Feed Source For Ruminants Research Articles

Identification of macroalgae from the West Coast of Sulawesi and potential utilization as ruminant feed sources

The use of macroalgae as a ruminant feed is being widely developed due to its rich nutritional content and the presence of anti-methanogenic substances that may be able to reduce the formation of methane gas in ruminants. Macroalgae are cultivated and not cultivated; the species are diverse and grow in groups throughout Indonesian waters. This study aims to identify macro algae morphology that is easily found in the waters of the West Coast of Sulawesi and its potential use as a source of ruminant feed. Macro alga samples of cultivated and non-cultivated algae were collected from farmers and fishermen from the West Coast of Sulawesi, then continued with morphological identification. Several related articles and previous research obtained data regarding nutritional content using proximate analysis (protein, lipid and ash) and its potential use as a feed source. Research shows several macroalgae species that are easily found in the waters of the west coast of Sulawesi, namely macroalgae cultivated Gracilaria sp, Eucheuma denticulatum, Eucheuma cottonii, and Caulerpa sp. In contrast, the non-cultivated ones are Sargassum sp, Padina australis, Halymenia sp, Halimynea sp, and Caulerpa sp. Of the eight species, It is nutrient-rich and may be utilized as a source of feed for ruminants in the form of pure or extracts, but the proportion of macroalgae in the diet must be taken into account.

Effect of Paulownia Leaves Extract Levels on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Microbial Population, Methane Production, and Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation.

Paulownia is a fast-growing tree that produces a huge mass of leaves as waste that can be used as a feed source for ruminants. The previous study showed that phenolic compounds were the most active biological substances in Paulownia leaves, which affected the ruminal parameters and methane concentration. However, there are no scientific reports on the Paulownia leaves extract (PLE) containing phenolic compounds for their mode of action in the rumen. Phenolics constituted the main group of bioactive compounds in PLE (84.4 mg/g dry matter). PLE lowered the concentration of ammonia, modulated the VFA profile in the ruminal fluid, and decreased methane production. The PLE caused a significant reduction of in vitro dry matter degradability, reduced the number of methanogens and protozoa, and affected selected bacteria populations. PLE had a promising effect on the fatty acid profile in the ruminal fluid. Paulownia as a new dietary component or its extract as a feed additive may be used to mitigate ruminal methanogenesis, resulting in environmental protection and reducing ruminal biohydrogenation, improving milk and meat quality.

The Potential of Corn Waste (zea mays L.) as Ruminants Feed in Bolo District, Bima Regency

Corn straw as agricultural waste is a source of feed for ruminants which has a high fiber content and still contains good nutritional value and is sufficiently available. Unfortunately, this potency has not been fully utilized by the farmer as animal feed. This condition is found in almost all regions in NTB because we still see a lot of corn straw or corn waste in general, a lot of which is wasted even burned by the community. One of the efforts that need be made so that it can be used as a source of feed is by knowing the production of corn straw and its potential as feed for ruminants in Bolo District, Bima Regency. The research was carried out by survey method by using a questionnaire. The research results showed that the area of ​​maize plants in Bolo District was 4,041.88 hectares with a harvest area of ​​3,024.76 hectares. The production of corn waste consisting of stalks, leaves, husks, cobs and silk was 3,629.66 tons in dry matter. The population of ruminants (cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep) is 10,008 heads with the largest livestock population is the cattle. From the calculation between the amount of corn waste production and the ruminant livestock population in Bolo District, Bima Regency, it can be concluded that corn waste has a high potential as feed, which is 19 percent.

Seleksi Mutan Tanaman Lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala cv. Tarramba) Tahan Kutu Loncat terhadap Lingkungan Kering pada Rumah Kaca

Forage is the main source of feed for ruminants. Forage consists of two types, namely grass and legumes. Leguminosa is a type of forage as a source of protein. One type of legume that is well known by breeders in Indonesia is lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala cv. Tarramba). This study was aimed to produce candidate mutants of lamtoro drought resistant to acid stress conditions. The experiment in this study used an unbalanced completely randomized design with 6 treatments of 740 different replications based on different sources of lamtoro plant mutants at different levels (P0: 0 n= 89, P1: 100 gy n= 82, P2: 200 gy n= 153, P3:300 gy n=120, P4: 400 gy n= 244, P5: 500 gy n= 52). Variables observed included plant height, number of stalks, leaf loss and stem diameter. The results showed that lamtoro plants irradiated with gamma rays at a level of 200 gy-500 gy were significantly higher than 100 gy irradiation at 10 and 12 days watering, but the diameter of the plants was larger at 100 gy irradiation. It can be watering intervals of 10 days and 12 days on the parameters of height and stem diameter showed that gamma rays irradiation of 400 gy resulted in dry-resistant lamtoro mutant candidates under acid stress condition.
 Key words: gamma rays, lamtoro mutant, watering interval

335 Evaluation of Hempseed Cake on Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Feeding Behavior in Finishing Diets

Abstract As cannabinoid production continues to increase, there is increasing interest in feeding byproducts of industrial hemp production to livestock. An experiment using crossbred heifers (n = 31; initial BW= 494 kg, SE = 10) was conducted to determine the effects of feeding hempseed cake in a corn-based finishing diet (10% forage) formulated to meet or exceed ruminally degradable and metabolizable protein requirements on growth, performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Heifers were assigned randomly to one of two treatments: 1.) diet containing 20% dried distillers grains plus solubles (CON, n = 16), or 2.) diet containing 20% hempseed cake (HEMP, n = 15) on a dry-matter basis. Cattle were housed in two pens, had ad-libitum access to feed and water, and individual intakes and feeding behavior were captured using the Insentec BV feeding system across the feeding period (111 d). Final BW was not different (P = 0.28) between CON (696 kg, SE = 12) and HEMP (683 kg, SE = 12) heifers. Dry matter intake was not different between treatments (P = 0.99), while CON cattle had improved ADG and feed efficiency (G:F; P ≤ 0.04) compared to HEMP cattle. Carcass characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments for all parameters measured. Control and HEMP cattle were not different (P ≥ 0.34) for number of meals, time spent eating, number of visits to the bunk per day, meal size, or eating rate. Feeding hempseed cake reduced ADG and G:F while having no effect on other performance measures, carcass characteristics, or feeding behavior. Overall, these data suggest hempseed cake could be a viable alternative feed source for ruminants depending on availability and cost. Further understanding of hempseed cakes’ nutrient utilization is critical to determining this products viability as a feedstuff for cattle.

Ensiling willow (Salix acmophylla) fodder modifies the contents of plant specialized metabolites, but not nutritional attributes

Willow (Salix spp.) is grown for energy biomass in temperate regions and is also a promising source of feed for ruminants. Willow fodder contains high concentrations of beneficial plant specialized metabolites (PSMs). We investigated the efficacy of ensiling willow fodder in 1.5 L jars without (control-C) or with silage additives (lactobacilli-LAB, molasses-M, or the combination MLAB), and the effects on nutritional attributes of ensiling willow in 60 L drums with LAB. We also assessed the effect of ensiling willow fodder on PSMs by liquid chromatography / time-of-flight / mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS). Exact or tentative compound identification was established, depending on availability of appropriate standards. In jars, LAB-supplemented silages reached lowest pH (4.2). M-supplemented silages had lower aNDF and aADF contents. IVDMD was higher in M than in C, and the contents of crude protein (CP) were not affected by silage treatments. Ensiling in drums did not affect the major nutritional components of willow fodder. Even though phenylalanine, arginine, tyrosine, histidine, and methionine, but not tryptophan, were increased 3.8–7.9-fold by ensiling, the finding is of low importance, as free amino acids are totally degraded in the rumen. In contrast, the main PSM, i.e., the salicinoid salicin was 74 % de-glycosylated, concomitantly with a ten-fold increase in salicylic acid concentration and with the appearance of acetyl-salicylic acid; likewise, the flavonoids hyperin and rutin were 66 % de-glycosylated, consequent with a 48-fold increase in quercetin concentration. As the bio-availability of the quercetin aglycone is inferior to that of its glycosylated counterparts, ensiling might affect the nutraceutical value of willow fodder. Likewise, catechin, gallocatechin and epicatechin were totally metabolized by ensiling. Overall, ensiling willow fodder (with LAB) does not affect the nutritional attributes of willow fodder but it greatly alters its PSM concentrations and, possibly impairs its nutraceutical value. However, as anti-oxidative activity is supposed to increase, following de-glycosylation, further research is needed to evaluate a possible trade-off on nutraceutical value between the glycosylated and aglycone forms of phenolics contained in willow fodder.

Nutrient production in pastures of Triticale BRS Saturno submitted to different levels of nitrogen in topdressing

Pastures are a primary source of feed for ruminants, which convert fibrous plants into nutritionally valuable foods for humans, such as meat and milk. However, it is important to understand the nutrient content of different fodder crops for ruminants and its effect on meat, milk, and milk products. We aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer doses in topdressing on nutrient production in pastures of Triticale BRS Saturno. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replications. Descriptive statistics of yields per hectare were determined, and a simple linear regression was carried out at the level of 5% significance. The different nitrogen topdressing rates (0, 50, and 100 kg N ha-1) influenced the production (P < 0.05) of dry matter, total carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, soluble protein, insoluble protein in neutral and acid detergent, protein degradability, ether extract, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, neutral detergent fiber digestibility after incubation for 24, 30, and 48 h, and the neutral detergent fiber degradation rate. The different doses of nitrogen fertilizer in topdressing in the form of urea increased nutrient production in pastures of Triticale BRS Saturno, mainly in relation to total carbohydrates and neutral and acid detergent fiber. To a lesser extent, it also significantly interfered with the production of nitrogenous constituents and fatty acids.

Growth and productivity of cassava given organic fertilizer and potential waste as a source of animal feed

The research was conducted to determine the growth and productivity of cassava plants that are given organic fertilizers and their potential waste as ruminant animal feed. The research was conducted at Kerthi Winangun Farmers Group, Bukti village, Kubutambahan District, Buleleng Regency. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three fertilization treatments and twelve replications. The fertilizer given were: cow dung 5 kg/plant (UK1), compost 5 kg/plant (UK2) and cow dung 5 kg/plant + bio urine 300 ml/plant (UK3). The Parameters observed were (1) plant growth (height, Number of leaves and tubers), (2) tuber production, (3) waste (leaf and peel) production and (4) carrying capacity. The result shows that application of 5 kg compost/plant yielded the highest tuber, leaf and peel production was respectively 1789,25±475,50, 667 ± 104 and 416,61±18 g/plant. Production of this peel can be used to feed 1.29-1.52 cattle/ha/year or 10.73-12,68 goat/ha/year. In conclusion, the cassava that was given with 5 kg compost per plant has the highest production to be used as a source of feed for ruminants.

Sugarcane Production Based on Mineral and Organic Nitrogen Fertilizers for Ruminant Feeding

Sugarcane may be a potential feed source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical areas. An important factor that can influence the nutritional quality of sugarcane for animal feeding is nitrogen fertilization management, however, studies on this subject are still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen sources on the quality and productivity of sugarcane as a forage resource. The variety of sugarcane used was RB92579, with application of nitrogen (N) sources (urea, poultry litter, swine manure) and control (without N application). Stalk productivity and dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, Brix, NDF / Brix ratio, and in situ digestibility were analyzed during incubation periods of 6, 24, and 72 hours. At the end of the study, it was found that the N sources did not interfere with sugarcane stalk productivity (P> 0.05), with an average productivity of 102 t ha-1. The N treatments did not influence (P> 0.05) in the nutritional quality of sugarcane, when evaluating the contents of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, Brix and NDF / Brix ratio. The dry matter degradation had an effect (P <0.05) for the different N sources and incubation times, where poultry litter and swine manure treatments showed higher values for degradation at 72 hours of incubation. The different N organic sources did not interfere in the chemical composition and productivity of the sugarcane culture, however it presented better results in the in situ degradability of the dry matter. This, it can be recommended that mineral nitrogen fertilizers can be replaced by organic fertilizers.

Physiological Response of Brachiaria sp on Acid Soil

The utilization of marginal land, especially the acid soil, for cultivation of forages is promising. Forage as a source of feed for ruminants, can also be used to improve soil fertility. <em>Brachiaria</em> sp is found widely grow in marginal areas, especially on acid soil showing its high adaptability. The diverse of genotypes have become interesting because the mechanism of its adaption can be studied by observing the physiological response of Brachiaria on acid soil. <em>Brachiaria decumbens</em><em> </em>has high tolerant, while <em>Brachiaria ruziziensis</em> is sensitive to acid soil. Variance of physiological and morphological responses to acid soil are the foundation for determining the traits of selection in breeding activities of <em>Brachiaria</em> sp. This paper aims to provide the knowledge of physiological response of <em>Brachiaria </em>sp and this information is useful for selection of <em>Brachiaria</em> sp tolerant on acid soil.

Agronomic traits, ensilability and nutritive value of five pearl millet cultivars grown in a Brazilian semi-arid region

SUMMARYPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R.) could play an important role as a feed source for ruminants in arid and semi-arid zones of the world owing to its high yield and drought tolerance. The current paper assessed the agronomic characteristics, ensilability, intake and digestibility of five Brazilian pearl millet cultivars (IPA Bulk1BF, BRS 1501, CMS-03, CMS-01 and BN-2) in a typical Brazilian northeastern semi-arid climate. Forage was harvested at the dough stage of grain maturity (growth stage 86 according to the BBCH scale) and ensiled under laboratory and farm conditions. Apparent digestibility of the silages was determined using 25 Santa Inês male lambs. The cultivars CMS-01, CMS-03 and BN-2 out-performed the others in terms of dry matter (DM) and digestible DM yield/ha. At DM partitioning among plant tissues, the cultivar IPA Bulk1BF had a greater DM associated with panicles and one of the greatest concentrations of organic matter, lactic acid andin vitrodry matter digestibility among the five cultivars. The cultivar BRS 1501 had greater butyric acid concentration as well as one of the highest pH values. Silage produced from BN-2 not only contained greater acetic acid concentration, but also showed one of the greatest total volatile fatty acid concentrations. There were no differences in feed intake and digestibility of nutrients and fibre fractions across all cultivars. Silage made from BN-2 resulted in greater urinary excretion of nitrogen than those produced from BRS 1501. Under the conditions of the present study, the results obtained for production of DM and digestible dry matter, and the ratio of plant fractions, indicates the possible use of these cultivars for silage production in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

Cistus ladanifer L. Shrub is Rich in Saturated and Branched Chain Fatty Acids and their Concentration Increases in the Mediterranean Dry Season

The Cistus ladanifer L. shrub is a widespread species of the Mediterranean region that is available as a feed source for ruminants all the year round, constituting a source of energy and nutrients when most of the vegetation is dry. However, there is no trustworthy information about the fatty acid composition of C. ladanifer, as well as no information about the seasonal and age related changes in their fatty acid composition. Thus, we collected the aerial parts of C. ladanifer plants of two age groups [young vs. older ones (2-6years old)] during four consecutive seasons to characterize their fatty acid composition. The fatty acid composition of C. ladanifer is dominated by saturated fatty acids including the occurrence of two methyl branched chain fatty acids (BCFA), the iso-19:0 and iso-21:0, which as far as we know were detected for the first time in shrubs. Also, we demonstrated that several labdane type compounds might interfere with the fatty acid analysis of C. ladanifer. Marked seasonal changes in BCFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found, suggesting that BCFA can replace PUFA in plant lipids at high environmental temperatures.

Characteristics of Traditional Small Ruminant Production and Management in Awbare District of Ethiopian Somali Regional State

A survey was conducted to assess traditional sheep and goat production and management practices in aware district of fafan zones of Somali Region, eastern Ethiopia from September to December 2014. Information on sheep and goat ownership patterns, production objectives, and management and production constraints were collected from 60 households using semi structured questionnaires. About 80% of the respondents kept sheep and goats for family welfare, whereas 20% of them reared their sheep for market. About 58% of the pastoralists bred their animals during wet season. Home-grown forage production was not a common practice in the areas and the pastoralists totally depended on natural pasture as source of feed for ruminants. About 70% of the interviewed pastoralists used natural mineral soil while 16% used both Carro (local name for natural mineral soil) and common salt. With regard to housing, about 63% of the respondents housed sheep in the open house (kraal) at night. Shortage of feed and water, especially during drought period was found to be the major constraint to sheep and goat production due to which the highest death was report.

Potency and Utilization of Cocoa Pod Husk as an Alternative Feed for Ruminants

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is potential as an alternative source of feed for ruminants due to its quantity and quality. The availability of CPH in Indonesia during the harvest season is abundant and able to feed around 635,305 animal unit (AU) per year. Cocoa pod husk as a feedstuff which contains crude protein between 6.80-13.78%; NDF 55.30-73.90% and ADF 38.31-58.98% is a source of fiber and can replace grass. However, CPH also contains antinutritional compounds such as lignin, tannin and theobromine . In order to optimize the use of CPH as feed, treatments are needed to improve the nutritive value and digestibility, to reduce negative effects and to extend shelf life. Processing methods can be conducted physically, chemically and microbiologically. Processing can improve the nutritional value of CPH especially the protein content. Feeding livestock using processed CPH showed better weight gain than that of unprocessed CPH. Besides, the attempt to utilize CPH as feed can overcome the shortage of forage, especially during dry season and increase ruminant productivity around the area of cocoa plantations. Key words: Cocoa pod husk, alternative feed, processing, ruminant

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

The effect of bermudagrass hybrid on forage characteristics, animal performance, and grazing behavior of beef steers1,2

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) is a major feed source for ruminants across the southeastern United States. In 4 consecutive yr, 3 different bermudagrass hybrids, Alicia, Jiggs, and Tifton-85, were evaluated under a low stocking rate as forage and hay sources. The nutritive value, in situ DM digestibility, and performance and grazing behavior of beef steers under similar management were evaluated. Sampling day had an effect (P < 0.05) on all forage variables. Percentages of CP and TDN decreased while concentration of ADF, NDF, lignin, and nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) increased as grazing season advanced. Alicia had lower nutritive value, showing greater lignin (5.3%) and indigestible fraction (44.9%) compared to Jiggs (4.9 and 35.6%, respectively) and Tifton-85 (4.5 and 40.1%, respectively). Tifton-85 contained the lowest concentration of NFC (11.8%). Steers grazing Jiggs and Tifton-85 had greater ADG (0.51 and 0.55 kg, respectively) and BW gain per hectare (258 and 279 kg, respectively) than those on Alicia (0.36 kg and 184 kg/ha, respectively); results that are probably explained by the lower nutritive value characteristics of the latter. Most grazing behavior variables were affected (P < 0.05) by time of the day (TOD) and grazing period. Two major grazing events were observed at dawn and dusk. Grazing time (32 min) was lowest (P = 0.003) while standing (140 min) and lying (98 min) time were greater (P = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively) from 1100 to 1559 h, probably as an effect of temperature and humidity at that time of the day. During summer, the temperature humidity index (THI) is above 72 (mild heat load) for the entire season and above 79 (severe heat load) during most of the daylight hours from June to August. Heat load likely affected animal performance and grazing behavior; however, some characteristics associated with these bermudagrass hybrids, especially with Alicia, such as its percentages of lignin and indigestible fraction may also partially explain the poor animal performance. In the conditions of the study, environmental variables (temperature and humidity), as well as the type of bermudagrass hybrid, affected animal performance and grazing behavior of recently weaned beef steers.

Pasture characteristics and animal performance in a silvopastoral system with Brachiaria decumbens, Gliricidia sepium and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia

Grasslands are the major source of feed for ruminants (Zanine 2005). Seasonality of production, however, is a constraint in forage-based systems. Silvopastoral systems combine different components (animals, trees and forages) into an integrated system and may improve forage distribution across seasons. Resource use is usually more efficient both spatially and temporally, increasing land use efficiency (Nair 1993). Tree legumes present potential for silvopastoral systems because they can fix N from the atmosphere, improve cattle diets and lead to a faster N cycle. In addition, trees provide shade and may reduce heat stress for grazing animals in tropical and subtropical grasslands. Leguminous trees are commonly found in these climates and present potential for use in silvopastoral systems. This research studied the pasture characteristics and animal performance of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) in a pure stand or in silvopastoral systems with Gliricidia sepium or Mimosa caesalpiniifolia.

In situ degradability and selected ruminal constituents of sheep fed with peanut forage hay

Because legumes are a very important feed source for ruminants, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ideal inclusion level of hay Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte in sheep diets by measuring the dry matter intake (DMI), concentration of volatile fatty acids, ammonia–nitrogen concentration, ruminal pH and the in situ degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). In the experiment with four sheep, a 4 × 4 Latin Square design was used with four periods and four treatments (0%, 30%, 60% and 100% Arachis replacing grass hay). Significant interactions were observed between treatments and sampling times for ammonia–nitrogen and acetate, propionate and butyrate concentration and the acetate:propionate ratio. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acids concentration were not affected by interaction between treatments and sampling time. The degradation of DM and CP was similar, rising with the increasing content of Arachis, showing a linear effect. The treatment containing 60% of Arachis showed best results, with good levels of daily weight gain and higher ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids. The legume showed high levels of CP, high digestibility and appropriate levels of fibre, with excellent standards of degradation and ruminal characteristics. The use of the legume Arachis for ruminants is a promising option of nutrient supply to meet production demands of these animals.

The nutritive value of forage sorghum genotypes developed for the dry tropical highlands of Kenya as feed source for ruminants

In vitro studies were conducted on five sorghum genotypes developed for the dry tropical highland climate of Kenya and which can be fed to ruminants fresh or as silage. The five sorghum genotypes consisted of two normal white mid-rib (WMR) genotypes, coded E1291 and E6518l, and three brown-midrib (BMR) genotypes, coded Lan-5, Lan-6 and Lan-12. Whole mature plants (herbage plus grain) and silage made from E1291 were used in the study. An in vitro manual gas production technique was used to compare the nutritive characteristics of these genotypes for ruminants. These sorghums differed significantly in true organic matter degraded (OMDeg), which ranged from 520 to 678 g/kg after 24 h incubation and 706 to 805 g/kg after 72 h incubation. All the BMR sorghums had a higher degradability than the WMR genotype, E6518, and the silage, with Lan-5 having the highest degradability. Methane produced per g OMDeg ranged from 40.6 to 46.4 mL/g after 24 h incubation and from 53.1 to 62.6 mL/g after 72 h incubation. It was similar for all genotypes after 24 h incubation but Lan-12 had the highest methane production after 72 h incubation. After 24 h and 72 h incubation all the genotypes produced a similar total amount of gas per OMDeg (293 to 309 and 357 to 385 mL/g, respectively) with similar total short chain fatty acid concentrations in the liquid digesta (7.8 to 10.4 and 9.5 to 10.3 mmol, respectively) and acetate to propionate ratios of 2.16 to 2.49 and 2.35 to 2.87, respectively. The sorghums showed great potential as ruminant feed sources in the region.

Crop residues as a feed source for ruminants

Crop residues as a feed source for ruminants