Effect of genotype on chemical composition,ruminal degradability and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize residual plants

The objective of this study was to determine the changes to residual plant feeding value of early‐ and late‐maturing maize varieties. The influence of the cell wall carbohydrate composition, in terms of neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDF and ADF) content, NDF and dry matter (DM) degradability, and in vitro organic matter digestibility and gas production on the feeding value of a range of maize genotypes, was measured. The different genotypes were allotted into two maturity groups (MG I – early to mid‐early: S210‐S240; MG II – mid‐late to late: S 250‐S280) and harvested at four different harvest dates (depending on the DM content of the kernels). The maize varieties of MG I had lower NDF and ADF contents and higher ruminal DM degradability, in vitro digestibility and gas production and thus a higher feeding value than MG II at the same stage of physiological maturity. A strong negative relationship between NDF content and the ruminal DM degradability (r = ?0.81) was observed. The data indicate that the early‐maturing varieties permit a larger flexibility in harvesting due to a longer period of starch inclusion into the kernel whilst simultaneously maintaining a good supply of rumen‐available fibre. Conclusively, the higher feeding value of the early‐maturing varieties, based on lower NDF and high DM digestibility, permits more flexibility in the harvesting period over the later‐maturing varieties.     

不同乳酸菌添加量和发酵时间对全株玉米青贮营养价值及发酵品质的影响

本试验以登海605玉米品种为材料,于蜡熟期2/3乳线时进行刈割,乳酸菌制剂的添加量分别为0,10,20和30 mg·kg^-1,4个处理,每个处理4个重复,在室温条件下发酵45和90 d,取样测定营养成分、发酵品质和瘤胃降解率等指标,旨在研究不同乳酸菌添加量和发酵时间对全株玉米青贮营养价值的影响。结果表明:干物质(DM)受乳酸菌添加量和发酵时间的影响较小,差异不显著(P>0.05);随乳酸菌添加量的增加,发酵90 d的中性洗涤纤维(NDF)含量显著线性降低(P=0.018),而相对饲喂价值(RFV)显著线性增加(P=0.006)。发酵90 d的酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量和pH值较45 d显著降低(P<0.01),而乳酸和乙酸含量显著增加(P<0.05)。随乳酸菌添加量的增加,乳酸含量显著线性增加(P<0.05)。24 h的DM和NDF消化率受乳酸菌添加量和发酵时间的影响较小,差异不显著(P>0.05)。发酵90 d时,48 h DM降解率随乳酸菌添加量的增加显著线性增加(P=0.034),48 h NDF降解率较45 d显著增加(P=0.022)。发酵90 d时,20 mg·kg^-1组的RFV、总可消化养分(TDN)和有机酸含量最高,而pH值最低。综上所述,乳酸菌添加量和发酵时间对全株玉米青贮的营养成分含量、发酵品质和DM瘤胃降解率均有显著影响,全株玉米青贮在发酵90 d且乳酸菌添加量为20 mg·kg^-1的营养价值和发酵品质最优。     

Effect of ensiling process of total mixed ration on fermentation profile,nutrient loss and in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of diet

This experiment aimed to determine the changes in chemical composition, fermentation profile, in situ disappearance characteristics, and nutrient losses of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing steam‐flaked corn or brown rice (BR) during storage. TMRs for dairy cows, containing either steam‐flaked corn or BR at 31.9% with 15.2% rye silage, 40.5% alfalfa silage, 5.0% beet pulp and 7.0% soybean meal, were prepared (dry matter (DM) basis). Each TMR was placed in a plastic drum silo, stored at 23°C in an air‐conditioned room and sampled 0, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 210 days after preparation. In both grain sources, the fermentation products increased, while DM and starch storage losses increased and starch content greatly decreased during storage. The rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability of DM, crude protein and starch increased during storage. These changes of dietary characteristics were large during 30 days of storage, but small after 90 days of storage. Replacing corn with BR led to increased fermentation products, starch loss and effective ruminal degradability of the ensiled TMR. These results indicate that the ensiling process of TMR changes the dietary characteristics and replacing corn with BR in TMR had a large impact on these dietary characteristics.     

Use of additives to capture nitrogen in ammoniated wheat straw: Intake, ruminal parameters, digestibility and nitrogen utilization in buffaloes

This study examined the influence of urea treated wheat straw (UTWS) ensiled with additives on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal characteristics and N utilization in Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (Babulus bubalis) fed ad libitum. Wheat straw was treated on large scale with 4% urea at a 50% moisture level. The UTWS was ensiled with 6% CSL, 6% acidified molasses, 2% acetic acid and 2% formic acid on DM basis in four different cemented trench silos for 15 days. Four diets each having 50% dry matter (DM) from UTWS ensiled with acetic acid (AD), formic acid (FD), acidified molasses (MD) or corn steep liquor (CD) and 50% DM from concentrate mixture were fed to ruminally cannulated bulls in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Ruminal total VFA, acetate, cellulolytic ruminal bacterial count, DM and NDF degradability were significantly higher with MD and CD diets compared with AD and FD diets. Intake of different feed fractions was higher in bulls fed MD and CD diets. Total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients was similar across all treatments. Nitrogen retention was higher in bulls fed MD and CD diets than those fed AD and FD diets. Ensiling UTWS with fermentable carbohydrates sources having low pH compared to organic acids increased the N fixation in the matrix of cell wall fiber thus slowing its release at ruminal level that probably enhanced the N synchronization with carbon skeleton (fiber fermentation) and this consequently improved the N utilization.     

In situ rumen degradation and in vitro gas production of some selected grains from Turkey

An investigation of the dry matter degradability (DMD) and effective dry matter degradability (EDDM) was performed for barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oat samples, using the Nylon-bag technique. Gas production (GP), metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were also studied by using Hohenheim gas test. The DM from barley, wheat, rye and triticale was digested rapidly in the rumen, and, at the 48 h of incubation, degradability was found to be approximately about 80%. The higher degradability observed for these grains than for oats and corn was attributable to the structure of these grains. In contrast, DM of corn and oats was degraded very slowly and reached 66.7 and 66.5 at 48 h, respectively. Effective degradability values of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were determined to be 61.4, 69.0, 64.0, 41.7, 66.7 and 58.6% in 5% rumen outflow rate, respectively. At the end of the 48 h incubation, total gas productions in barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 83.6, 87.2, 87.5, 83.5, 85.8 and 63.9 ml/200 mg DM, respectively. The mean ME values of these grains calculated from cumulative gas amount at 24 h incubation were 11.8, 12.1, 12.3, 10.9, 12.4 and 10.2 MJ/kg DM, respectively. In vitro digestible organic matter of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 85.0, 87.3, 88.2, 79.5, 89.0 and 72.6%. Percentage overall EDDM (k=5%) of barley, wheat, rye, triticale and oats was positively correlated with in vitro GP at 6 h, cumulative GP at 24 h and total GP at 48 h (p<0.05). As a result, in situ dry matter degradation of grains showed great differences depending on the chemical compositions. In situ EDDM of grains may be predicted from in vitro gas production parameters.     

Effects of species and season on chemical composition and ruminal crude protein and organic matter degradability of some multi-purpose tree species by West African dwarf rams

Seasonal chemical composition and ruminal organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities were determined in four tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely; Pterocarpus santalinoides, Grewia pubescens, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Leucaena leucocephala. Three West African dwarf (WAD) rams fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used for the degradability trials. Foliage samples were collected four times to represent seasonal variations as follows: January--mid dry; April--late dry; July--mid rainy and October--late rainy seasons. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. Ruminal in sacco OM and CP degradabilities were estimated from residues in nylon bags. All samples had high CP (161-259 g/kg DM) and moderate fibre concentrations [neutral detergent fibre (without residual ash], 300-501 g/kg DM; acid detergent fibre (without residual ash), 225-409 g/kg DM and acid detergent lignin, 87-179 g/kg DM across seasons. Interaction effects of species and season on chemical composition were highly significant (p = 0.001) except for trypsin inhibitor (p = 0.614). The MPTS recorded more than 60% OM and CP degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all highly degradable in the rumen. Their incorporation into ruminant feeding systems as dry season forage supplements is therefore recommended.     

Fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of ruminal contents and blood ensiled with untreated or sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straw.

Bovine ruminal contents and blood were ensiled with wheat straw, either untreated or treated with 4% NaOH (DM basis), with and without addition of 5% dry molasses. Proportions of ruminal contents, blood, and straw were 45:15:40, wet basis, respectively. Wheat straw also was ensiled alone, and water was added to attain 43% DM. After 60 d, all silages had a desirable aroma. The pH of the ensiled mixtures of ruminal contents, blood, and untreated straw was 4.43 and 4.56, with and without molasses, respectively. Values for silages containing treated straw, with and without molasses, were 5.95 and 7.37, respectively. All silages had substantial levels of lactic acid (2.4 to 4.9%, DM basis). Addition of molasses increased (P less than .01) lactic acid concentrations. In a metabolism trial, 36 wethers were fed a 50% orchardgrass hay basal diet alone or supplemented with ensiled materials (1:1 ratio, DM basis) such that final diets had about 7 and 4% of their DM from ruminal contents and blood, respectively. Among the diets containing the ensiled mixtures, digestibilities of DM, OM, energy, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were 6 to 20 percentage units higher (P less than .01) for silages containing treated vs untreated straw. Addition of molasses increased apparent digestibility only of CP and only in sheep fed ensiled mixtures with treated straw (interaction of straw treatment x molasses addition, P less than .05). Nitrogen balance was increased (P less than .05) from 1.6 g/d to 2.9 g/d by NaOH treatment of straw. Metabolizable energy was higher (P less than .05) for diets containing silages with NaOH-treated straw.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Chemical composition and in situ dry matter and fiber disappearance of sorghum x Sudangrass hybrids

Three sorghum x Sudangrass hybrids were planted in twelve 0.2-ha plots to test the effect of date of harvest and hybrid on plant maturity, DM yield, chemical composition, and in situ DM and fiber disappearance. Sweet Sunny Sue (a non-brown midrib (BMR) hybrid; nonBMR), NutriPlus BMR (a BMR hybrid; NP-BMR), and Dry Stalk BMR (a BMR hybrid; DS-BMR) were planted on 26 June 2003 at 22.4 kg of seed/ha. Beginning 34 d after planting, plant height and phenological growth stage were assessed weekly in 10 random, 0.5-m(2) quadrats per plot. Plants were clipped to 2.5 cm in height and analyzed for CP, NDF, and ADF using near-infrared spectroscopy. Composite samples harvested from each plot on d 34, 48, and 63 were incubated in the rumen of 3 steers to determine the in situ disappearance of DM and NDF in a 3 x 3 Latin square. Forage yield was greater (P < or =0.02) for nonBMR than NP-BMR on d 41 and 55 and tended (P = 0.08) to be greater on d 48. The DS-BMR hybrid produced more (P = 0.04) forage DM than the NP-BMR on d 48. When DM yield was regressed on growth stage at harvest, BMR hybrids were predicted to produce 265 kg/ha more DM (P < 0.01) than nonBMR, at the late-boot stage. At all harvest dates, NDF concentrations were less (P < or =0.02) for BMR than nonBMR. The DS-BMR had greater (P < or =0.02) NDF concentrations than NP-BMR on d 41, 48, 55, and 63. Detergent fiber concentrations were predicted to be greater (P < 0.01) in nonBMR than BMR when regressed on growth stage at harvest, but the magnitude of the differences in fiber concentration diminished with growth stage. The A fractions of DM and NDF were greater (P < 0.01) and the C fraction was less (P < 0.01) for BMR hybrids than nonBMR. The B fraction of DM was not affected (P = 0.15) by hybrid type. The B fraction of NDF was not different (P = 0.28) on d 34 but was greater (P < 0.01) on d 48 and 63 for BMR than nonBMR. Effective degradability of NDF and DM was greater (P < 0.02) for BMR than nonBMR on all harvest dates. The A fraction of DM was less for DS-BMR than NP-BMR (P < 0.01), but the B and C fractions of NDF and DM did not differ (P > 0.13) between BMR hybrids. This research indicates that forage chemical composition and ruminal in situ disappearance are improved in the BMR sorghum x Sudangrass hybrids tested compared with the nonBMR. Yield reductions are commonly reported for BMR hybrids, but predicted DM yields in the current study were not reduced if harvested at a similar phenological growth stage.     

葡萄糖处理豆粕对蛋白质保护效果的研究

以3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的中国荷斯坦奶牛为试验动物,采用尼龙袋法研究分别添加0、1%、3%、5%、7%、9%葡萄糖保护豆粕,对奶牛瘤胃内不同时间点DM、CP消失率及其动态降解率的作用效果。结果表明:在不同时间点下,提高葡萄糖添加量可使DM、CP消失率逐渐降低,所有试验组与未处理组差异均极显著(P<0.01),DM、CP有效降解率降低最高分别达28.78%和24.82%,不同添加量下,添加量为7%、9%的2组组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。本试验结果证明,葡萄糖加热处理是一种有效保护豆粕蛋白质的方法,且葡萄糖的适宜添加水平为7%。     

酶水解法评定鹿饲料蛋白质、有机物降解率的研究

本试验采用纤维素酶——胃蛋白酶复合处理法和胃蛋白酶——纤维素酶复合处理法,分别测定了鹿的12种常用饲料的蛋白质降解率和9种常用饲料的有机物消化率:并与尼龙袋法进行了比较,肯定了酶水解法估测尼龙袋法评定鹿饲料营养价值的可行性。试验结果表明,纤维素酶——胃蛋白酶法测定的饲料蛋白质降解率也符合数学模型p=a+b(1-e~(-ct)),但与尼龙袋法相比,a值偏高,二者在2小时短时间点相关不显著,但在24小时点相关显著(P<0.05):尼龙袋法(x)与酶水解法(y)的回归方程为y=23.08+0.7774x(n=9,r=0.9055,RSD=2.43)。在k=0.02～0.12范围内,酶水解法与尼龙袋法相关显著(P<0.05),其中酶水解法(y)在k=0.08时,与尼龙袋法(x)在k=0.02时相关极显著,其回归方程为y=24.59+0.77x(n=12,r=0.7306,RSD=6.78)。胃蛋白酶——纤维素酶法测得的有机物消化率(x)与尼龙袋法(y)相关显著(P<0.05),其回归方程为y=12.25+0.7088x(n=9,r=0.9350,RSD=0.97)。     

Effect of inoculants on whole-crop barley silage fermentation and dry matter disappearance in situ

Whole-crop barley harvested at the mid-dough stage was ensiled in 3-L laboratory silos either directly (at 30.7% DM) or after wilting (37.8% DM), and with or without application of Inoculant A, B, or D. Each inoculant contained multiple strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium. Two silos per treatment were opened on d 1, 3, 7, 15, and 47 for silage analysis. Wilted silages had higher (P < 0.05) pH than unwilted silages, and Inoculant B (unwilted crop) and Inoculants A, B, and D (wilted crop) decreased (P < 0.05) silage pH compared to the controls. Reducing sugars concentration was 36% lower (P < 0.05), on average, in the wilted than in the unwilted silages. Silages prepared with Inoculants B or D had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of reducing sugars than the control. Wilting of the barley crop further increased the difference between inoculated and control silages (wilting x inoculation P < 0.05). Neither wilting nor silage inoculants affected concentrations of nonprotein N, ammonia N, or free amino acid N in silage. Wilting did not affect the concentration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the silages. Across DM levels, inoculant-treated silages had larger (P < 0.01) populations of LAB than did the uninoculated controls (7.1 x 10(9) vs 2.3 x 10(9) cfu/g silage DM). Wilting resulted in lesser (P < 0.05) silage lactic acid concentration than the directly ensiled crop. At both DM levels, lactic acid concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in inoculated silages than in controls. The in situ soluble and potentially degradable fractions of silage DM were not affected by wilting or inoculant treatment. The rate of degradation of the potentially degradable silage DM was 35% lower (P < 0.05) in wilted than in unwilted silage. As a result, the calculated effective degradability of silage DM was lower (P < 0.001) in wilted than in unwilted silage. Inoculants did not influence the rate of degradation or effective degradability of silage DM in the rumen. Whole-crop barley ensiled at approximately 30% DM (without wilting) contained higher concentrations of soluble sugars and lactic acid and had higher ruminal degradability of DM than wilted silage (38% DM). Although inoculants did not improve DM degradability of barley silage, lower terminal pH and increased concentrations of lactic acid may improve aerobic stability upon feed-out.     

Dry chemical processing and ensiling of rice straw to improve its quality for use as ruminant feed

In this study, changes in the chemical composition, pH, cell wall and degradability of ensiled rice straw were investigated when treated with alkali, acid, oxidant agents (1–11 %, w/w) and a combination of an oxidant with either an alkali (ALHP) or an acid (ACHP). The findings of the study revealed that ALHP had a lower efficiency in enhancing fibre degradability compared to alkali alone. Oxidant treatment showed no detectable changes in pH, dry matter (DM) and phenolic compound (PC) solubility, or in silica and fibre content, but led to increased esterified groups formed within the cell wall constituents (hemicellulose and lignin). Increasing acid concentration led to an exponential change in both pH and solubility of DM and hemicelluloses while it quadratically increased PC and silica solubility. Moreover, crystallinity, hydrogen bonding and esterification were enhanced under high acid concentrations (11 %), but decreased under mild acid conditions (5 %). Increased alkalinity led to the linear enhancement of DM and PC solubility. Solubility of silica and hemicellulose did not exhibit any significant changes with alkali concentration above 7 %. A gradual enhancement (29 %) was observed in ruminal DM degradability with increasing oxidant concentration, whereas exponential (91 %) and quadratic (23 %) enhancements were observed with alkaline and acid treatments, respectively. Treatment with acid showed observable reductions in the degradability of both cellulose and hemicellulose, whereas oxidant treatment reduced only that of hemicellulose. Treatment with 7 % alkali (pH?～?12) followed by ensiling appeared to be a promising process for improving rice straw quality.     

Effect of crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) hay harvest interval on forage quality and performance of growing calves fed mixed diets

Twelve 0.81-ha crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris [Retz.] Koel.) hay fields were harvested at 21, 35, and 49 d of regrowth (average phonological growth stage of 30, 51, and 56, respectively). Increased harvest interval exhibited a linear decrease (P < 0.01) in CP (14.1, 13.7, and 10.6% of DM, respectively) and increase (P < 0.01) in NDF (65.3, 70.6, and 70.2% of DM, respectively) and ADF (35.7, 38.9, and 42.7% of DM, respectively). Hays were incorporated into 3 diets that contained 20% (DM basis) crabgrass hay, ground corn (33%), and soybean hulls (32%). Diets contained 14.4, 14.4, and 13.6% CP; 1.83, 1.72, and 1.81 Mcal of NE(m)/kg; and 1.21, 1.10, and 1.17 Mcal of NE(g)/kg; respectively. Diets were fed to beef calves in 12 pens at a rate of 2.3% (DM basis) of BW in 1 experiment (n = 120, initial BW 210 +/- 4.4 kg) and ad libitum in another experiment (n = 60, initial BW 207 +/- 4.4 kg). To measure passage rate of the hay and concentrate portions of the diets, 12 heifer calves (BW = 145 +/- 4.5 kg) were individually fed at 2.3% of BW for 14 d and dosed with Dy-labeled soybean hulls and Yb-labeled hay. In situ DM digestibility of the hays and diets were determined using 3 ruminally cannulated steers (BW = 584 +/- 10.4 kg). Harvest interval did not affect (P > or = 0.11) ADG of limit-fed calves during the diet acclimation or growing phases (average 0.32 and 0.80 kg, respectively) or ADG of calves fed ad libitum (average 1.21 kg). Dry matter intake of calves fed ad libitum averaged 7.9 kg/d (3.28% of BW) and was not affected (P > or = 0.22) by harvest interval. Gain:feed was not affected (P > or = 0.20) by harvest interval (0.13 and 0.15 for limit-fed and ad libitum-fed calves, respectively). Increased harvest interval linearly increased (P < 0.01) ruminal retention time of the hay and tended (P = 0.06) to linearly increase ruminal retention time of the concentrate portions of the diet. Harvest interval linearly decreased (P < or = 0.05) the extent of degradability and effective degradability of DM and NDF of hays, but DM disappearance of the total diet did not differ (P > or = 0.35). In the conditions of this study, increasing harvest interval of crabgrass hay from 21 to 49 d had no deleterious impact on animal performance or efficiency of gain when fed to growing calves in a high-concentrate mixture.     

Simultaneous measures of rates of ruminal digestion and passage of feeds for prediction of ruminal nitrogen and dry matter digestion in lactating dairy cows

Three ruminal-cannulated Holstein cows in early lactation were fed three diets, each containing different energy and protein supplements in two consecutive 3 X 3 Latin squares. Each supplement contained a combination of three different feedstuffs (ground corn, soybean meal and wheat mids; corn gluten feed, rolled oats and distiller's dried grains; ground barley, brewer's grains and cottonseed meal). Diets consisted of 30% corn silage, 10% alfalfa hay, 10% alfalfa haylage, 17.7% ground corn plus minerals and vitamins, with the remainder as supplemental feedstuffs individually marked for measurement of ruminal turnover and in situ digestion rates. An extra period at the end of each Latin square was used to measure ruminal turnover and in situ digestion of individual forages. Diet had no effect on dry matter intake or milk yield. Mean fractional turnover (per hour) rate, measured by labeling feedstuffs with cerium, samarium or lanthanum was .044, .048, .049, .043, .047, .046, .050, .047, .049, .037, .046 and .045 for corn, soybean meal, wheat mids, corn gluten feed, oats, distiller's dried grains with solubles, barley, brewer's dried grains, cottonseed meal, alfalfa hay, corn silage and alfalfa haylage (P greater than .1), respectively. In situ-predicted ruminal degradation of N weighted for rate of passage was 61.4, 67.0, 81.5, 74.8, 86.3, 71.0, 75.7, 52.1, 54.2, 60.8, 71.7 and 70.9% for respective feedstuffs (P less than .05). In comparison with mean literature values for in vivo-measured N degradability, mean literature value = 1.172 (in situ predicted) -9.73 (P less than .05, R2 = .51). Results are interpreted to indicate a tendency for overestimating ruminal N degradability by in situ methods in feedstuffs of low degradability, while underestimating degradability in more highly degraded feedstuffs. Estimates were 11 to 17 percentage units lower than literature values for alfalfa hay and haylage and 17 units lower than literature values for distiller's dried grains.     

Effects of stage of maturity on ensiling characteristics and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of stage of maturity on ensiling characteristics and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage. Oat was field grown and forage was harvested at the boot or soft dough stage and ensiled in mini-silos for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 45 days. Two lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were used determine ruminal nutrient degradability. Regardless of the stage of maturity, ensiled forages went through a rapid fermentation with a sharp decline in pH during the first 2 days of ensiling. Extensive proteolysis took place between 0 and 2 days as indicated by a reduction in true protein and neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDICP) and an increase in non-protein nitrogen (NPN). Chemical analysis of the 45 days silage showed that stage of maturity had no effect on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of oat silage. However, oat harvested at the boot stage contained more crude protein (CP) and less starch than that harvested at the soft dough stage. Distribution of protein fractions showed that oat harvested at the boot stage contained lower NPN, NDICP and acid detergent insoluble protein than oat harvested at the soft dough stage. Results of the in situ incubation experiment indicated that oat harvested at the soft dough stage had lower ruminal dry matter (60.6 vs. 66.4%). CP (81.3 vs. 88.7%) and NDF (35.4 vs. 42.2%) degradabilities than oat harvested at the boot stage. It was concluded that chemical composition and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage are significantly influenced by stage of maturity.     

Prediction of nutritive values in grass silages: II. Degradability of nitrogen and dry matter using digestibility, chemical composition, and fermentation data

One hundred thirty-six perennial rye-grass silages with wide variations in quality were evaluated for N and DM degradability in three beef steers offered grass silage of medium quality ad libitum. The silages were incubated in the rumen of each animal in triplicate for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The disappearance rates of N or DM were used to calculate the readily soluble fraction ("a" value), potentially degradable fraction ("b" value), and the fractional degradation rate of"b" ("c" value). The effective degradability (P) of N or DM was then estimated assuming a ruminal outflow rate of 0.02, 0.05, or 0.08/h (P0.02, P0.05, or P0.08). The objective was to use these data to develop prediction equations for N and DM degradability in grass silages. There were considerable variations in "a," "b," and "c" values and the P0.02, P0.05, or P0.08 of N and DM (e.g., the P0.02 of N ranged from 75.0 to 93.4% and the P0.02 of DM from 51.5 to 82.5%). The P0.02, P0.05, or P0.08 of N and DM were negatively related (P < 0.001) to ADF, NDF, and lignin concentrations but positively related (P < 0.001) to protein fractions (CP, soluble CP, and true protein concentrations) and digestibility of DM, OM, GE, CP, and NDF and digestible OM in the total DM (measured with sheep). The N and DM degradability data were also positively related to silage lactic acid concentration, but the relationships between DM degradability data and pH, ammonia N/total N, and VFA concentration in silages were negative (P < 0.05). Several sets of prediction equations (linear and multiple) were thus developed for N and DM degradability using CP or NDF concentration, "a" value or digestibility data as primary predictors, together with or without other nutrient concentration and silage fermentation variables. All these relationships were highly significant (P < 0.001), and each predictor had a significant effect on the relationship (P < 0.05). The R2 values in multiple regression for N and DM degradability were generally over 0.70 and higher than in linear regression equations. Four equations were also developed to convert N and DM degradability at a given ruminal outflow rate, predicted using the above-mentioned equations, to their counterparts at any ruminal outflow rate (0.02 to 0.10/h), respectively.     

不同牧草在黄牛瘤胃内的降解特性

选择装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的云南黄牛3只,用尼龙袋法测定六种牧草干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)的瘤胃降解率。结果表明,苜蓿草和一年生黑麦草的干物质有效降解率显著高于苜蓿草块、光叶紫花苕、大麦秸、非洲狗尾草(P<0.01),但两者之间无显著差异(P>0.05);苜蓿草蛋白质的有效降解率极显著高于苜蓿草块、一年生黑麦草、光叶紫花苕、大麦秸、非洲狗尾草(P<0.01),且大小顺序为:苜蓿草>苜蓿草块>一年生黑麦草>光叶紫花苕>大麦秸>非洲狗尾草。     

利用尼龙袋法比较3个全株玉米品种青贮前后肉牛瘤胃降解特性

本试验旨在利用尼龙袋法比较不同品种全株玉米青贮前后瘤胃降解特性的差异。试验采用2×3双因素试验设计，选择玉米7367号、玉米7377号、玉米7387号3个全株玉米品种为研究对象，采用尼龙袋法比较3种全株玉米青贮前和青贮后的营养成分和瘤胃降解特性，旨在探讨适合河北省种植的全株玉米青贮品种。结果表明：1）青贮前玉米7377的粗蛋白（CP）和非蛋白氮（NPN）含量显著高于玉米7367和玉米7387（P<0.05）；玉米7677和玉米7377的中性洗涤纤维（NDF）含量显著低于玉米7387（P<0.05）；玉米7677的酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）含量显著低于玉米7377和玉米7387（P<0.05）。与青贮前同品种全株玉米相比，3种全株玉米青贮后的CP、粗脂肪（EE）、粗灰分（Ash）、钙（Ca）、磷（P）、NPN含量显著提高（P<0.05），NDF含量显著下降。玉米7367青贮的CP和NPN含量显著高于玉米7377青贮和7387青贮（P<0.05）；玉米7677青贮和7377青贮的NDF和ADF含量显著低于玉米7387青贮（P<0.05）。2）不同品种全株玉米青贮前的DM、CP、NDF、ADF瘤胃降解率有显著差异，玉米7367的干物质（DM）和NDF有效降解率显著高于玉米7377和玉米7387（P<0.05）；玉米7377的CP有效降解率显著高于玉米7367和玉米7387（P<0.05）。青贮处理能显著提高3种全株玉米DM、CP、NDF和ADF的快速降解部分（P<0.05），降低其慢速降解部分（P<0.05），显著提高其有效降解率（P<0.05）。玉米7367青贮的DM、CP、NDF、ADF有效降解率显著高于玉米7377和玉米7387（P<0.05）。综合表明青贮处理能很好地保存3种全株玉米的营养成分，显著提高DM、CP、NDF和ADF的瘤胃降解率；玉米7367青贮前和青贮后的营养成分和瘤胃降解率显著高于玉米7377和玉米7387，在本试验中是比较适合河北省种植的全株玉米青贮品种。     

Effect of different methods for conserving rice grain on in situ ruminal degradation and in vivo nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in steers

We investigated the effects of different rice conservation techniques on in situ ruminal degradation and in vivo nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in steers. Raw rice grain was dried before crushing (DRY), ensiled after crushing (ENS‐A), or ensiled before crushing (ENS‐B). Six ruminally cannulated steers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments: diets containing DRY, ENS‐A, or ENS‐B at 36% of the dietary dry matter. The in situ rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability were higher for ensiled rice than for DRY, and higher for ENS‐A than for ENS‐B. The ruminal pH was lower and the lactic acid and total volatile acid concentrations were higher for the steers fed ensiled rice than those fed the DRY diet, but a treatment effect was not observed in the comparison between ENS‐A and ENS‐B. The whole‐tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract was improved when the rice grain was ensiled, but there were no differences in nutrient digestibility between ensiling methods. These results show that ensiling treatment can be a strategy to improve the nutrient value of rice grain, but the ensiling method has little impact on in vivo digestion.     

不同产地玉米干酒糟及其可溶物在奶牛瘤胃降解规律的研究

试验研究了不同产地的玉米干酒糟及其可溶物(corn dried distillers grains with solubles,DDGS)样品的瘤胃降解规律,旨在为科学配置奶牛日粮提供依据。试验选用4头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的干奶期中国荷斯坦奶牛,利用尼龙袋原位培养法研究不同产地DDGS在奶牛瘤胃中的降解规律。结果表明,DDGS干物质含量大部分都在90%左右,粗蛋白质含量在不同产地之间存在一定的差异,从26.4%到32.5%不等。不同的DDGS样品的干物质瘤胃降解参数则存在一定的差异,以河北(HB2)、黑龙江(HLJ2)两个样品的快速降解部分含量最高,天津(TJ)、河南(HN)两个样品的快速降解部分含量最低,其余样品居中。慢速降解部分含量以黑龙江(HLJ1和HLJ2)、河北(HB1和HB2)的样品中含量较低为60%左右,TJ、安徽(AH)和HN含量较高为75%左右;慢速降解部分的降解速度由0.025 h-1到0.044 h-1不等;DDGS干物质的有效降解率从41.0%～58.2%不等;DDGS粗蛋白质的快速降解部分含量17%左右,TJ含量较低仅为3.3%;粗蛋白质的慢速降解部分含量最低为HB1和HLJ1均为58.7%,最高为HB2和HLJ2,分别为82.2%和82.1%;粗蛋白质慢速降解部分的降解速度也各不相同,由0.013 h-1到0.035 h-1;粗蛋白质的有效降解率最低为TJ的22.5%,最高为吉林(JL)的53.4%。不同产地DDGS的营养成分含量及瘤胃的降解参数存在较大的差异,因而在DDGS的推广应用中,应该采用一种简便、快速的方法测定其各种营养成分含量,以便更有效地利用氮素,减少饲料资源的浪费。