奶牛常用饲料康奈尔净碳水化合物-蛋白质体系中含氮化合物组分含量与可利用氨基酸含量之间的关系

为了预测奶牛常用饲料中可利用氨基酸(u AA)的含量,本试验采集了21个奶牛饲料原料样品,测定了饲料样品的粗蛋白质(CP)、粗脂肪(EE)、粗灰分(ash)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、可溶性粗蛋白质(SCP)、非蛋白氮(NPN)、中性洗涤剂不溶粗蛋白质(NDIP)、酸性洗涤剂不溶粗蛋白质(ADIP)含量,并根据康奈尔净碳水化合物-蛋白质体系(CNCPS)对饲料含氮化合物组分的划分方法,计算出饲料样品的含氮化合物组分非蛋白氮(PA)、快速降解真蛋白质(PB1)、中速降解真蛋白质(PB2)、慢速降解真蛋白质(PB3)和不可利用蛋白质(PC)的含量,测定了饲料的氨基酸含量,同时利用饲料氨基酸含量与u AA含量之间的关系估测出饲料的u AA含量。结果表明,奶牛常用饲料的CNCPS含氮化合物组分(PA、PB1、PB2、PB3、PC)含量(%DM)与u AA、可利用蛋氨酸(utilizable methionine,u Met)、可利用赖氨酸(utilizable lysine,u Lys)、可利用亮氨酸(utilizable leucine,u Leu)含量(%DM)存在显著的相关关系,回归方程如下:u AA=0.171PA+0.134PB1+0.364PB2+0.370PB3+0.148PC+7.785,R2=0.99,P0.01;u M et=0.019PA-0.031PB1+0.024PB2+0.078PB3-0.004PC-0.071,R2=0.93,P0.01;u Lys=-0.045PA-0.020PB1+0.072PB2+0.038PB3-0.011PC+0.780,R2=0.92,P0.01;u Leu=0.071PA+0.033PB1+0.093PB2+0.189PB3+0.003PC+0.006,R2=0.94,P0.01。结果显示,根据CNCPS含氮化合物组分和本试验所建立的方程,可以准确地预测奶牛饲料的u AA、u M et、u Lys和u Leu含量。     

Calculation of utilizable crude protein at the duodenum of cattle by two different approaches.

The duodenal flow of utilizable crude protein (crude protein minus endogenous protein) in cows was estimated using dietary parameters, first by multiple regression and secondly by the addition of microbial protein and undegraded feed protein. These estimates were compared with 327 results from experiments conducted with fistulated cows in Braunschweig-V?lkenrode and Rostock-Dummerstorf. The regressions and the measurements for microbial protein synthesis as well as feed protein degradation and organic matter fermentation in the rumen were based on the same experimental data set. The prediction of utilizable crude protein (uCP) at the duodenum by regression with digested organic matter (kg DOM) and undegraded feed protein (g UDP) as predicting variables, was more accurate than the value given by microbial protein synthesis and rumen protein degradability. The regression model [g uCP = [188.5-(116.5 (UDP/CP))] DOM + 1.03 UDP] had the highest coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.91) and the lowest coefficient of variation (cv = 8.6); indicating the model's superiority over the other method of estimation.     

Development of an in vitro incubation technique for the estimation of the utilizable crude protein (uCP) in feeds for cattle.

An in vitro incubation technique based on the first stage of the in vitro digestion technique published by Tilley and Terry (1963) was developed to estimate the utilizable crude protein (uCP) of single feeds and feed mixtures as non ammonia-N after 24 h of incubation. The results of 25 feed samples showed that there was a significant relationship between the uCP values calculated by regression based on in vivo data sets (Y, CP [g.kg-1 DM]) and those measured by the in vitro incubation technique (X, CP [g.kg-1 DM], 24 h incubation): y = 0.85x + 18.0, r2 = 0.84, P < or = 0.001. It was concluded that it can be possible to determine the uCP value of single feeds or feed mixtures by this in vitro incubation technique and to estimate the uCP value of feeds by this regression equation.     

Relationship between the in vitro-estimated utilizable crude protein and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System crude protein fractions in feeds for ruminants

The objectives of this experiment were to study the regression relationship between the in vitro-estimated utilizable crude protein (uCP) and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) crude protein fractions, i.e. PA, PB1, PB2, PB3 and PC of feeds for ruminants, and the possibility of using CNCPS crude protein fractions for the estimation of uCP of feeds for ruminants. The CP, the non-protein nitrogen (NPN), the soluble cru de protein (SCP), the neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) and the acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) of 30 single feeds were determined and the CP fractions, i.e. PA, PB1, PB2, PB3 and PC, were then calculated based on CNCPS. The uCP of the 30 feeds was estimated using the in vitro incubation technique of Zhao and Lebzien (2000). It was found that there was a significant multiple regression relationship between the uCP [g/kg dry matter (DM)] and the CNCPS crude protein fractions, i.e. PA (% DM), PB1 (% DM), PB2 (% DM), PB3 (% DM) and PC (% DM) of the feed samples. uCP = (9.95 +/-2.73)PA + (2.92 +/- 1.36)PB(1) + (7.24 +/- 0.86)PB(2) + (8.20 +/- 3.33)PB(3) + (17.67 +/- 3.79) PC + (63.26 +/- 18.02), r2 = 0.90, n = 30, p < 0.0001. It was suggested that the multiple regression relationship shown above could be used for the estimation of the uCP of feeds based on the CNCPS crude protein fractions PA, PB1, PB2, PB3 and PC of feeds for ruminants.     

用绵羊小肠液冻干粉测定饲料过瘤胃淀粉小肠消化率方法的研究

本试验旨在以玉米为样本筛选用绵羊小肠液冻干粉测定精饲料瘤胃非降解残渣淀粉小肠消化率的最佳培养条件。分别研究了小肠液冻干粉用量(0.2、0.3、0.4、0.5和0.6g)对16h玉米瘤胃非降解残渣干物质和淀粉小肠消化率的影响;离体培养时间(4、8、12、16、20和24h)对16h玉米瘤胃非降解残渣干物质和淀粉小肠消化率的影响。结果表明,在本试验条件下,绵羊小肠液冻干粉测定玉米瘤胃非降解残渣淀粉小肠消化率的最佳用量为0.45g小肠液冻干粉/0.56g玉米瘤胃非降解残渣,最佳培养时间为12h。利用绵羊小肠液冻干粉测定常用饲料过瘤胃残渣淀粉小肠消化率的方法是可行的。     

用绵羊小肠液冻干粉评定瘤胃非降解精饲料残渣的有机物于小肠消化率方法的研究

本试验旨在筛选用绵羊小肠液冻干粉评定瘤胃非降解精饲料残渣的有机物于小肠消化率的最佳培养条件。试验包括三部分 :第一个试验研究了小肠液冻干粉用量 ( 0 .2、0 .3、0 .4与 0 .5g)与缓冲液种类(McDougall缓冲液与磷酸盐缓冲液 )对 1 2h瘤胃非降解玉米与豆粕的有机物于小肠消化率的影响 ;第二个试验研究了缓冲液pH值 ( 7.0、7.5与 8.0 )与Ca2 + 浓度 ( 3 4 0、680与 2 0 0 0 μmol/L)对 1 2h瘤胃非降解玉米与豆粕的有机物于小肠消化率的影响 ;第三个试验研究了离体培养时间 ( 3、6、9、1 2、1 5、1 8、2 1与 2 4h)对1 2h瘤胃非降解玉米与豆粕的有机物于小肠消化率的影响。筛选的用绵羊小肠液冻干粉评定瘤胃非降解精饲料残渣的有机物于小肠消化率的适宜条件为 :0 .4 5g小肠液冻干粉 / 0 .56g饲料 ,McDougall缓冲液 ,pH =7.5,Ca2 + =680 μmol/L ,3 9℃ ,瘤胃非降解玉米与豆粕的最佳培养时间不同 ,分别为 1 2与 1 8h     

Ruminal protein degradation and protein value of feeds

The relationship between dry matter (DM) degradation and crude protein (CP) degradation in the dairy cow's rumen was determined with a view to defining the protein value of feeds for ruminants. The nylon bag technique was applied for these studies. For all the feeds investigate (green fodder and preserves from cocks-foot, ryegrass, alfalfa/grass and meadow grass, as well as alfalfa, extracted soybean meal) a significantly positive relationship was found to exist between the levels of DM and CP degradation (r = 0.73 to 1.0). The regression coefficient b1 (CP degradation as regressor) was found to average 0.87. The positive relationship between DM degradation and CP degradation implies that microbial protein amount and unfermented feed protein at the duodenum are negatively correlated. Model calculations show that, on account of the compensation between microbial protein and feed protein at the duodenum, in feeds with a CP concentration below 200 g/kg DM, the extent of ruminal protein degradation does not exert a marked influence on duodenal protein passage. The partial calculation of the duodenal protein supply on the basis of undegraded feed protein and microbial protein, as practiced in the new models of protein evaluation, leads to systematic errors unless the relationship between DM degradation and CP degradation is considered.     

In vitro evaluation of protein degradability in the rumen and digestibility of undegraded protein

A three-phase laboratory procedure suitable for predicting protein degradability in the rumen and digestibility of undegraded protein is reported. In the first phase the feed was incubated with starch and buffered rumen fluid. In the incubation mixture the viability of protease-active bacteria was checked by anaerobic culturing, whereas changes in protease activity were monitored by azocasein degradation. In the second and third phase rumen undegradable protein (UDP) was digested with pepsin and pancreatin, respectively. The measurements showed that 63.2, 5.2 and 4.7% of the crude protein of green lucerne was decomposed by rumen fluid, pepsin and pancreatin, respectively. Degradability of the crude protein of extracted sunflower meal was 68.3, 17.7 and 5.5% in the three phases, respectively. Repeated determination yielded crude protein degradabilities of 66.7, 27.1 and 5.1% for the three phases, respectively.     

Profile of isoacids in rumen fluid and influence of added isoacids on in sacco dry matter disappearance of untreated and ammonia treated wheat straw

The influence of type of diet and time after feeding on concentration of isoacids in rumen fluid of 6 fistulated sheep were investigated. The concentration of isoacids in rumen fluid was higher in diets rich in concentrate and protein (5.6) than in roughage diets (3.4) or in straw-starch-urea diets poor in native protein (highest concentration: 2.1 mmol/l rumen fluid). Feeding of roughage diet or straw-starch-urea-diet effected a significant decrease of concentration of isoacids in the rumen fluid after morning feeding, but concentrate-roughage diet, increased the isoacids-concentration. Reasons for decreased concentration of isoacids may be a shortage of corresponding amino acids and a high activity of cellulolytic microbes. Infusion of isoacids (3 g per day) in the rumen of sheep fed with a straw-starch-sugar-urea diet did not significantly influence the in sacco dry matter degradability of untreated wheat straw, but increased the dry matter loss of ammonia treated wheat straw from 16.0; 26.6; 39.4; 54.0 and 58.8% to 17.3; 29.7; 43.1; 56.3 and 63.0% after 6; 12; 24; 48 and 72 h rumen incubation time respectively. Further experiments seem to be necessary. The effect of isoacids may be expected to occur with poor quality feeds, rich in fibre low in protein and hence low in branched-chain amino acids.     

绵羊对脲酶抑制剂的适应性研究

以装有瘘管的绵羊为试验动物，研究了绵羊对脲酶抑制的适应性。结果表明：给绵羊饲喂脲酶抑制剂硼砂、氢醌或乙酰氧肟酸7～9d，瘤胃氨浓度明显升高，表现出适应性；此时再给绵羊加倍饲喂脲酶抑制剂，瘤胃氨浓度又下降；给绵羊饲喂硼砂第13天与第3天相比，瘤胃氨浓度增高了17.3％,瘤胃尿素浓度降低20．3％,血浆氮浓度降低24.4％，血浆尿素降低15．5％。     

Gas and short‐chain fatty acid production from feeds commonly fed to red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and incubated with rumen inoculum from red deer and sheep

Efficient red deer supplementary feeding depends on estimations of the nutritive value of offered feeds, frequently estimated with the use of equations derived from domestic ruminants. The aim of this study was to compare the 24‐hour in vitro true dry matter degradability (ivTD₂₄), in vitro gas production (GP) kinetic parameters, GP in 24 hr of incubation (GAS₂₄) and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) and microbial biomass (MBS) produced after 24‐hour incubation of feeds in inoculum prepared from sheep and red deer rumen fluid. Eleven feeds, frequently consumed by red deer in Slovenia, which occur either naturally (two fresh grasses, chestnut fruits and common and sessile oak acorns) or are fed as winter supplemental feeds (two grass hays, two grass silages, apple pomace, fresh sugar beetroot), were investigated. The in vitro GP kinetic parameters, GAS₂₄ and ivTD₂₄, did not differ between animal species. Amounts of SCFAs were greater (p < 0.05) when feeds were incubated in sheep inoculum, while molar proportions of acetic and propionic acids did not differ. Molar proportions of butyric acid produced during incubation of high fibre feeds did not differ between animal species, but were higher (p < 0.05) when feeds high in starch or sugar were incubated in red deer inoculum. Greater production of SCFA by sheep rumen microbes suggests better coverage of host animal with energy precursors, while greater production of MBS by red deer rumen microbes suggests better coverage of host animal with protein. Results also suggest that rumens of sheep and red deer are inhabited by different microbial communities, which did not affect the extent of in vitro GP and degradation of feeds used in the present experiment. However, the possibility exists that the divergent nutrient use could be a consequence of different priming by different feeds of the donor animal diets.     

Influence of direct-fed fibrolytic enzymes on diet digestibility and ruminal activity in sheep fed a grass hay-based diet

Six rumen-fistulated Merino sheep were used in a crossover design experiment to evaluate the effects of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme preparation (12 g/d; ENZ), delivered directly into the rumen, on diet digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis. The enzyme contained endoglucanase and xylanase activities. Sheep were fed a mixed grass hay:concentrate (70:30; DM basis) diet at a daily rate of 46.1 g/kg of BW(0.75). Samples of grass hay were incubated in situ in the rumen of each sheep to measure DM and NDF degradation. The supplementation with ENZ did not affect diet digestibility (P = 0.30 to 0.66), urinary excretion of purine derivatives (P = 0.34), ruminal pH (P = 0.46), or concentrations of NH(3)-N (P = 0.69) and total VFA (P = 0.97). In contrast, molar proportion of propionate were greater (P = 0.001) and acetate:propionate ratio was lower (P < 0.001) in ENZ-supplemented sheep. In addition, ENZ supplementation tended to increase (P = 0.06) numbers of cellulolytic bacteria at 4 h after feeding. Both the ruminally insoluble potentially degradable fraction of grass hay DM and its fractional rate of degradation were increased (P = 0.002 and 0.05, respectively) by ENZ treatment. Supplementation with ENZ also increased (P = 0.01 to 0.02) effective and potential degradability of grass hay DM and NDF. Ruminal fluid endoglucanase and xylanase activities were greater (P < 0.001 and 0.03, respectively) in ENZ-supplemented sheep than in control animals. It was found that ENZ supplementation did not affect either exoglucanase (P = 0.12) or amylase (P = 0.83) activity. The results indicate that supplementing ENZ directly into the rumen increased the fibrolytic activity and stimulated the growth of cellulolytic bacteria without a prefeeding feed-enzyme interaction.     

秸秆料的质量对绵羊瘤胃内容物的物理特性的影响

本研究用三种不同质量的秸秆料饲养36只绵羊,考查饲草质量对瘤胃内容物的颗粒大小和粉碎能耗的影响。结果证明,高质量的秸秆料,其瘤胃内容物的大颗粒(2～4mm)和小于0.125mm(能透过铜筛)的内容物较多,小颗粒(0.125～0.5mm)的量则较少,而且粉碎内容物所耗的粉碎能耗电较低;反之,低质量的秸秆料大颗粒和小于0.125mm的内容物则较少,小颗粒则较多,而且粉碎能耗较高。饲草的IVOMD值与小于0.125mm(透过铜筛)的内容物的量呈正相关(y=15.05+0.35x,r=+0.99),木质素与消耗能呈正相关(y=20.9+0.43x,r=0.99)。IVOMD值与粉碎能耗呈负相关(y=77.17-0.68x,r=-0.97)。     

Influence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Yea-Sacc or Levaferm) on in Sacco dry matter degradability and ruminal parameters of variously fed small ruminants.

Two series of experiments with rumen fistulated castrated male sheep and goats were carried out. In experiment I three sheep each consumed rations rich in concentrate (700 g concentrate, 200 g chopped wheat straw) or roughage (700 g artificially dried ryegrass, 200 g chopped wheat straw per animal per day) and supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 4 g Yea-Sacc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; USA) per sheep per day. In experiment II three sheep were fed with 1000 g artificially dried ryegrass and 200 g concentrate, three goats consumed 750 g ryegrass and 150 g concentrate. 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 g Levaferm (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Germany) per animal per day were added. Rations of all animals were supplemented with minerals and vitamins. After 14 days of feeding wheat straw, ammonia treated wheat straw and artificially dried grass (exp. I) or wheat straw and artificially dried grass (exp. II) were incubated in nylon bags in the rumen for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. At the end of the experiments rumen fluid was taken via cannulae and parameters of rumen fermentation were measured. Higher levels of added Yea-Sacc decreased in sacco dry matter degradability of all incubated feeds. Depression was much higher if Yea-Sacc was added to the concentrate ration (overall mean for 24, 48 and 72 h incubation time: 55.1, 47.1, 46.1 and 44.5 for 0, 1, 2 and 4 g Yea-Sacc) than to the roughage diet (58.7, 56.3, 55.0 and 54.1%). Levaferm did not significantly influence the rumen dry matter degradability of incubated feeds (overall mean for 24, 48, and 72 h incubation time: 64.0; 64.9; 64.9 and 64.2% for sheep; 63.0; 63.2; 63.2 and 61.6% for goats, if added with 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 g Levaferm per animal per day). Rumen pH, concentration of volatile fatty acids and molar concentration of fatty acids in rumen fluid were not significantly influenced by added yeasts. More research seems necessary to find out the mode of action of yeast and to quantify and to reproduce the effects of added yeast.     

Blockade of satiety factors by central injection of neuropeptide Y in sheep

The ability of neuropeptide Y (NPY) to stimulate feed intake was tested in combination with two treatments known to depress feed intake in sheep. Six ewe and three wether lambs (mean BW = 40 kg) fitted with lateral cerebral ventricular guide cannulas and ruminal cannulas had free access to a nutritionally complete, pelleted diet. Balloons placed into the rumen were filled with either 0, 30 or 60 ml of water/kg BW and left in place for 6 h; intake was measured. Based on the decline in feed intake observed with increasing balloon volume in the rumen, Exp. 2 was designed to test effects of NPY injection (0 or 3.0 nmol) into the lateral cerebral ventricle and ruminal distension (0 or 35 ml/kg BW) for 6 h. During the 6-h test period, feed intake was depressed (P less than .05) by intraruminal balloon distension, but feed intake was increased by NPY injection (P less than .05); no interaction between NPY and distension was detected. Ruminal evacuation revealed that digesta occupied only 43% of the rumen's total volume capacity. Balloons occupied 14% of capacity, whereas meal size in control sheep following a 1.5-h fast equaled 7% of capacity. In Exp. 3, intraruminal infusion of 8 mmol/min of propionate depressed (P = .11) feed intake, whereas NPY injection enhanced (P less than .05) intake. There was no interaction between NPY and propionate infusion. In none of these experiments was cumulative feed consumption at 24 h influenced. We conclude that NPY is a versatile feeding stimulant. It promotes feed intake in feed-satiated, ruminally distended and propionate-infused sheep.     

Rumen distension and contraction influence feed preference by sheep

Distension of the rumen limits feed intake by livestock. Ruminal dysfunctions due to bloat, which causes distension by accumulation of excessive gas within the rumen, also reduce feeding. We hypothesized that excessive levels of rumen distension cause feed aversions and that preference increases for feeds eaten in association with recovery from bloat. To test these hypotheses, we determined whether 12 commercial crossbred lambs (average initial BW of 43 +/- 2 kg) could associate ingestion of specific feeds with the consequences of increased intraruminal pressure and its subsidence. Six of the lambs were fitted with rumen cannulas and offered ground alfalfa for 30 min after a rubber balloon was inserted into the rumen of each animal and distended with air to volumes of 1.8, 2.5, or 4.5 L. Subsequently, balloons were deflated and alfalfa was offered again for a second period of 30 min. Feed intake was not affected when the balloon was not distended (P = 0.45 to 0.93), but distension reduced feed intake (P < 0.001) in direct proportion to the magnitude of distension at all 3 volumes (R(2) = 0.70). Relief from distension promoted a compensatory increase in feed intake (P = 0.006). During conditioning to determine if lambs acquired a preference for a feed associated with recovery from distension, fistulated lambs were offered novel feeds: wheat bran (group 1; n = 3) and beet pulp (group 2; n = 3), and the balloon was distended for 30 min. Feeds were then switched and the balloons were deflated (recovery). Control lambs (n = 6) received the same feeding protocol without the balloons. Lambs formed strong aversions to feeds associated with distension and preferred feeds associated with recovery (P = 0.001 to P = 0.10). No preferences or avoidances were observed in control lambs conditioned without rumen distension (P = 0.17 to P = 0.87). Thus, rumen distension and recovery from distension induced feed aversions and preferences, respectively, which may be critical in learning avoidance of bloat-inducing plants and preferences for plants and supplements that relieve the incidence of bloat.     

饮水中添加湿态发酵蛋白饲料提高奶牛产奶量试验

湿态发酵蛋白饲料是玉米经酵母发酵、提取酒精后,又经益生菌发酵、密封包装的产物,其可溶性好、易消化、易吸收、蛋白质含量高。通过对奶牛进行饲喂试验可知,奶牛日添加4kg该饲料,单产可提高2.18kg,每头牛日增利润2.03元,增产效果好,经济效益显著;另外,研究还发现,日添加4kg该饲料对乳成分无显著影响。     

瘤胃混合微生物对稻糠、玉米麸、麦麸饲料中植酸磷降解特性的比较研究

采用短期人工瘤胃发酵技术,研究瘤胃混合微生物对糠麸类饲料中植酸磷的降解作用。试验采集3头健康泌乳期荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃液,以不同来源稻糠、玉米麸、麦麸饲料为底物,测定厌氧发酵3、12、24、48和72 h饲料植酸磷的消失率。结果表明:1)糠麸类饲料植酸磷消失率均随发酵时间的延长而增加,并且在发酵至24 h时,植酸磷消失率趋于90%以上。2)不同来源的同种糠麸类饲料间植酸磷的潜在降解率和降解速率明显不同。3)3种糠麸类饲料比较发现,麦麸饲料的植酸磷潜在降解率可达到100%(P<0.000 1),而玉米麸(95.58%)与稻糠(96.82%)饲料间差异不显著(P>0.05),植酸磷降解速率呈现为稻糠>玉米麸>麦麸(P<0.000 1)。由此可见,瘤胃混合微生物能很好地降解富含植酸磷的糠麸类饲料,且降解作用在不同饲料间存在一定的差异。     

Rumen fermentation and degradability in buffalo and cattle using the in vitro gas production technique

An in vitro trial was conducted to investigate the effect of different inoculum sources (buffalo vs. cattle) on rumen fermentation and degradability. Incubations were carried out using rumen fluid obtained from buffalo or cattle fed the same diet [60% grass hay and 40% concentrate; 18 kg dry matter (DM)/day]. The fermentation kinetics of eight feeds commonly used in ruminant nutrition (alfalfa hay, barley meal, beet pulp, corn meal and silage, ryegrass hay and silage and soya bean meal s.e.) were studied with the in vitro gas production technique and rumen fermentation parameters (substrate disappearance, pH and volatile fatty acids production) were determined after 120 h of incubation. The linear relationship indicates that the microbial metabolic pathways of the two inocula for all the substrates were qualitatively similar, albeit often quantitatively different. In this in vitro study, a significant influence of rumen inoculum (buffalo vs. cow) on fermentation and degradability of the examined substrates was found. The differences in buffalo and cattle rumen fermentation can be explained with a different microbial activity of the two ruminant species, because of different amount of microbial population or microbial population constituted by different species of bacteria and protozoa.     

A note on the relationship between the production rates of volatile fatty acids and their concentration,digestible organic matter and total digestible nutrient intake in buffalo calves

Volatile fatty acid (VFA) production rates were measured by isotope dilution technique in the rumen of buffalo calves fed on wheat straw plus concentrate, green maize, cow pea and berseem. Correlations derived between the VFA production rates and their concentration and DOM were significant except in animals fed on cow pea. The VFA production rates were also significantly correlated with the TDN intake in all the four feeds tested.The regression equations obtained for the four feeds were different, which suggested that VFA production may vary with the quantity and quality of feed digested. These experiments suggest the use of different regression equations for different feeds.