the a, PD, and ED values in the fruits of other plants(P &amp;lt; 0.001). Yet in OM degradation kinetics, the greatest and least values of potential degradability (PD) were recorded for F. sycomorus (89.89%) and E. capensis (55.90%) leaves (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Similar to the rapidly soluble fraction a, ED was found to be the greatest in fruits as compared to leaves of the plants (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Generally variation of plant parts led to significant differences in chemical composition, DM, and OM degradability and the degradable parameters. The leaves and fruits recorded more than 60% DM and OM degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all greatly degradable in the rumen.

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;

Effects of several levels of extracted tannin from grape pomace on intestinal digestibility of soybean meal

Grape pomace (GP) is a high tannin feed by-product produced in large amounts in many parts of the world. Tannins bind to proteins to prevent their degradation in the rumen. This tannin/protein complex may be advantageous when partially protecting high quality feed proteins from excessive rumen protein degradation. The objective of this experiment was to use a GP tannin extract to slow down rumen degradation of soybean meal (SBM) protein. After extracting the tannin compounds, SBM was treated with the extract to obtain mixtures with 0, 15, 30, 40 and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) of tannin extract. In vitro gas production (IVGP), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and ammonia concentrations were measured, and three rumen-cannulated sheep were used to determine in sacco rumen disappearance of N. A three-step in vitro procedure was used to determine intestinal digestibility. Treating SBM with tannin extract decreased IVGP (linear and quadratic; P < 0.01) by 4.5–11%, and the in sacco digestibility of soluble N fraction (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.01) by 15–274%. It also delayed gas production ( T/2) and increased in vitro intestinal digestibility of protein (linear and quadratic; P < 0.01) by 8.9–17.8. Tannins in GP slow down SBM protein degradation in the rumen.

Feeding time and sequence of forage rape and maize silage does not affect digestibility and rumen parameters in sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of time and sequence of feeding forage rape in relation to maize silage on whole tract digestibility and rumen parameters. Three rumen-fistulated castrated male sheep (45 ± 1.2 kg) were individually housed in metabolic crates and fed a diet comprising 25% forage rape, 25% maize silage, 10% concentrate and 40% short rotation ryegrass. The experimental design was a 3 × 3 Latin-square design and treatments were: forage rape fed after maize silage in the morning; forage rape fed before maize silage in the morning; and forage rape fed after maize silage in the afternoon. As the three treatments were identical in composition, the first experimental period comprised a 15-day adaptation period whereas the other two periods had a 7-day adaptation, each followed by 6-day sampling periods for measurement of feed intake and faeces and urine output (day 1–5). Rumen fluid was collected at day 6 of each sampling period and analysed for pH and ammonia concentration. In a subsequent experiment in sacco rumen degradation characteristics of all feeds were measured by incubating nylon bags in the rumen of each sheep. Neither dry matter (DM) intake (mean = 21.2 g/kg liveweight.day) nor whole tract in vivo DM (mean = 0.74) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility coefficients (mean = 0.69) were different (P &gt; 0.05) among treatments. Similarly, neither rumen pH (6.19 ± 0.2) nor ammonia levels (27.2 ± 4.5 mg/100 mL) were affected (P &gt; 0.05) by time of feeding forage rape in relation to maize silage. The calculated efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was similar (P = 0.73) for all treatments [mean = 17 g/day of microbial nitrogen (N) per kg of apparently digested organic matter in the rumen], although the excretion of urinary N was relatively high for all treatments due to high N intake and high degradation of N in forage rape. In conclusion, this study has revealed no effects of time and sequence of feeding forage rape with maize silage on rumen parameters and efficiency of feed utilisation. These results suggest that farmers using these forages can allocate these to animals based on practical convenience.

Effects of Supplementation of Mixed Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Legume (Phaseolus calcaratus) Fodder on the Rumen Degradability and Performance of Growing Cattle

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of replacing a conventional concentrate with mixed cassava Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of replacing a convetional concentrate with mixed cassava (Manihot esculenta) foliage and legume (Phaseolus calcaratus) foliage. In Exp. 1, three rumen fistulated crossbred cows were used for in sacco rumen degradability studies. In vitro gas production was also studied. In Exp. 2, 11 crossbred F2 heifers (Red SindhixHolstein Friesian), with initial live weight of 129±6 kg and aged six months, were allocated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to evaluate a mixture (ratio 3:1) of cassava and legume foliage (CA-LE feed) as a protein source compared to a traditional concentrate feed (Control) in diets based on fresh elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and urea treated rice straw ad libitum. The Control feed was replaced by the CA-LE feed at levels of 0% (Control), 40% (CA-LE40), and 60% (CA-LE60) based on dry matter (DM). The in sacco degradation of CA-LE feed was higher than Control feed (p 0.05), but live weight gains (LWG) in CA-LE40 and CA-LE60 were significantly higher (551 and 609 g/d, respectively) than in the Control group (281 g/d). The intake of CP was higher (p<0.05) for the treatments CA-LE40 and CA-LE60 (556 and 590 g/d, respectively) compared to that of Control (458 g/d), while there was no significant difference in ME intake. The feed conversion ratio was 16.8, 9.0 and 7.9 kg DM/kg LWG in Control, CA-LE40 and CA-LE60, respectively. The feed cost of CA-LE40 and CA-LE60 corresponded to 43% and 35%, respectively, of the feed cost of Control feed. The best results were found when CA-LE feed replaced 60% of DM in Control feed and considerably decreased feed cost. It is concluded that feeding cassava foliage in combination with Phaseolus calcaratus legume as a protein supplement could be a potentially valuable strategy which leads to reduced feed costs and a more sustainable system in smallholder dairy production in Vietnam.

The potential of Commelina benghalensis as a forage for ruminants

To evaluate the potential of Commelina benghalensis as a forage for ruminants, effects of plant maturity on chemical composition, rumen degradability as well as its increased dietary inclusion level on intake, digestibility and N balance in sheep fed Sorghum almum were investigated with forage obtained from the wild, re-established and harvested at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of growth. Composite herbage samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), chemical components, total extractable phenolics (TEP) and amino acid content. In sacco rumen degradability measurements used six individually confined wethers (8 ± 0.5 months of age; 21 ± 2.6 kg live-weight (LW)) fitted with rumen cannulae and fed a ration of 3:1 fresh S. almum and Medicago sativa hay (about 1:2 on a DM basis). In sacco bags containing 5 g each of dry herbage were inserted into the rumen and withdrawn sequentially after 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Metabolizable energy (ME) was estimated from 24 h in vitro gas production. In the digestibility study, 12 wethers fitted with rumen canula were housed in metabolic crates and allotted to four treatment diets (i. e., D0, D10, D20 and D30) constituted from fresh S. almum and pre-wilted C. benghalensis in a randomized complete block design. The control diet (D0) was 3 kg fresh S. almum (≈535.5 g DM/wether/d about 30 g/kg LW), whereas D10, D20 and D30 were D0 +300, 600 or 900 g of wilted C. benghalensis (≈34, 68 or about 102 g DM/wether/d), respectively. The study lasted for 21 d. Dry matter, fibre and TEP content increased (P<0.001) with maturity of the forage, whereas those of CP and EE decreased (P<0.0001) over the same period. Amino acids (AA) also declined with maturity (P<0.05). Rumen degradability of DM and OM were unaffected, but DM intake increased linearly (P<0.0001) at a decreasing rate ( Q: P<0.05) and DM digestibility (DMD) and N intake increased linearly (P<0.01 and P<0.0001, respectively) as level of C. benghalensis in the diet increased. Results indicate that advancing maturity affected chemical composition, but not rumen degradability, of C. benghalensis and also demonstrated that inclusion of C. benghalensis in S. almum diet improved intake, digestibility and N intake, suggesting its potential use as a feed supplement.

In sacco rumen disappearance of condensed tannins, fiber, and nitrogen from herbaceous native Texas legumes in goats

Condensed tannins (CT) can play a role in rumen protein and fiber degradability, especially in legumes high in CT. In order to better understand their potential role in ruminant nutrition, three legume species native to Texas, Acacia angustissima var . hirta (prairie acacia) (288.0 g/kg neutral detergent fiber (NDFom), 40.9 g/kg N), Desmodium paniculatum (panicled tick-clover) (479.7 g/kg NDFom, 24.8 g/kg N), and Lespedeza procumbens (trailing bush-clover) (401.0 g/kg NDFom, 21.7 g/kg N) were studied to determine in sacco disappearance rates of key nutritional components compared to that of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) (226.8 g/kg NDFom, 34.6 g/kg N). Herbage was incubated in rumen-cannulated goats fed a basal diet of Sorghum bicolor× S. sudanense (sorghum-Sudan) hay, with disappearance measured at 0, 4, 8, 16, 28, 48 and 96 h. Among the native legumes, the highest CT concentrations were measured in prairie acacia (263 g CT/kg DM foliage) and the lowest (120 g CT/kg DM) in trailing bush-clover. The lowest concentrations of acid detergent fiber (ADFom), NDFom, and sulfuric acid lignin (lignin(sa)) were measured in prairie acacia, the first two fractions being comparable to alfalfa. Proportion remaining was calculated for CT, ADFom, lignin(sa), NDFom, and N for 0, 24 and 48 h of rumen incubation. Disappearance parameters were measured for ADFom, lignin(sa), NDFom and N for the three native legumes and compared to alfalfa. Alfalfa had the highest disappearance of all degradable fractions except lignin(sa). Potential disappearance (PD) fraction for ADFom, lignin(sa) and N were lower for the native legumes versus alfalfa. No differences in N proportion remaining at 24 and 48 h occurred in the native legumes despite differences in protein-bound CT proportion remaining at those same times. Of the native legumes studied, prairie acacia shows the greatest potential for contributing rumen-escape protein, suggesting it may be a candidate for further development as a pasture and rangeland renovation legume.

The use of a tannin crude extract from Cistus ladanifer L. to protect soya-bean protein from degradation in the rumen

Cistus ladanifer L. (CL) is a perennial shrub abundant in dry woods and dry land of Mediterranean zone, with high level of tannins. Tannins bind to protein, preventing its degradation in the digestive compartments. This tannin/protein complex may be advantageous when partially protecting good-quality feed protein from excessive rumen protein degradation. The objective of this trial was to use a CL phenol crude extract to prevent excessive rumen degradation of soya-bean meal protein. The phenolic compounds were extracted using an acetone/water solution (70:30, v/v). Soya-bean meal was then treated with this crude CL extract, containing 640 g of total phenols (TP) per kg of dry matter (DM), in order to obtain mixtures with 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 150 g of TP per kg DM. Three rumen-cannulated rams were used to assess in sacco rumen degradability of DM and nitrogen (N). The three-step in vitro procedure was used to determine intestinal digestibility. Increasing extract concentrations quadratically decreased the N-soluble fraction a (R2 = 0.96, P = 0.0001) and increased the non-soluble degradable fraction b (R2 = 0.92, P = 0.005). The rate of degradation c linearly decreased with CL extract doses (R2 = 0.44, P = 0.0065). For the effective rumen degradability of N, a linear reduction (R2 = 0.94, P < 0.0001) was observed. The in vitro intestinal digestibility of protein (ivID) quadratically decreased (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001) with TP inclusion and the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) showed a quadratic increase (R2 = 0.94, P = 0.0417). Total intestinal protein availability, computed from the RUP and ivID, linearly decreased with TP inclusion level (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.0033).

Chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility and ruminal degradation of Napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schumach.) mixed with different levels of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.

An experiment to assess the effect of different levels of Sesbania leaves on chemical composition, in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD), in sacco rumen DM degradability (DMD), organic matter degradability (OMD) and crude protein (CP) degradability (CPD) of Napier grass– Sesbania mixtures was conducted. There were four Napier– Sesbania mixtures (100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg of Sesbania on a DM basis) and Napier grass only (control) in a randomised complete block design. As the proportion of Sesbania increased in the mixture, there was an increase in CP, Ca and metabolizable energy, and a reduction in P, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose contents. The DMD, OMD, CPD and IVDMD increased as the proportion of Sesbania leaves increased. Results indicate that different levels of Sesbania forages have desirable characteristics as a potential feed supplement to improve the utilization of Napier grass to ruminant animals under tropical condition. Moreover, it could be concluded that nutrient content, IVDMD and ruminal DMD, OMD and CPD can be enhanced by feeding Sesbania with Napier grass, and it can be used in diet mixtures up to 250 g/kg of the DM fed.