Acid Detergent Fiber Values Research Articles

Composição bromatológica e digestibilidade ruminal in vitro de concentrados contendo diferentes níveis de torta de girassol

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the chemical bromatologic composition and dry matter in vitro digestibility (DMIVD) and crude protein in vitro digestibility (CPIVD) of concentrates containing differents levels of sunflower quacker (SQ) replacement soybean meal (SM) as source of protein. Three different treatments were utilized: Control = C (concentrate containing SM, corn and mineral mixture); T25 = treatment C plus SQ replacing 25% of the crude protein of the SM, and T50 = treatment C plus SQ replacing 50% of the crude protein of the SM, were studied according to a completely randomized design with five replications. The results showed significant differences in the composition of the concentrates concerning crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), total digestible nutrients (TDN), total carbohydrates (TC) and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) contents, considering the bovine nutrition in specially dairy cattle. Values of acid detergent fiber (ADF) were very low. The averages obtained of CF, NDF and ADF were 4.95; 4.79 and 5.13%; 23.83; 23.88 and 27.03%; 5.08; 6.08 and 9.14% in order to C; T25 and T50, respectively. Values of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), NDF, hemicelulose, nitrogen free extract (NFE), TDN, TC, and NFC averages did not differ between treatments (P>0.05). However, the T50 treatment produced higher CF, EE and ADF averages (P 0.05) with increase levels of SQ in the concentrates on the crude protein in vitro digestibility (CPDIV) coefficients. The averages of CPDIV coefficients were: 67.19; 63.16 and 71.62% respectively for the C; T25 and T50 treatments. Despite the variation in the digestibility coefficients the concentrates can be pottentially, up to 50% of inclusion of the SQ in the concentrate, used in bovines nutrition according to the cathegory requirement, disponi-bility and cost of the ingredients, specially SM and SQ. Key-words: Bovine, crude protein, Helianthus annuus L, ration.

Efeito do farelo de trigo sobre as perdas, recuperação da matéria seca e composição bromatológica de silagem de capim-mombaça

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de farelo de trigo sobre as perdas, recuperação da MS e qualidade de silagem de capim-mombaça, em um experimento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos: 0, 20, 40 e 60% de farelo de trigo, e quatro repetições por tratamento. Foram utilizados baldes com capacidade para 15 litros, dotados de válvula de bunsen, para escape dos gases e com 3 kg de areia adicionados no fundo para retenção dos efluentes. As variáveis avaliadas foram perdas por gases, perdas por efluentes, recuperação da matéria seca, pH, N-amoniacal, matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e hemicelulose (HEM). A adição de farelo de trigo reduziu as perdas por gases e as perdas por efluentes. A recuperação da matéria seca foi menor para o tratamento sem farelo de trigo. Os valores de PB aumentaram com a adição de farelo de trigo. Os valores de FDN e FDA na silagem reduziram de forma linear em função da aplicação de farelo de trigo. Conclui-se que a inclusão de 20% de farelo de trigo é suficiente para atingir melhorias consideráveis na qualidade da silagem de capim-mombaça e, considerando-se o aspecto econômico, pode ser adotado.

FIBER CONTENT IN THE EDIBLE PORTION OF EIGHT MANDARIN ORANGES CULTIVARS

ABSTRACT Eight commercial varieties of mandarin oranges grown in Spain (Nova, Ortanique, Satsuma, Marisol, Fortuna, Ellendale, Clementine and ecologic Clementine) were harvested in winter and analyzed for their fiber composition. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, 21.32 ± 0.09%, was higher than the crude fiber (CF) content, 15.42 ± 0.10%, and the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, 8.59 ± 0.05%. The CF contents were in the range of 14.55–16.50%, lower than previously reported, because only the edible portion was considered in this study. The relative content of CF of the eight cultivars studied was not consistent with those of the NDF and/or ADF. Clementine had the highest values of CF, but the lowest of NDF, with intermediate values of ADF. On the other hand, the cvs. Nova and Ortanique had the lowest values of CF, but the highest values of both NDF and ADF. Therefore, the most valuable mandarin orange cultivars, according to their fiber content, were traditional and ecologic Clementine, Nova and Ortanique.

Acid detergent fiber analysis in oilseed Brassicas by near-infrared spectroscopy.

The potential of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for determining the acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the seed of oilseed Brassica (fam. Brassicaceae) was assessed. One hundred and fifty accessions belonging to the species Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern.& Coss.), Ethiopian mustard (B. carinata A. Braun) and rapeseed (B. napus L.) were scanned by NIRS as intact and ground seed, and their ADF values were regressed against different spectra transformations by modified partial least squares regression. The coefficients of determination in the external validation (r(2)) for intact and ground seed were 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. The standard deviation to standard error of prediction ratio and range to standard error of prediction ratio were 2.40 and 10.75 for intact seed and 2.62 and 11.76 for ground seed. No significant differences in the prediction were found for both sample presentations. Effects of the C-H and O-H groups of lipids and water, respectively, as well as protein and chlorophyll, were most important in modeling these equations.

Avaliação do Valor Nutritivo da Planta e da Silagem de Diferentes Híbridos de Sorgo (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench)

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo do material original e da silagem de diferentes híbridos de sorgo: AGX-213, AG-2002, AGX-217 e AG-2005E. O híbrido AG-2005E foi mais precoce (125 dias) de intervalo da semeadura à colheita, enquanto o AGX-213, o mais tardio (151 dias). Os híbridos forrageiros AG-2002 e AGX-213 apresentaram maiores alturas de planta e produções de matéria seca que os de duplo propósito AGX-217 e AG-2005E. O híbrido AG-2005E apresentou maior porcentagem de panícula (58,4%) e baixa porcentagem de colmo (20,1%) e folhas (21,5%) na composição da planta, enquanto os híbridos forrageiros (AGX-213 e AG-2002), as maiores proporções do componente colmo, 45,1 e 56,8%, respectivamente. Os teores de matéria seca na planta não foram alterados com o processo de ensilagem. Não houve diferença entre as silagens para os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, lignina e cinzas totais na fibra em detergente ácido. A silagem do AG-2005E apresentou menor teor de fibra em detergente ácido (28,96%) e celulose (24,19%) e maior concentração de matéria seca (35,50%) frente aos demais híbridos. Não houve diferença entre as silagens dos híbridos de sorgo para os teores de matéria orgânica, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica e concentração de energia digestível. A porcentagem de nutrientes digestíveis totais foi maior para os híbridos de duplo propósito AG-2005E (62,20%) e AGX-217 (60,05%), comparativamente aos forrageiros AGX-213 (56,77%) e AG-2002 (56,40%).

Avaliação da determinação da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido pelo sistema ANKOM

O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar os valores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os de fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) obtidos com o equipamento ANKOM e pelo método convencional (Van Soest). No primeiro ensaio foram analisados cinco materiais diferentes (cana-de-açúcar, capim-braquiária, silagem de milho, polpa cítrica e fezes bovina) e testados quatro tipos de saquinhos para filtragem de amostra. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em um fatorial 5x4 (cinco materiais diferentes e quatro tipos de saquinhos de filtragem), com três repetições. As médias obtidas foram comparadas àquelas obtidas com método convencional. No segundo ensaio procurou-se avaliar o efeito da quantidade de amostra por saquinho (0,5; 0,8 e 1,0 g) sobre os teores de FDN e FDA em três tipos de alimentos, utilizando o ANKOM. Neste ensaio, o delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x3 (três alimentos x três quantidades), com três repetições. Os tipos de saquinhos de filtragem utilizados não influenciaram os teores de FDN nos diferentes alimentos, com exceção das fezes, cujos saquinhos de náilon resultaram em concentrações de FDN inferiores. Não houve diferença entre os valores de FDN e FDA, obtidos pelo equipamento ANKOM ou pelo convencional, para os alimentos estudados, com exceção da polpa cítrica, cujo valor médio de FDA pelo ANKOM foi inferior àquele obtido pelo método convencional. A quantidade não exerceu efeito sobre a concentração de FDN dos alimentos analisados no equipamento ANKOM.

Switchgrass Biomass and Chemical Composition for Biofuel in Eastern Canada

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is one of several warm‐season grasses that have been identified as potential biomass crops in North America. A two‐year field study was conducted, on a free‐draining sandy clay loam (St. Bernard, Typic Hapludalf), to characterize the growth and evaluate changes in biomass accumulation and composition of switchgrass at Montreal, QC. Three cultivars, Cave‐in‐Rock, Pathfinder, and Sunburst, were grown in solid stands in a randomized complete block design. Canopy height, dry matter (DM) accumulation and chemical composition were monitored biweekly throughout the growing season. Average maximum canopy heights were 192.5 cm for Cave‐in‐Rock, 169.9 for Pathfinder, and 177.8 for Sunburst. The respective end‐of‐season DM yields were 12.2, 11.5, and 10.6 Mg ha−1. Biomass production among cultivars appeared to be related to time of maturation. Nitrogen concentration of DM decreased curvilinearly from 25 g kg−1 at the beginning of the season to 5 g kg−1 DM at season's end. Both acid‐detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations increased to a maximum early in the season, after which no changes were detected. The average maximum values of ADF and NDF were, respectively, 647.6 and 849.0 g kg−1 DM for Cave‐in‐Rock, 669.1 and 865.2 for Pathfinder, and 661.8 and 860.9 for Sunburst. Changes in canopy height, DM accumulation, and chemical composition could all be described by predictive regression equations. These results indicate that switchgrass has potential as a biomass crop in a short‐season environment.

Ash Content of Detergent Fibers in Feeds, Digesta, and Feces and Its Relevance in Fiber Digestibility Calculations

The influence of insoluble ash in diet, digesta, and fecal samples was evaluated. Ash-free values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) for feed, digesta, and fecal samples were compared with uncorrected values of NDF and ADF in two digestibility experiments. Six feed samples were selected at random along with four duodenal and two fecal samples; the latter two were a part of two digestion studies. The silica composition of feed samples was low with the exception of oat hay and rice straw. Ash-free values of NDF and ADF for digesta and fecal samples were lower than uncorrected values of NDF and ADF, and silica accounted for the majority of the differences. The use of ash-free values of NDF and ADF in both digestibility experiments with dairy cows resulted in more realistic digestibility estimates and reduced the amount of variability associated with the calculation of the digestibility of NDF and ADF in the rumen and total digestive tract. The source of the insoluble ash was not identified but could have come from individual feedstuffs or the consumption of sand. Sample contamination by silica and other ash components may influence NDF and ADF composition if the fiber residues are not ashed prior to calculation of NDF and ADF.

Yield and nutritive quality of forage legumes on reclaimed surface mined land

Legumes are important in the long-term nitrogen economy of surface mined lands and for establishing and maintaining quality livestock forage. Little information is available to reclamation specialist for use in selection of forage legume species based on productivity potential, persistence and nutritive quality for livestock. A study was initiated at two sites in the Appalachian coal fields of Kentucky to evaluate monocultures of alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) under management regimes suitable for livestock production. Legumes were harvested at the early bloom stage throughout the growing season for dry matter (DM) yield determination. Forage quality was determined by measuring crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). High DM yields were produced by all species during the first production season (range 6.2-9.2 Mg ha-1) but yields of all species declined rapidly by year three. Birdsfoot trefoil demonstrated slightly greater drought tolerance during mid-season (July/August) than alfalfa and red clover. With the exception of site #1 in 1992 (4 harvests), no more than 3 harvests were made during a single growing season. Crude protein concentration of these forage legumes was found to be within the range commonly measured on undisturbed lands. However, high NDF and ADF values where observed above those reported by others for the same species. These results indicate that it may be difficult to maintain a high level of productivity throughout the five-year bonding period under hay management. Management practices such as summer stockpiling may be necessary to compensate for the rapid and wide fluctuations in DM yield and quality due to low water-holding capacity of mine spoils.

Chemical composition, organic matter digestibility and gas production of nine legume grains

Nine legume grains ( Pisum sativum, Cicer arietinum, Vicia sativa, Vicia faba, Lathyrus ochrus, Lathyrus cícera, Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus luteus) were studied with respect to their chemical composition, organic matter digestibility (OMD) and digestible energy (DE) using rams in metabolic cages. Gas production by grains was evaluated using rumen inoculum. The majority of these legume grains showed values of: crude protein (CP) — 21 to 24%, ether extract (EE) — 1.5 to 5%, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) — 15 to 22%, acid detergent fibre (ADF) — 6 to 13%, starch — 30 to 40%, OMD — 90 to 92%, DE — 16 to 17 MJ kg −1 dry matter (DM) and gas production (48 h) of 110 to 145 ml g −1 DM. Lupinus however showed much higher values of CP (29.1% and 34.4%), NDF (26.9% and 28.6%), ADF (22.9% and 24.6%), EE (5.4% and 7.2%) and lower values of starch about 0.8%, OMD (83.6% and 86.0%) and gas production (95.9 and 104.6 ml g −1 DM). Gas production (48 h) was negatively correlated to CP ( r = −0.74; P < 0.05), NDF ( r = −0.93; P < 0.001), ADF ( r = −0.78; P < 0.01), positively with starch ( r = 0.70; P < 0.05) and positively with OMD ( r = 0.68; P < 0.05). Gas production in this type of feed was not shown to be a good criterion for assessing their OMD.

Field Testing a Rapid Method for Estimating Alfalfa Quality

AbstractPredictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) based on height of the tallest stem and maturity stage of the most mature stem in a sample were developed to estimate neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF) and acid‐detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Field testing of these equations is limited outside the state of Wisconsin where they were developed. Our objectives were to test these equations for estimating alfalfa NDF and ADF across a wide geographic area and to evaluate the performance of PEAQ on a whole‐field basis by using within‐field subsampling. Alfalfa samples varying in height and maturity were collected throughout the growing season from fields in New York (n = 28), Pennsylvania (n = 23), Ohio (n = 48), California (n = 45), and Wisconsin (n = 48) in 1994 to 1996. Additional samples were collected in Ohio and Wisconsin from producer‐managed fields in which 5 to 10 subsamples per field were taken on each sampling date (n = 296 subsamples from 51 fields). Observed NDF and ADF values were regressed on estimated values. The accuracy of PEAQ in other states was at least equal to that observed in Wisconsin. Across all states, regression equations for NDF and ADF were slightly biased (b ≠ 1.0 and/or y‐intercept ≠ 0 at P &lt; 0.01); however, prediction errors were sufficiently low to allow use of PEAQ as a preharvest management tool. Root mean square error values ranged from 19.1 to 23.9 g kg−1 for NDF and 15.0 to 19.0 g kg−1 for ADF. Prediction errors were 16.2 g kg−1 for NDF and 13.2 g kg−1 for ADF across Ohio and Wisconsin when regressing observed means on estimated means of five subsamples per fieldsampling date combination. We conclude that predictive equations for alfalfa quality based on a combination of stem height and maturity were robust across a wide range of environments.

In vitro rumen apparent and true digestibilities of tannin-rich forages

Presence of condensed tannins could interfere in the determination of in vitro rumen true digestibility. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) values obtained after removal, by centrifugation, of the liquid phase of the incubation medium containing tannins (centrifuged set) were compared with those obtained directly (direct set) for four tannin-rich leaves ( Dichostachys cinerea, Cassia sieberiana, Robinia pseudoacacia and Acioa barteri). The NDF values in the centrifuged set were significantly higher than in the direct set. On the other hand, ADF values were significantly higher in the direct set. The contents of both nitrogen and condensed tannins were significantly higher in the NDF of the centrifuged set compared with in the direct set, while nitrogen and condensed tannins were significantly higher in the ADF of the direct set. Nitrogen and condensed tannins were present in the ADF of both centrifuged and direct sets at levels higher than in the ADF of the sample incubated. This was similar for the case of NDF of the centrifuged set. These observations suggest that ADF values obtained in the centrifuged or direct set and NDF values in the centrifuged set are incorrect. Following fermentation, the centrifugation process for recovering residue, comprising of unfermented residue and the microbes used for determination of apparent digestibility, and then removal of microbes from this residue by neutral detergent solution treatment for determination of true digestibility lead to serious artefacts in these digestibility values. Chromatographic assays based on measurement of free monomeric constituents are recommended for determination of fibre in tannin-rich feeds.

Determination of total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre in two new varieties of Phaseolusvulgaris L. using chemical and enzymatic gravimetric methods

Two new varieties of uncooked legumes were analysed by proximal analysis and biochemical methods. The ‘Montalban’ variety of black kidney beans showed values of protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash very similar to those of the ‘Tacarigua’ variety. The application of chemical-gravimetric methods to measure acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) yielded higher values of NDF (32.1%) for ‘Montalban’ than for ‘Tacarigua’ (15.4%), while ADF values were higher for ‘Tacarigua’ (14.5%) than for ‘Montalban’ (6.9%). The application of the Hellendoorn enzymatic-gravimetric method showed similar values of unavailable carbohydrate for both varieties; however, these values (21.6%) were higher than those previously reported for food grain legumes in the literature using the same method. The determination of soluble dietary fibre (SDF) yielded insignificant values for the ‘Tacarigua’ variety; the insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) was higher for the ‘Montalban’ variety (16.8%) and the total dietary fibre was higher for the ‘Montalban’ variety (19.9%) using the Prosky method. These differences could possibly be due to the higher content of SDF and to the starch quality of the ‘Montalban’ variety.

Some problems in fiber determination of a tannin-rich forage ( Acacia saligna leaves) and their implications in in vivo studies

The detergent method for determination of cell-wall constituents has several applications in nutritional studies and was used for Acacia saligna leaves, a tannin-rich material, and for fecal samples of sheep and goats fed these leaves as a sole feed. The samples were analysed by the standard method which uses a separate sample for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) determinations and by the sequential approach in which NDF is subjected to acid detergent solution to obtain ADF. In both cases, the acid detergent lignin (ADL) is determined from ADF. For A. saligna leaves, sequentially determined ADF and ADL were higher compared with the directly determined ADF or ADL, whereas a reverse trend was observed for the fecal samples of both sheep and goats, suggesting a different nature of fibers in feed and in fecal samples. The hemicellulose (HC) content (NDF-ADF) for the leaves was 14.8% and 1.5% respectively, depending on whether the direct or sequential method was applied. Similarly, there was a difference in the HC contents of fecal samples when the fiber was determined directly or sequentially (sheep 5.2% and 8.9% and goats 5.5% and 9.4% respectively). There was a comparatively large difference in the values for cellulose (ADF-ADL) determined by the direct and sequential method in the leaves (14.3% vs. 19.4%) as compared with that in sheep feces (14.9% vs. 14%) and goat feces (15.3% vs. 14.1%). In leaves, both protein and condensed tannins (CT) were much higher in the sequentially determined fiber as compared with those values obtained for the leaves by determining fibers directly, explaining higher ADF and ADL values obtained sequentially. Also, the fiber fractions of fecal samples had a substantial amount of both protein and CT. The in vivo digestibilities of fiber and fiber bound proteins varied substantially and were negative in most cases when using the fiber values obtained. The results suggest that detergent extraction techniques do not predict or determine the in vivo digestibility of cell-wall constituents accurately and that these techniques are not suitable for tannin-rich forages. Further studies are required to account for the artifacts arising due to tannins, proteins, and their complexes in the fiber fractions.

Effects of gamma irradiation on cell-wall constituents of some agricultural residues

The effects of 150 kilogray (kGy) of γ irradiation on cell-wall constituents of cottonwood (CW), lentils straw (LS), apple pruning products (AP) and olive cake (OC) were investigated. Samples were irradiated by γ irradiation at a dose level of 150 kGy under identical conditions of temperature and humidity and analyzed for crude fibre (CF), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid-detergent lignin (ADL). The results indicate that γ irradiation decreased CF contents by about 29% for CW, LS and AP and by 17% for OC. NDF values were also decreased by about 4% for CW and OC, and by about 12% for LS and AP. γ Irradiation treatment also decreased ADF values only for CW by 8%. ADL contents decreased by 8% for CW and 5% for OC with no effects for LS and AP. The percentage of cellulose (CL): CF ratio increased by 30, 34, 38 and 20% for CW, LS, AP and OC, respectively. Also, the percentage of hemicellulose (HCL): CF increased by 57% for CW and 16% for OC and decreased by 7% for LS and AP. The percentage of HCL: ADL increased by 22% for CW but decreased by 33% for LS and AP with no changes for OC. There were no changes in CL: ADL ratio for all residues.

Estimation of Parameters Relating Crude Fiber in Feeds to Acid–Detergent Fiber

Abstract By regression analysis of data from 80 check samples from the Association of American Feed Control Officials and applying the least-squares cubic method to the problem of statistical errors in both variables, it was determined that the best linear relation between the percent crude fiber value of a feed and the corresponding percent acid–detergent fiber value is crude fiber (%) = 0.77 × acid–detergent fiber (%) − 0.49.

Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of selected Vicia genotypes

Mature seeds of Vicia narbonensis (91 lines), Vicia sativa (23 lines), Vicia ervilia (16 lines) and Vicia palaestina (16 lines) were evaluated for crude protein (CP), protein precipitable tannin (PPT), vanillin-HCl catechin equivalent (CE) and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). Other chemical and in vitro characteristics measured included ash, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), in vitro organic digestibility (IVOMD) and in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD). Crude protein content ranged from 264.38 ± 6.34 g kg −1 DM in V. ervilia to 341.87 ± 8.55 g kg −1 DM in V. palaestina with all species showing little intraspecies variability. The DM, OM and ash contents of all the lines were similar. However, the ADF and NDF values for V. narbonensis were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than those of the other species. Mean IVDMD and IVOMD values of the species also differed significantly ( P < 0.05). The higher IVDMD (90.95%) and IVOMD (88.30%) values of V. ervilia paralleled the relatively lower ADF and NDF values. PPT was mainly restricted to V. narbonensis while none was detected in any of the lines of either V. sativa or V. ervilia. Tannin expressed as CE was no more than 8.27 g kg −1 in any of the species and seven of the 91 lines of V. narbonensis had no detectable CE levels. There was considerable intraspecies variability in CE as indicated by the high coefficients of variation (CV), which ranged from 17.48% in V. palaestina to 68.99% in V. sativa. In comparison with most conventional legumes, TIA values were generally low in all the species, ranging from 0.36 g kg −1 DM in selection IFLVP 2524 to 5.00 g kg −1 DM in IFLVS 2560. Values for TIA in V. palaestina were particularly low (0.51 ± 0.13 g kg −1 DM) and a CV of 25.86% suggests that selection for lower inhibitor levels is possible. Seed weight was significantly ( P < 0.05) correlated with CE in both V. sativa and V. palaestina, while CP was weakly negatively correlated ( r = −0.48) with TIA among the V. sativa genotypes. There was no significant relationship between seed weight and TIA in any of the species investigated.

Evaluation of the Detergent Fiber Method

We evaluated the effect of several modifications of the detergent fiber method on nutritional analyses of 5 species each of herbaceous and woody plants. Samples of each species were subjected to the acid detergent fiber (ADF) analysis following the standard procedure and the sequential analysis procedure. Sequential ADF values were always lower than standard ADF values in both herbaceous and woody plants (P<0.01). Sequential ADF with sulfite was also lower than sequential ADF without sulfite (P<0.05). In woody plants, this was caused by a loss of lignin in the presence of sulfite. In the absence of sulfite, sequential ADF was not more efficient than standard ADF in removing proteins bound to cell walls, nor was it more efficient at estimating hemicellulose as the difference between neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF

Microwave drying of alfalfa compared to field-and oven-drying: Effects on forage quality

Alfalfa which was microwave-dried for 7, 8, 9 or 10 min was compared to field- and oven-dried alfalfa. Samples of alfalfa dried by the various methods were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and dry matter digestibility in vitro (IVDMD). No differences were observed among the various drying methods for CP, IVDMD or ADL. Microwave-dried alfalfa generally retained a higher proportion of the cell-wall constituents (NDF) than did field-dried alfalfa. As microwave drying time increased from 7 to 10 min, NDF values tended to increase. Field drying conditions produced the highest ADF values. Field-dried alfalfa was not significantly higher in ADF content than alfalfa oven-dried or microwave-dried for 8, 9 or 10 minutes. Alfalfa microwave-dried for 7 minutes had significantly lower ADF values than all other drying treatments.

Nutrient Composition of Atriplex Leaves Grown in Saudi Arabia

Nutrient Composition of Atriplex Leaves Grown in Saudi Arabia