Effect of palm kernel cake as protein source in a concentrate diet on intake, digestibility and live weight gain of goats fed Napier grass

The effects of palm kernel cake (PKC) as a protein source in a concentrate diet (comprising 35 % crushed maize, 30 % rice bran, 32 % PKC, 2 % vitamin mineral premix and 1 % salt) were examined on intake, live weight (LW) gain and digestibility in female goats (average LW of 12.4?±?2.6 kg). Four goats were randomly allocated to each of the four treatment diets: (a) Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) offered ad libitum (T1), (b) T1 + concentrate at 0.5 % of LW (T2), (c) T1 + concentrate at 1.0 % of LW (T3) and (d) T1 + concentrate at 2.0 % of LW (T4). A 7-day digestibility trial and an 82-day growth experiment were conducted. No differences were observed among diets for intakes of roughage dry matter (DM), total DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). The crude protein (CP) intake increased (P?<?0.05) as the level of concentrate in the diets increased. Goats fed the T2, T3 and T4 diets gained 10.2, 34.1 and 52.5 g/head/day, respectively, while the control group (T1) lost weight (?12.7 g/head/day). The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM and CP were similar (P?>?0.05) among treatments. The digestibility of dietary NDF decreased (P?<?0.05) with increasing levels of concentrate, but there was no significant (P?>?0.05) difference between T2 and T3 diets. Supplementing a basal diet of Napier grass with PKC-based concentrate improved CP intake and LW gain. The PKC-based concentrate diet can therefore be exploited for the use of local feed resources for goat production; however, further research is required to achieve the best growth response.     

Effects of dietary nonprotein nitrogen on performance, digestibility, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency in crossbred steers

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary NPN levels on animal performance, diet digestibility, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency. Experiment 1 was conducted with 24 Holstein x Nellore crossbred steers (350 +/- 20 kg of BW) distributed in 6 blocks to evaluate intake and digestibility of nutrients and performance. The diets consisted of 70% corn silage and 30% concentrate (DM basis) and were formulated to contain 12.5% CP (DM basis). Treatments consisted of 0, 15.5, 31, and 46.5% of dietary N as NPN. There were no treatment differences in the daily intakes of DM (P = 0.47), OM (P = 0.60), CP (P = 0.24), nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC; P = 0.74), or TDN (P = 0.63); however, NDF intake decreased linearly as NPN increased (P = 0.02). Additionally, no effects of NPN were observed on apparent total tract digestibility of DM (P = 0.50), OM (P = 0.53), NDF (P = 0.63), or NFC (P = 0.44). The apparent total tract digestibility of CP increased linearly (P = 0.01), but ADG (1.14 kg/d) was not influenced (P = 0.96) as NPN increased. In Exp. 2, 4 ruminally and abomasally cannulated steers (300 +/- 55 kg of BW) were fed the same diet used in Exp. 1 to evaluate the effects of NPN levels on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency. There were no differences in the daily intakes of DM (P = 0.22), OM (P = 0.17), CP (P = 0.31), NDF (P = 0.29), or TDN (P = 0.49). However, NFC intake increased linearly (P = 0.02), and there was a quadratic effect (P = 0.01) on intake of ether extract as NPN increased. Ruminal digestibility of CP increased linearly (P = 0.01) with the increase of dietary NPN. There were no differences (P >or= 0.28) in microbial protein synthesis and microbial efficiency among the treatments. The results of these trials suggest that dietary NPN levels (up to 46.5% of total N) can be fed to crossbred steers receiving corn silage-based diets without affecting their growth performance or ruminal protein synthesis.     

Effects of supplementing prairie hay with corn and soybean meal on intake, digestion, and ruminal measurements by beef steers

Prairie hay supplemented with various amounts of corn and soybean meal was fed to steers in two experiments. Effects of supplementation on hay OM intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation and kinetics were measured. A preliminary study was conducted to attain accurate values for OM intake and digestibility of prairie hay to be used in ration formulation using the NRC (1996) level 1 model. Ten steers (284 +/- 9 kg) given ad libitum access to chopped prairie hay (75% NDF, 6% CP) were supplemented with dry-rolled corn (0.75% of BW/d) plus soybean meal (0.25% of BW/d). Hay OM intake was 1.85% of BW and hay OM digestibility was 48%. Based on results from the preliminary study, eight ruminally cannulated beef steers (317 +/- 25 kg) received a sequence of eight different supplementation combinations (2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments). These supplements consisted of dry-rolled corn at either 0 or 0.75% of BW (DM basis) daily combined with one of four amounts of added soybean meal to provide between 0 and 1.3 g of degradable intake protein (DIP)/kg of BW. After supplements had been fed for 10 d, feces were collected for 4 d. Intake of hay and total OM increased quadratically (P < 0.01) in response to added DIP with or without supplemental corn. Hay OM digestibility increased quadratically (P = 0.03) as DIP was added when corn was fed in the supplement. Intake of digestible OM was greater (P < 0.01) with than without corn supplementation. Increasing DIP increased (P < 0.01) digestible OM intake regardless of whether corn was fed. Inadequate ruminally degraded protein in grain-based supplements decreased forage intake, digestibility, and energy intake of cattle fed low-quality prairie hay. Providing adequate supplemental DIP to meet total diet DIP needs seemed to overcome negative associative effects typically found from supplementing low-quality forages with large quantities of low-protein, high-starch feeds.     

By-product feeds for meat goats: effects on digestibility,ruminal environment,and carcass characteristics

Crossbred wether goats (n = 24; 50% Boer, 6 per diet) initially averaging 27.4+/-0.4 kg were fed either wheat middlings (wheat midds), soybean hulls (soyhulls), or corn gluten feed at 1% BW (as-fed) along with orchardgrass hay (10.7% CP) offered to ad-libitum consumption for 72 d followed by 5 d total fecal collection. The Control (hay) diet was supplemented with 5.7% soybean meal to bring total dietary protein to 12.5%, by-products were brought to a higher Ca:P ratio with limestone or dicalcium phosphate to make total dietary Ca:P 1.5:1, and soybean meal was added to soyhulls to bring them up to 17% CP (wheat midds = 17% and corn gluten feed = 21% CP). Total DMI (916 g/d+/-57 or 3.2%+/-0.2 BW) did not differ (P > 0.92) among treatments. Initial BW (P = 0.25), final BW (P = 0.48), and ADG (P = 0.56) did not differ for the four treatments. Carcass weight was greater (P = 0.05) for goats fed soyhulls (16.0 kg) or wheat midds (15.6 kg) as compared with goats fed the hay diet (14.5 kg), with carcass weight from goats fed corn gluten feed being intermediate (15.3 kg, SEM = 0.3 kg). Carcass grade did not differ (P = 0.80) and averaged 5.42+/-0.4. Dressing percentage tended (P = 0.12) to be lower for goats fed the hay diet (46.4%) compared with soyhull (48.3%), corn gluten feed (48.3%), or wheat midd (48.8%) diets (SEM = 0.7). Ruminal pH was highest (P < 0.01) for goats fed the hay diet (6.52) and lowest for goats fed wheat midds (6.23) with soyhull (6.41) and corn gluten feed diets (6.35) being intermediate (SEM = 0.05). Digestibility of DM (70.1+/-2.5%), OM (70.3+/-2.6%,), CP (75.5+/-2.0%), GE (68.5+/-2.7%), NDF (68.1+/-3.0%), ADF (65.4+/-3.4%), cellulose (70.1+/-2.9%), and lignin (31.1+/-8.2%) did not differ (P > 0.15). Total ruminal VFA did not differ (86.0+/-6.1 mM, P = 0.59), but acetate:propionate ratio was higher (P < 0.01) for hay (3.1) and soyhull diets (3.3) than for corn gluten feed (2.4) and wheat midd diets (2.4, SEM = 0.11). Ruminal ammonia (mg/100 mL) was lower (P < 0.01) for goats fed hay (15.4) and soyhull diets (11.6) than those fed corn gluten feed (25.2) and wheat midd diets (23.0, SEM = 1.35). Ruminal pH was lower for goats fed the byproducts, but remained above 6. Serum urea nitrogen (mg/100 mL) averaged 21.0+/-1.0 (P = 0.11) with soyhulls tending to be lowest (19.3) and corn gluten feed tending to be highest (22.8). Soyhulls, corn gluten feed, and wheat midds appear to be viable feed ingredients for meat goat diets.     

Total nutrient digestibility and small intestine starch digestion in Nellore and Angus young bulls fed a whole shelled corn diet

Eighteen Nellore and 18 Angus young bulls with BW of 381 ± 12 kg were randomly assigned into two feeding groups (whole shelled corn [WSC] or ground corn with silage [GC]) to evaluate the interaction of breed and diet on total nutrient digestibility, pancreatic α‐amylase, and maltase activity and SLC5A1expression in the small intestine. Experimental diets (DM basis) included (a) a diet containing 30% corn silage and 70% GC and soya bean meal‐based concentrate and (b) a diet containing 85% WSC and 15% of a soya bean meal‐ and mineral‐based pelleted supplement. The treatments were Nellore fed GC diet; Nellore fed WSC diet; Angus fed GC diet; and Angus fed WSC diet. Total faecal collection for the digestibility trial occurred from day 48 until day 50 of the experimental period. Feeding the WSC diet reduced DM and NDF intake (p < 0.01). Angus had greater DM and nutrient intake in kg/day (p < 0.01). However, there was no breed effect on DM and nutrient intakes based on percentage of BW (p > 0.19). Angus had greater starch digestibility (p = 0.03) than Nellore. Cattle fed the WSC diet had greater DM, NDF and starch digestibility (p < 0.01) compared with those fed the GC diet. The activity of pancreatic α‐amylase (U/g of protein) was greater in Nellore (p < 0.01) and was not affected by diet (p = 0.52). In duodenum, maltase activity (U/g of protein) was greater in bulls fed GC diet (p = 0.02). Expression of the gene SLC5A1was not affected by breed or diet (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Nellore had less capacity to digest starch. However, they did not have less pancreatic α‐amylase and duodenal maltase activity compared to Angus. The use of the WSC diet increases DM and total nutrient digestibility.     

Influence of phytase and xylanase supplementation of a wheat-based diet on ileal and total tract digestibility in growing pigs

The effect of phytase and xylanase supplementation of a wheat-based pig diet on the ileal and total tract apparent digestibility of dietary components and minerals were studied in eight growing pigs fitted with a PVTC cannula in a randomized block design experiment. The diets (A and B) were similar in major ingredient composition and in nutrient content. In diet A, part of the limestone was replaced with di-calcium phosphate to increase the content of available phosphorus (P). Diet B was fed without or with supplementation with phytase (500 FTU/kg; diet BP), xylanase (4000 XU/kg; diet BX) and phytase + xylanase (500 FTU and 4000 XU/kg; diet BPX). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between diets in the ileal or total tract digestibility of organic matter (OM), NDF and crude protein (CP). The ileal and total tract digestibility for P and Ca differed (P < 0.05) between diets, while there were no treatment effects for Zn. The ileal and total tract digestibility for P and Ca was higher (P < 0.05) on diets BP and BPX than on the other diets. In conclusion, phytase improved the utilization of dietary P and Ca in a wheat-based diet, while xylanase had no additional benefits in terms of OM and CP digestibility or mineral utilization. Phytase had no effect on the digestibility of OM, CP or NDF.     

Effects of restricted and ad libitum intake of diets containing wheat middlings on site and extent of digestion in steers

A 5 x 5 Latin square design was used to determine the effects of restricted and ad libitum intake of diets containing wheat middlings on the site and extent of digestion compared to ad libitum intake of a corn-based diet and ad libitum intake of chopped alfalfa hay. Five ruminally and duodenally cannulated Angus steers (519 +/- 41.5 kg BW) were used to compare five dietary treatments. The five treatments were as follows: ad libitum access to a corn-based finishing diet (control), the control diet with 25 percentage units of the corn and soybean meal replaced with wheat middlings offered ad libitum (WM), the WM diet restricted to 75% of predicted ad libitum intake (RWM), the RWM diet with wheat middlings replaced with ammoniated wheat middlings (RNWM), and ad libitum access to a chopped alfalfa hay diet. Although RWM steers were fed to consume 75% of ad libitum intake, RWM steers consumed 15.5% less DM than WM. Steers fed ad libitum hay consumed 28.6, 31.7, and 37.2% less (P < 0.01) DM, OM, and nitrogen than RWM steers. No differences in apparent or true ruminal digestibility were observed among steers fed the control vs WM, WM vs RWM, RWM vs RNWM, or RWM vs hay diets. However, the steers fed the hay diet had 32.5, 33.4, and 36.9% lower (P < 0.01) apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, and N than those fed the RWM diet. Average ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.01) for control steers than those fed the WM diet and for those fed RWM compared to the hay diet. The acetate:propionate ratio was higher for cattle fed hay vs the RWM diet. Microbial DM and OM flow to the small intestine was higher (P < 0.02) for steers fed the RWM diet than those fed the hay diet. In addition, bacterial N flow to the small intestine was higher (P < 0.01) for cattle receiving the RWM diet than the hay diet. Feeding diets containing 25 percentage units of wheat middlings at 75% ad libitum intake had no effect on ruminal digestibility.     

Comparative utilization of warm- and cool-season forages by cattle, sheep and goats

The quality of different classes of forage hay (C3, C4 grasses and legumes) was determined in intake and digestibility trials with mature cattle, sheep and goats. For all nine hays, DM and NDF digestibility by cattle and goats was higher (P less than .05) than by sheep, with no differences due to forage class. Cattle had a higher (P less than .01) DM intake than sheep or goats averaged across forage (92.6 vs 65.8 and 68.6 g/kg BW.75); hay intake was highest on legume, with no difference between C3 and C4 grasses. Mean NDF intake by cattle was greater than by sheep or goats (58.7 vs 39.6 and 42.6 g/kg BW.75); NDF intake for all animal species decreased in the order C4 grass greater than C3 grass greater than legume. Particle passage rates did not differ (P greater than .05) with forage class but were higher (P less than .02) for sheep and goats than for cattle. Prefeeding ruminal DM fill values, determined by emptying, were 10.6, 15.0 and 19.9 g/kg BW1.0 for alfalfa, orchardgrass and switchgrass hays fed to cattle, and 11.2, 11.3 and 16.5 g/kg BW1.0 for the same hays fed to sheep. Estimated turnover times for DM and NDF were shorter (P less than .05) for sheep than for cattle; DM turnover was longer for switchgrass than for alfalfa and orchardgrass, with no forage differences in NDF turnover between these two animal species. Results show that goats were superior to sheep in NDF digestion.     

水貂不同赖氨酸、蛋氨酸水平颗粒饲料对营养物质消化代谢的影响

为确定水貂适宜氨基酸组成、降低饲料成本,试验选取成年健康公母水貂各60只,随机分成6组,采用2×3因子试验设计,即赖氨酸2个水平,分别为1.85%和1.7%,蛋氨酸3个水平分别为0.81%、0.99%和1.24%,对采食正常试验组水貂进行了消化代谢试验。结果表明:①日粮赖氨酸水平的变化对公母貂干物质摄入、排出及消化率影响不显著(P>0.05);蛋氨酸水平的变化对母貂干物质摄入、排出及消化率影响不显著(P>0.05),公貂粪干物质排出量蛋氨酸水平为0.99%组显著低于蛋氨酸水平为1.24%组(P<0.05),公貂干物质消化率蛋氨酸水平为0.99%组极显著地高于蛋氨酸水平为0.81%组和1.24%组(P<0.01)。②日粮赖氨酸水平的变化对公母貂有机物摄入、排出及消化率影响不显著(P>0.05);蛋氨酸水平的变化对公母貂有机物摄入、排出及母貂消化率影响不显著(P>0.05),公貂蛋氨酸水平为0.99%组有机物消化率显著高于蛋氨酸水平为0.81%组(P<0.05),与蛋氨酸水平为1.24%组差异不显著(P>0.05)。③公母貂蛋白质消化代谢受赖氨酸水平变化的影响不显著(P>0.05);公母貂蛋白质摄入及粪蛋白的排出受蛋氨酸水平变化影响不显著(P>0.05),蛋氨酸为1.24%时公貂尿蛋白排出显著高于0.99%水平组(P<0.05),与0.81%水平组尿蛋白排出差异不显著(P>0.05);公貂蛋白存留0.99%水平组极显著高于1.24%水平组(P<0.01);公貂蛋白质消化率0.99%水平组显著高于1.24%水平组(P<0.05),与0.81%水平组差异不显著(P>0.05);母貂蛋氨酸水平变化对各消化代谢率指标影响不显著(P>0.05)。④1.85%赖氨酸水平组公貂赖氨酸摄入、尿排出及消化代谢率均显著高于1.7%赖氨酸水平组(P<0.05),母貂间差异不显著(P>0.05),赖氨酸水平对公母貂蛋氨酸摄入、粪尿排出及消化代谢率无显著影响(P>0.05);蛋氨酸水平对公母貂赖氨酸摄入、粪尿排出无显著影响(P>0.05),蛋氨酸0.99%水平公貂赖氨酸消化代谢率均极显著高于蛋氨酸1.24%水平和0.81%水平公貂(P<0.01),蛋氨酸水平对母貂间赖氨酸消化代谢率无显著影响(P>0.05);蛋氨酸水平对公母貂蛋氨酸摄入、粪尿排出及消化代谢率均有显著影响(P<0.05),随着蛋氨酸水平的降低,蛋氨酸的摄入逐渐降低,而尿排出蛋氨酸1.24%组显著高于0.99%和0.81%水平组(P<0.05);蛋氨酸0.99%和1.24%水平组公母貂蛋氨酸的消化代谢率均极显著高于0.81%水平组(P<0.01),蛋氨酸0.99%和1.24%水平组公母貂蛋氨酸的消化代谢率无显著差异(P>0.05)。     

Voluntary consumption and digestion of diets high in endophyte-infected fescue by growing Holstein steers

Holstein steers (112 to 258 kg BW) were fed diets high in endophyte-infected fescue (80 to 100%) in 15 latin square experiments to determine the relationships among BW, forage composition, voluntary consumption and digestion. Fescue DM intake (kg/d) increased linearly (P less than .05) with increasing BW (-.513 + .0275 BW; R2 = .69). Regressing log fescue intake (DM) on log BW resulted in a BW exponent of 1.1034 (R2 = .66) but did not account for any more variation in intake than the simple regression did. The percentage NDF in fescue was not related (P greater than .10) to fescue intake (kg/d) and was correlated only slightly with fescue intake as a percentage of BW (r = -.13; P less than .10). Adding the percentage of fescue in the diet or NDF in the fescue to the regression of DM intake on BW did not increase explained variation. Organic matter intake (kg) and digestibility (%) were not related (P greater than .10). Based on standardized partial regression coefficients, differences in voluntary intake accounted for 60% of the variation in the total quantity of OM digested, whereas differences in digestibility accounted for 40%. In conclusion, ingestibility of endophyte-infected fescue hay in relation to changing BW did not vary greatly. Concentrations of chemical constituents such as NDF and ADL in fescue were poorly correlated with feed consumption and digestibility.     

不同物理有效纤维水平饲粮制粒对山羊养分表观消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究不同物理有效纤维(peNDF)水平饲粮制粒对山羊养分表观消化率的影响。选取4只体重约为25 kg的波杂公山羊(波尔山羊×徐淮山羊),采用4×4拉丁方试验设计,4只试验山羊分别饲喂4种不同的饲粮。饲粮A、B分别为peNDF水平为22.69%的粉料、颗粒料,饲粮C、D分别为peNDF水平为31.69%的粉料、颗粒料。4种饲粮的中性洗涤纤维、粗蛋白质含量及总能等相等或接近。试验分为4期,每期15 d,其中预试期10 d,正试期5 d。结果表明:1)低peNDF水平下,与饲粮A相比,饲粮B显著提高了酸性洗涤纤维、粗蛋白质、干物质、有机物、钙、磷表观消化率及氮保留量、氮保留率与氮生物学价值(P0.05);2)高peNDF水平下,与饲粮C相比,饲粮D显著提高了中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、粗蛋白质、干物质、有机物、钙、总能表观消化率及氮保留率(P0.05);3)相同饲粮形态下,与高peNDF饲粮(饲粮C、D)相比,低peNDF水平饲粮(饲粮A、B)除钙表观消化率无显著提高(P0.05)外,其余养分表观消化率均显著提高(P0.05)。由本试验结果得出,在高和低2种peNDF水平下,饲粮经制粒均提高了山羊的养分表观消化率。     

Effect of level of whole cottonseed on intake, digestibility, and performance of growing male goats fed hay-based diets

Twenty-four purebred Boer (Capra hircus hircus) and 12 male kids of 1/2 Boer breeding (initial BW 21 +/- .5 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to study the effects of increasing level of whole cottonseed (WCS) on ADG, serum urea N, plasma gossypol, live grades, and intake of DM, CP, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, ether extract, and free gossypol. A subgroup of 16 purebred goats was used to determine digestibility using a 5-d total fecal collection. Goats were blocked by BW and then assigned at random to one of four diets containing 0, 8, 16, or 24% WCS. All diets contained 71% chopped orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay and 29% concentrate; WCS replaced corn and soybean meal to maintain calculated TDN and CP concentrations at 68 and 15% of DM, respectively. Concentrations of NDF in diet DM were 52.4, 55.9, 59.3, and 62.1% with increasing WCS, and the Ca:P ratio was maintained at 2:0. Goats were given ad libitum access to feed and water. Over the 90-d performance phase, DMI (P < .05), CP intake (P < .02), and ADG (P < .01) decreased linearly with increasing WCS in the diet, whereas ether extract (EE) intake increased in a cubic fashion (P < .01). Gain:feed decreased linearly (P < .02) with increasing level of WCS. Addition of WCS resulted in linear decreases in apparent digestibility coefficients of DM (P < .02) and NDF (P < .05), a linear increase in total plasma gossypol (P < .01), and a quadratic increase in serum urea N (P < .04). Apparent digestibility of CP was not affected by WCS level. At the 16 and 24% WCS levels, EE constituted 4.2 and 4.8% of total DMI, respectively. Adding WCS to diets for growing goats had detrimental effects on animal performance, and, based on the possible negative effects of dietary EE and NDF rather than gossypol, economics should dictate whether to use WCS in feeding programs.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of an enzyme blend on the ileal and fecal digestibility of nutrients in growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of a beta-glucanase-protease enzyme blend product (EBP) on fecal digestibility (FD), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), standardized ileal digestibility, and digestibility in the hindgut of growing pigs. Twelve ileal-cannulated, growing barrows (38.2 +/- 0.5 kg) were housed in individual metabolism crates, blocked by previous feed intake into 3 groups with 4 pigs each, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments within a square (group) of 3 replications of 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were basal diet (Basal), Basal + 0.05% of EBP (0.05% EBP), Basal + 0.10% of EBP (0.10% EBP), and hydrolyzed casein for measurement of endogenous amino acids. The Basal diet consisted of corn and soybean meal and was calculated to have 3.36 Mcal of ME/kg and 1.1% of total lysine, as-fed basis. Feed intake of each replicate of the Latin square during the first period was 85% of the minimum feed intake of the 4 pigs during the preliminary period and was equalized within each square. The feeding level was increased by 100 g/d in each subsequent period. Each of the experimental periods was 14 d, including 4 d of dietary adaptation, 5 d of fecal collection, 3 d of transition period, and 2 d of ileal collection. Ileal effluents were collected continuously for the same 12-h interval each day. Pigs fed the EBP demonstrated increased (P < 0.05) FD of DM, OM, energy, CP, nonfiber carbohydrate, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, acid-hydrolyzed fat, ash, Ca, and P compared with pigs fed Basal. The AID of NDF and hemicellulose was increased (P < 0.05) by supplying the EBP either at 0.05 or 0.10% in the diets, but AID of DM and energy was not increased. The AID of acid-hydrolyzed fat tended to be greater (P = 0.051) for the pigs fed the EBP than for those fed Basal. Ileal digestibility of most amino acids was not affected by treatment, but the EBP reduced the apparent and standardized digestibility of methionine, alanine, and serine (P < 0.05). The difference between FD and AID of hemicellulose was lower (P < 0.05) for the pigs fed the EBP than for those fed Basal. These results demonstrated that the EBP fed to growing pigs improved the FD of DM, OM, energy, CP, nonfiber carbohydrate, total dietary fiber, acid-hydrolyzed fat, Ca, and P, and the AID of NDF and hemi-cellulose, but the standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids was not improved by supplying the EBP in corn-soybean meal-based diets of growing pigs.     

Digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep fed enset (Ensete ventricosum) pseudostem or corm and graded levels of Desmodium intortum hay to wheat straw‐based diets

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of Desmodium intortum (Desmodium) hay supplementation in sheep fed fixed amounts of enset pseudostem or corm and a basal diet of wheat straw on intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization. Eighteen male sheep with a mean (± SD) live weight of 20.5 ± 1.45 kg were assigned to six treatments in a completely randomized design and fed either 108 g dry matter (DM) enset pseudostem or 165 g DM enset corm each with three levels (100, 200 and 300 g) of hay supplementation. For the pseudostem diets, there was no significant difference in total DM intake. Total crude protein (CP) intake and N retention increased with increasing levels of hay in both pseudostem and corm diets. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and microbial nitrogen supply (MN) at 100 g was lower that other levels of supplementation. For the corm diets, total DM and OM intake and MN supply increased with increasing levels of hay. The digestibility decreased (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of supplementation. The results suggest that at least 300 g (395 g/kg dietary DM) of Desmodium hay is required in pseudostem diets, whereas 200 g (337 g/kg dietary DM) may be sufficient in corm diets for efficient nutrient utilization.     

Wet distillers grains plus solubles concentration in steam-flaked-corn-based diets: Effects on feedlot cattle performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of wet distillers grain plus solubles (WDG; <15% sorghum grain) concentration in steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, ruminal fermentation, and diet digestibility. In Exp. 1, six hundred crossbred steers (364 ± 35 kg of BW) were used in a randomized complete block design with 8 replications/treatment. Dietary treatments consisted of a dry-rolled corn (DRC) control diet without WDG, a SFC control without WDG, and SFC with 4 WDG concentrations (15, 30, 45, 60% DM basis) replacing SFC, cottonseed meal, urea, and yellow grease. Final BW, ADG, G:F, HCW, and 12th-rib fat depth were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for SFC compared with DRC. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for DRC compared with SFC. Final BW, ADG, G:F, HCW, 12th-rib fat depth, and marbling score decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. In Exp. 2, six ruminally and duodenally cannulated crossbred steers (481 ± 18 kg of BW) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design using the same diets as Exp. 1. Ruminal, postruminal, and total tract OM and NDF digestibility were not different (P > 0.14) for DRC compared with SFC. Ruminal and total tract starch digestibility were greater (P < 0.01) for SFC compared with DRC. Dry matter and OM intake were not different (P ≥ 0.43) among WDG treatments. Ruminal and total tract OM digestibility decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Intake, ruminal digestibility, and total tract digestibility of NDF increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Starch intake decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Ruminal starch digestibility increased (P = 0.01) with increasing concentration of WDG. Total tract starch digestibility decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing concentration of WDG. Feeding SFC improved steer performance compared with DRC. The concentration of WDG and corn processing method influences nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation. The addition of WDG in SFC-based diets appears to negatively affect animal performance by diluting the energy density of the diet.     

Effects of canola seed supplementation on intake, digestion, duodenal protein supply, and microbial efficiency in steers fed forage-based diets

Fourteen Holstein steers (446 +/- 4.4 kg of initial BW) with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate effects of whole or ground canola seed (23.3% CP and 39.6% ether extract; DM basis) on intake, digestion, duodenal protein supply, and microbial efficiency in steers fed low-quality hay. Our hypothesis was that processing would be necessary to optimize canola use in diets based on low-quality forage. The basal diet consisted of ad libitum access to switchgrass hay (5.8% CP; DM basis) offered at 0700 daily. Treatments consisted of hay only (control), hay plus whole canola (8% of dietary DM), or hay plus ground canola (8% of dietary DM). Supplemental canola was provided based on the hay intake of the previous day. Steers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Total DMI, OM intake, and OM digestibility were not affected (P > or = 0.31) by treatment. Similarly, no differences (P > or = 0.62) were observed for NDF or ADF total tract digestion. Bacterial OM at the duodenum increased (P = 0.01) with canola-containing diets compared with the control diet and increased (P = 0.08) in steers consuming ground canola compared with whole canola. Apparent and true ruminal CP digestibilities were increased (P = 0.01) with canola supplementation compared with the control diet. Canola supplementation decreased ruminal pH (P = 0.03) compared with the control diet. The molar proportion of acetate in the rumen tended (P = 0.10) to decrease with canola supplementation. The molar proportion of acetate in ruminal fluid decreased (P = 0.01), and the proportion of propionate increased (P = 0.01), with ground canola compared with whole canola. In situ disappearance rate of hay DM, NDF, and ADF were not altered by treatment (P > or = 0.32). In situ disappearance rate of canola DM, NDF, and ADF increased (P = 0.01) for ground canola compared with whole canola. Similarly, ground canola had greater (P = 0.01) soluble CP fraction and CP disappearance rate compared with whole canola. No treatment effects were observed for ruminal fill, fluid dilution rate, or microbial efficiency (P > or = 0.60). The results suggest that canola processing enhanced in situ degradation but had minimal effects on ruminal or total tract digestibility in low-quality, forage-based diets.     

Effect of oak (Quercus persica) acorn level on apparent digestibility,ruminal fermentation,nitrogen balance and urinary purine derivatives in pregnant goats

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) level on dry matter intake (DMI), apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization, ruminal fermentation, protozoa population and urinary purine derivatives (PD) during the last 60 days of goat pregnancy. Twenty‐four multiparous pregnant goats (41.7 ± 2.3 kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental diets consisted of control diet (C, without OA) and diets containing 20 (OA₂₀) or 40 g/100 g of OA (OA₄₀) on a DM basis in a completely randomized block design. Goats fed OA₄₀ had lower DMI (p < .01), DM (p < .01), OM (p < .01) and NDF (p < .05) digestibility, ruminal NH₃‐N concentration (p < .01), N intake (p < .01) and N retention (p < .01). Crude protein digestibility and ruminal acetate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were lower in animals fed OA‐contained diets (p < .01), whereas ruminal propionate concentration was higher in goats fed the C diet (p < .01). Animals fed OA₄₀ had higher faecal N excretion and lower urinary N excretion (p < .01). Urinary PD was lower in goats fed diets containing OA in relation to those fed the C diet (p < .01). Total protozoa population decreased linearly with increasing OA level in the diet (p < .05). These results suggest that feeding OA, especially high level, has negative impacts on DMI, nutrient digestibility, VFA concentration, N retention and urinary PD excretion that may have adverse effects on metabolism and performance of pregnant goats.     

Effects of increasing level of supplemental barley on forage intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in steers fed medium-quality grass hay

Objectives of this research were to evaluate effects of increasing level of barley supplementation on forage intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in beef steers fed medium-quality forage. Four crossbred ruminally cannulated steers (average initial BW = 200 +/- 10 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Chopped (5 cm) grass hay (10% CP) was offered ad libitum with one of four supplements. Supplements included 0, 0.8, 1.6, or 2.4 kg of barley (DM basis) and were fed in two equal portions at 0700 and 1600. Supplements were fed at levels to provide for equal intake of supplemental protein with the addition of soybean meal. Forage intake (kg and g/kg BW) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), and total intake increased linearly (P < 0.03) with increasing level of barley supplementation. Digestible OM intake (g/kg BW) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing level of barley supplementation; however, the majority of this response was observed with 0.8 kg of barley supplementation. Treatments had only minor effects on ruminal pH, with decreases occurring at 15 h after feeding in steers receiving 2.4 kg of barley supplementation. Total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and CP were increased (P < 0.04) with barley supplementation; however, ADF digestibility was decreased by 1.6 and 2.4 kg of barley supplementation compared with controls. Ruminal ammonia concentrations decreased linearly (P < 0.01) at 1 through 15 h after feeding. Total ruminal VFA concentrations were not altered by dietary treatments. Ruminal proportions of acetate and butyrate decreased (P < 0.10) in response to supplementation. Rate, lag, and extent (72 h) of in situ forage degradability were unaffected by treatment. Generally, these data are interpreted to indicate that increasing levels of barley supplementation decrease forage intake, increase DM, OM, and NDF digestibility, and indicate alteration of the ruminal environment and fermentation patterns.     

Use of a commercial probiotic supplement in meat goats

Sixty-three Boer crossbred goats were used in 5 separate experiments (Exp. 1 to 5) to evaluate the effects of a commercial probiotic supplement on growth performance (Exp. 1 to 4), diet digestibility (Exp. 5), carcass traits (Exp. 3), and fecal bacterial populations (Exp. 4). Goats were either fed a commercially pelleted concentrate diet and supplemented with a commercial probiotic (PRO) that had shown anecdotal positive effects on goat growth and performance according to local goat producers, or they remained as controls. The dose of PRO used was within the labeled dose for sheep for all studies. For Exp. 1, goat BW and feed intake were measured and G:F was calculated every 7 d for 56 d. For Exp. 2 to 4, BW and feed intake were measured and G:F was calculated every 14 d. The first day of supplementation was considered d 0. Carcass traits were also collected at slaughter on d 57 for Exp. 3, and fecal samples were collected every 14 d for microbial culture for Exp. 4. For Exp. 5, which was a digestibility trial that lasted for 10 d, animals were placed in metabolic pens for collection of feces and orts. Growth performance of goats was not affected by probiotic supplementation, with the exception of performance in Exp. 2, in which ADG and G:F were improved (P < 0.03) in PRO goats compared with control goats on d 56 only (treatment x day interaction; P < 0.05), averaging 0.21 +/- 0.02 kg/d for PRO goats and 0.11 +/- 0.02 kg/d for control goats for ADG and 0.17 +/- 0.02 for PRO goats and 0.10 +/- 0.02 for control goats for G:F. Carcass weights and weights of fabricated cuts (shoulder, loin, leg, rack, shank, and total parts) as well as carcass length, leg circumference, loin eye area, and backfat were not influenced by PRO supplementation. Apparent digestibilities of OM, DM, NDF, ADF, CP, and GE (on a DM basis) were similar for the PRO and control treatments. Fecal culture analysis of Escherichia coli and coliforms, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium populations were not influenced by the PRO treatment. Overall, although the PRO treatment affected goat ADG and G:F in Exp. 2, no PRO treatment effects were noted on growth performance for Exp. 1, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the PRO treatment did not affect diet digestibility, carcass traits, or fecal microbial populations in goats. In conclusion, no consistent benefits were noted from supplementing healthy, growing meat goats with PRO.     

Effect of Supplementation of a Basal Diet of Maize Stover with Erythrina variegata,Gliricidia sepium or Leucaena leucocephala on Feed Intake and Digestibility by Goats

Two 4 x 4 Latin square design experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, four mature Anglo-Nubian x Fiji local goats, pre-experimental body weight 25.0 +/- 0.6 kg, 22-24 months old, were used to study the effect of supplementation of a basal diet of maize stover with Erythrina variegata (EV), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) on dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility. Maize stover treated with urea was used as a control diet. E. variegata was higher in crude protein content than LL or GS. The DMI of the urea treated stover diet was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the diets of untreated stover supplemented with forage legumes. The DMI was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the GS diet than in the EV or LL diets. Significant (p < 0.05) differences existed between the urea-treated stover and the diets of stover supplemented with forage legumes in the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), organic matter (OM) and energy. In experiment 2, four mature goats, pre-experimental body weight 27.0 +/- 0.3 kg, 24-28 months old, were used to measure their response when the urea-treated maize stover and the maize stover and forage legume diets were sprayed with molasses. The intake of the urea-treated stover diet sprayed with molasses was significantly lower (p < 0.05) that that of the maize stover/forage legume diets sprayed with molasses. The DMI of the diets improved with the addition of molasses. The DMI among the goats offered the maize stover/forage legume diets + molasses did not differ significantly. (p > 0.05). Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were obtained in this second study between the urea-treated stover and the stover supplemented with forage legumes in the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and energy. The stover supplemented with forage legumes had a higher (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility. The present studies demonstrated that the use of forage legumes as protein supplements improved the feed quality of maize stover in the diets of mature goats. It is suggested that molasses should be sprayed on fresh leaves of Gliricicia sepium and other forage legumes that are initially rejected, in order to improve acceptance and DMI when fed to ruminant animals in confinement or in a cut-and-carry system of production.