Improving the quality of rice straw by urea and calcium hydroxide on rumen ecology,microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle

Four rumen‐fistulated beef cattle were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the influence of urea and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] treatment of rice straw to improve the nutritive value of rice straw. Four dietary treatments were as follows: untreated rice straw, 50 g/kg urea‐treated rice straw, 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw and 30 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw. All animals were kept in individual pens and fed with concentrate at 0.5 g/kg of BW (DM), rice straw was fed ad libitum. The experiment was conducted for four periods, and each period lasted for 21 days. During the first 14 days, DM feed intake measurements were made while during the last 7 days, all cattle were moved to metabolism crates for total faeces and urine collections. The results revealed that 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw improved the nutritive value of rice straw, in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acids, population of bacteria and fungi, nitrogen retention and microbial protein synthesis. Based on this study, it could be concluded that using urea plus calcium hydroxide was one alternative method to improve the nutritive value of rice straw, rumen ecology and fermentation and thus a reduction of treatment cost.     

农业副产物作为能量蛋白饲料对绵羊生长性能、养分消化及瘤胃发酵的影响

文章旨在评估用农业副产物作为能量和蛋白饲料对绵羊养分摄入、消化及瘤胃发酵性能的影响。试验选择体重接近的36头绵羊,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复3头。处理1组饲喂210?g/kg桑叶饲料,处理2组用100?g/kg水稻秸秆和5?g/kg尿素替代50%桑叶,处理3组饲喂200?g/kg水稻秸秆和10?g/kg尿素,试验为期21?d。结果：T3组绵羊粗蛋白质摄入量显著高于T1和T2组（P＜0.05）,但中性洗涤纤维摄入量、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率最低（P＜0.05）。T3组氮摄入量较T1组显著提高16.31%（P＜0.05）,T1组尿氮排泄量显著低于T2和T3（P＜0.05）。T1和T3组微生物氮含量显著高于T2组（P＜0.05）。T1组瘤胃氨氮浓度最低（P＜0.05）,但挥发性脂肪酸浓度最高（P＜0.05）。结论：日粮中用100%的桑叶替代尿素和水稻秸秆对绵羊干物质摄入量、氮利用及瘤胃微生物氮合成无负面影响,同时可以显著提高中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率。 [关键词]农业副产物|绵羊|养分消化|瘤胃发酵     

Effects of adding urea on fermentation quality of pruned persimmon branch silage and its digestibility,preference, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation in beef cattle

Four cattle were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to study digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen retention and preference of ensiling pruned persimmon branch (PPB) chips treated with urea. After 60 days of ensiling, urea‐treated PPB showed higher (P < 0.05) pH, acetic acid and ammonia‐N levels than no‐urea PPB. Both urea‐treated PPB and rice straw diets showed higher (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility and digestible nutrient content in cattle than no‐urea PPB diet. Neither mold nor yeast was detected in any urea‐treated PPB. Urinary and fecal excretion as well as nitrogen retention in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those fed no‐urea PPB and rice straw. With the exception that ruminal ammonia‐N levels in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those given no‐urea PPB and rice straw, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and the acetic : propionic acid ratio of rumen content were unaffected by diets. The rank order of preference was rice straw > low‐urea > no‐urea > high‐urea. The results suggested that urea treatment of PPB inhibited growth of mold and yeast during silage storage, enhanced its digestibility and had nutritive value almost equivalent to that of rice straw.     

Chemical composition, digestibility, and voluntary feed intake of mango residues by sheep

The chemical composition, digestibility, and voluntary feed intake by sheep of mango by-products were studied in an experiment with five dietary treatments consisting of mango peels and seed kernels, offered individually or together with urea block and a control. The mango residues were offered with rice straw and the control diet was straw only. Five groups of five male sheep of Djallonké type, 12–18 months old and weighing on average 18.6 kg were allocated randomly to the diets to assess the voluntary feed intake. Apparent digestibility of the same diets was measured using four sheep per diet. The mango residues were low in crude protein, 67 and 70 g/kg dry matter for the peels and the seed kernels, respectively. The content of neutral detergent fiber varied from 306 to 388 g/kg dry matter (DM) for the kernel and the peels, respectively. The kernel had relatively high level of fat (105 g/kg DM) and tannins (29 and 40 g/kg DM of hydrolysable and total tannins, respectively). The highest intake was observed with the diet containing both residues and urea block (741 g/day). The intake of kernels was lower in all diets when offered with the peels than when offered with rice straw alone. Apparent digestibility of the diets containing mango residues was 0.60–0.65. The peels and kernels had high digestibility coefficients (0.74 and 0.70, respectively). Based on the results above, it can be concluded that it would be interesting to test the residues in a growth experiment.     

Tropical legume supplementation influences microbial protein synthesis and rumen ecology

Four rumen‐fistulated male swamp buffaloes, 5‐year‐old with initiated live weight at 360 ± 12 kg, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of feeding high level of dried Leucaena leaf (DLL) on feed intake, fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis. The dietary treatments were the feeding levels of DLL at 0, 2, 4 and 6 kg/head/day. All buffaloes were supplemented with concentrate mixtures at 0.1% of body weight, and rice straw was fed ad libitum with the availability of water and mineral block at all time. The results revealed that the total feed intake and nutrient digestibility were significantly improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding, and the highest was in the buffaloes consuming DLL at 6 kg/head/day. Feeding high levels of DLL did not affect on ruminal pH and temperature, while ammonia nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen and volatile fatty acid concentration were significantly enhanced. Moreover, methane production was dramatically reduced by increasing levels of DLL feeding. Total direct counts of the micro‐organism population were increased with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. According to the application of quantitative PCR to quantity cellulolytic bacteria (16S rRNA) targets, it was found that the population of total bacteria and Fibrobactor succinogenes was affected by treatments, while Ruminococcus flavefaciens and methanogen population were significantly decreased as buffaloes were fed with DLL. The nitrogen balance and microbial nitrogen supply were remarkably improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. Based on this study, it could be concluded that high levels of DLL feeding at 6 kg/head/day could enhance feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw without any adverse effect.     

Effect of Yucca schidigera with or without nisin on ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep fed silage- and hay-based diets

A 4 × 6 Youden square design was used to study manipulating effect of Yucca schidigera with or without nisin on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep fed silage‐ and hay‐based diets. Four ruminally canulated wethers were given isonitrogenous diets of timothy silage and concentrate (85:15) (S), and timothy hay and concentrate (60:40) (H), on DM basis. The six experimental diets were: (i) S; (ii) S + 240 ppm of Yucca schidigera (SY); (iii) S + 240 ppm of Yucca schidigera + 6 mg/kg bodyweight (BW)^0.75 of nisin (SYN); (iv) H; (v) H + 240 ppm of Yucca schidigera (HY); and (vi) H + 240 ppm of Yucca schidigera + 6 mg/kg BW^0.75 of nisin (HYN). Rumen pH was higher (P < 0.01) in sheep fed SYN diet than those fed S diet. Concentration of ammonia‐N (NH₃‐N) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in sheep fed SY, SYN, HY, HYN than those of S and H. Total volatile fatty acids concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in HYN than in H diet and tended to be higher in sheep fed H diets than those fed S diets. There was a significantly higher (P < 0.01) efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis in the rumen of sheep fed on HY diet than those fed on H diet.     

棉桃壳和氨化棉桃壳对绵羊的营养价值评定

选用4只体重28 kg左右,安装永久瘤胃瘘管甘肃高山细毛羯羊,采用4×4拉丁方试验设计,通过体内消化代谢试验对棉桃壳和氨化棉桃壳进行营养价值评定。结果表明,绵羊对棉桃壳和氨化棉桃壳消化能、干物质消化率、氮消化率、有机物质消化率、中性洗涤纤维消化率、酸性洗涤纤维消化率、钙消化率、磷消化率和氮存留率分别为11.42 和10.90 MJ/kg,68.41%和66.30%,60.30%和60.68%,70.25%和67.57%,57.44%和54.55%,54.78%和52.21%,27.66%和24.88%,34.56%和27.57%及49.48%和50.34%。氨化棉桃壳和棉桃壳的消化率无显著性差异(P>0.05);饲粮中添加棉桃壳和氨化棉桃壳对绵羊瘤胃液中乙酸、丙酸、丁酸和其他酸摩尔比及乙/丙和氨态氮与蛋白氮浓度均产生了显著的影响(P<0.05),对瘤胃液pH及TVFA、总氮和尿素氮浓度无显著影响(P>0.05)。试验表明棉桃壳和氨化棉桃壳养分表观消化率无显著差异,利用尿素进行氨化处理时绵羊瘤胃内释放氨的速度较快,瘤胃微生物合成强度较低。     

氢氧化钙与2%尿素复合处理提高小麦秸营养价值的研究

通过化学成分分析、活体外消化率测定和绵羊饲养试验,研究了2%尿素与氢氧化钙复合处理对小麦秸营养价值的影响。结果表明:氢氧化钙大于6%时,氮保留率可达到98%;氢氧化钙为6%时,提高营养价值效果与4%NaOH处理相当;氢氧化钙为4%时,效果与单纯6%尿素处理相当。羊的饲养试验结果显示,2%尿素和6%氢氧化钙复合处理小麦秸效果最好。     

Effects of treating rice straw with urea or urea and calcium hydroxide upon intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and milk yield of dairy cows

Three, multiparous Holstein crossbred dairy cows with initial body weight of 385 ± 19 kg were randomly allocated to 3 treatments of rice straw (T1 = untreated rice straw; T2 = 5.5% urea-treated rice straw (5 g urea in 100 ml water to 100 g air-dry (91% DM) straw); T3 = 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw (2.0 g urea and 2.0 g Ca(OH)₂ in 100 ml to 100 g air-dry (91% DM) straw) according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each period lasted for 21 days in which feed, feces and rumen fluid were collected during the last 7 days for chemical analyses. The findings revealed significant improvements in dry matter intake and digestibility by using 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw. Ruminal pH and NH₃-N were found higher (P < 0.05) as compared with urea-treated rice straw fed group, while blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen were in normal ranges. Volatile fatty acid concentrations especially those of acetic acid were decreased (P < 0.05) and those of propionic acid were increased (P < 0.05), thus acetic acid:propionic acid was subsequently lowered (P < 0.05) in cows fed with 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw, respectively. Moreover, ruminal viable and cellulolytic bacterial counts were enhanced by urea and calcium hydroxide treatments. Milk protein and fat concentrations were additionally increased by respective treatments while 3.5% fat-corrected milk was highest; ranking from 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw, 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and urea-treated rice straw fed groups. Based on this study, implications could be made that using 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw for straw treatment could be an alternative treatment to 5.5% urea treatment with regards to its effectiveness and treatment cost for lactating dairy cows.     

Extruded urea could reduce true protein source in beef cattle diets

Rumen micro‐organisms are capable of producing microbial protein from ammonia and carbon skeleton, and non‐protein nitrogen (NPN) may be one of the sources of ammonia. Alternative source of NPN is the slow release of ammonia sources in which the product is the extrusion of starch with urea. This work aimed to determine the effects on nutrient intake, ingestive behaviour, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal pH, rumen ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and blood parameters with increased levels of extruded urea (50, 60, 70 and 80 g/100 kg of body weight [BW]) in beef cattle diet. Four rumen cannulated crossbred steers with initial mean weight of 336 ± 47 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design were distributed. Diets were formulated with 400:600 g/kg roughage:concentrate ratio on dry matter based and provided once per day, being used whole corn silage as roughage. There were no effects on nutrient intake (kg/day), ingestive behaviour, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and blood parameters in extruded urea treatment groups. Similar results were observed on time spent on feeding, rumination and idleness. There were positive linear effects (p = 0.022) on rumen pH in the time of 8 hr after feeding and also on plasma concentration of the extruded urea levels (p = 0.039); whereas a linear negative effect (p = 0.030) was observed on ammonia nitrogen for the collection time of 2 hr after feeding. Increased levels of extruded urea could maintain nutrient intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen pH and blood parameters in normal conditions. In conclusion, we recommend the extruded urea use with values up to 80 g/100 kg BW in confined beef cattle that receive balanced diets with 140 g/kg of crude protein.     

不同化学处理对稻草体外发酵动态变化的影响

采用瘤胃体外发酵技术评定了不同化学处理对稻草体外发酵特性的影响。试验以3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛为瘤胃液供体,用复合碱、氨及尿素处理稻草后,称量1 g样品于含有10 mL瘤胃液和90 mL培养基的39℃发酵瓶内体外发酵,分别于24,48,72,96 h冰浴终止发酵,测定产气量、发酵液中挥发性脂肪酸、氨态氮及微生物蛋白浓度。结果表明,化学处理提高了稻草发酵的产气量、挥发性脂肪酸、氨态氮以及微生物蛋白浓度。其中复合碱处理组的发酵速度最快,累计产气量、干物质消失率和挥发性脂肪酸浓度最高,显著高于其他各组,其次为尿素处理组和氨化处理组,对照组最低;尿素处理组的pH、氨态氮浓度和微生物蛋白含量最高,显著高于其他各组,氨化处理组和碱化处理组次之,对照组最低。化学处理提高了稻草的体外降解率,其中复合碱化处理的效果最好。     

Effect of dietary polymer-coated urea and sodium bentonite on digestibility,rumen fermentation,and microbial protein yield in sheep fed high levels of corn stalk

Four ruminally cannulated thin-tailed Han×Dorper crossbreed wethers were used in a 4×4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the effect of polymer-coated urea (PCU) (Optigen II, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) and sodium bentonite (SB) on intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, rumen fermentation and microbial nitrogen in sheep fed high levels of corn stalk. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments composed of 60% corn stalk and 40% concentrate (DM basis) were offered twice daily in two equal portions at 7:00 and 19:00 h ad libitum to ensure about 5% ort. The treatments were control (CON), PCU (soybean meal replaced by 1.8% Optigen), SB (CON diet with an additional 2% SB), and PCUSB (PCU diet with an additional 2% SB). Sheep on PCU treatment showed a greater OM digestibility (P<0.05), and nitrogen digestibility (P<0.01) compared to other treatments, but digestibility of other nutrients and dry matter intake (DMI) did not change. SB did not alter nutrient digestibility except for nitrogen. Different treatments did not affect nitrogen intake, or its urinary excretion. Nitrogen retention tended to be higher (P=0.09) in sheep fed Optigen. Moreover, purine derivatives (PD) and microbial nitrogen were not influenced by different treatments. The pH and total VFA were also not influenced by the treatments. Propionate proportions increased (P<0.01) in diets that included Optigen, but an addition of SB to Optigen did not alter the ratios. NH₃–N levels in PCU continuously increased, with the highest level achieved 3 h after feeding, which were sustained for up to 7 h. No differences were discerned in ruminal kinetics of corn stalk DM for different treatments. The PCU improved the effective degradability (ED) of corn stalk DM in 0.02 or 0.04 flow rates out of the rumen compared to both CON and PCUSB (P<0.05), but SB improved ED in 0.06 flow rates out of the rumen compared to CON. Thus, using Optigen as a new source of non-protein nitrogen to replace soybean meal in sheep fed high levels of corn stalk improved the digestibility of OM, nitrogen, and ED. Addition of SB to Optigen had no beneficial effects on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, microbial nitrogen, or rumen fermentation and ED.     

Effect of feeding sheep on naturally spoiled rice straw, clover hay and concentrate feed mixtures

The effects of feeding naturally contaminated feedstuffs to sheep were investigated through feeding of contaminated and uncontaminated clover hay, rice straw, and concentrate feed mixture were compared. The highest level of contamination with fungi was observed in the concentrate feed mixture followed by clover hay and rice straw. The most dominant mycotoxin in the contaminated feedstuffs was zearalenone. Contamination resulted in increases of crude protein, ash and silica in feedstuffs while both ether extract and crude fibre decreased. In vivo digestibility of different diet constituents in both contaminated and uncontaminated feedstuffs were determined using four mature Rahmani rams. Contamination resulted in significant increase in the digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre and energy. Contamination affected feed intake of the different feedstuffs particularly the concentrate feed mixture. A metabolism trial was also conducted to study the nitrogen and mineral balance. Retention of nitrogen and calcium was reduced when mouldy feeds were given. On the other hand, magnesium was relatively increased. Blood analysis for sheep at the end of the trials resulted in elevated values of inorganic phosphorus and phospholipid phosphorus and declined total nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, calcium/phosphorus ratio and cholesterol/calcium ratio due to feeding on mouldy ration. Results of the urine analysis during the metabolism trials proved that mouldy ration increased the estimated values of the concentration of calcium, magnesium and vitamin C; whereas pH values, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus were declined during the feeding on the mouldy ration. Mouldy feeds tested, seemed to have toxic, nephritic and hepatic effect.     

Effects of supplementing galacto-oligosaccharides, Yucca schidigera or nisin on rumen methanogenesis, nitrogen and energy metabolism in sheep

The effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), Yucca schidigera (YS) or nisin (NS), as additives to a basal diet of grass silage and concentrate, on rumen methanogenesis, nitrogen and energy metabolism were conducted using four rumen cannulated wethers in a 4×4 Latin square design. Four treatments comprised basal diet (control), basal diet+20 g GOS, basal diet+120 ppm YS, basal diet+3 mg/kg BW^0.75 of NS. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF were similar in all treatment diets. Animals fed YS had lower N losses in urine and total N losses resulting in a higher retained N. Ruminal pH values ranged from 6.33 to 6.47 and was significantly (P<0.05) altered by treatment. Sheep given YS had the lowest NH₃-N concentration, moderate in control and GOS, and the highest in NS. The GOS supplemented sheep had lower (P<0.01) proportion of acetic acid and higher (P<0.01) proportion of propionic acid compared to those fed the control diet. Microbial nitrogen supply was higher (P<0.05) in GOS supplemented sheep than those given control, YS and NS diets. Relative to control, YS and NS treatments, GOS reduced (P<0.05) methane production (l/kg BW^0.75). These results indicated that natural products have the potential to be used as manipulators of rumen fermentation.     

平菇处理水稻秸秆在乳山羊上的应用潜力

文章旨在评估用平菇和水稻秸秆混合培养的饲料原料替代常规牧草资源苜蓿草对乳山羊泌乳性能、养分消化、瘤胃发酵及乳成分的影响。试验选择产后5?d,平均体重为（24.21±0.23）kg的泌乳山羊36头,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复3头。对照组饲喂60%浓缩料+40%苜蓿草,T1和T2组用40%和80%平菇发酵水稻秸秆替代苜蓿草,试验为期4周。结果：对照组乳山羊牧草采食量较T2组显著提高了10.74%（P＜0.05）,T1组干物质和中性洗涤纤维表观消化率分别较对照组显著提高了7.49%和7.23%（P＜0.05）,而对照组有机物、粗蛋白质表观消化率分别较T2组显著提高了14.71%和13.44%（P＜0.05）。对照组血清球蛋白、肌酸酐、葡萄糖和胆固醇浓度最高（P＜0.05）,而T1组血清白蛋白浓度最高（P＜0.05）。处理组瘤胃pH较对照组显著提高了2.94%和3.10%（P＜0.05）。对照组瘤胃挥发性脂肪酸、氨氮、总氮和非蛋白氮浓度均显著高于处理组（P＜0.05）。T2组乳中脂肪含量较对照组显著提高了13.62%（P＜0.05）,对照组与T1组乳山羊的饲料效率（能量校正乳/采食量）较T2组显著提高了32.29%和36.46%（P＜0.05）。结论：乳山羊日粮中用40%平菇发酵水稻秸秆可以提高干物质和中性洗涤纤维表观消化率,改善瘤胃微生物蛋蛋白的合成。 [关键词]平菇|水稻秸秆|乳山羊     

Factors affecting the voluntary feed intakes of sheep grazing Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) pastures: Observations in the animal

Abstract

Two experiments designed to establish possible reasons for the often‐observed low voluntary feed intake of animals grazing kikuyu pastures were conducted at two widely differing locations. Low digestibility and low rate of digestion limited feed intake only when sheep were grazing dry, wilted kikuyu. At other times, rumen contents were relatively low, and voluntary intakes appeared to have been controlled by other factors. The foaminess of the rumen under circumstances of a low rumen fill seems to suggest that a high saponin content could have limited intake. However, the fact that a high rumen fill coincided with a high in vitro foam production in one instance may imply that a high saponin content was not instrumental in limiting intake. Only the rumen ammonia concentration and the total nitrogen content of the leaves showed a consistent relationship with voluntary intake.     

Effect of dietary energy levels on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives in sheep

The effect of dietary energy levels on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) was investigated in sheep fed hay and concentrate diets. In addition, the possibility of using PD concentrations in spot samples of urine as a useful tool for determining daily PD excretion was also examined. Three female lambs (mean bodyweight (BW) ± standard error, 31.4 ± 1.0 kg) were fed three diets consisting of timothy hay (20 g dry matter/kg BW per day) and rolled barley at three different energy levels (low‐energy (LE), medium‐energy (ME) and high‐energy (HE) at 1.0‐, 1.2‐ and 1.5‐fold greater than the maintenance level of energy (450 KJ/BW^0.75/day), respectively) in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The dietary protein level was almost constant (380 mg nitrogen/BW^0.75/day as digestible crude protein base) and was adjusted using soybean protein. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) increased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the dietary energy level and there was a difference (P < 0.05) in the organic matter digestibility between the LE and HE diets. For urinary PD excretion, the differences between the LE and ME diets and the HE diet were significant (P < 0.05), although there was no clear difference between the LE and ME diets. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.47, P < 0.05) between urinary PD excretion and DOMI. There was also a correlation (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) between the urinary PD level at 7–8 h after the morning feed and the daily total PD excretion, suggesting that the PD level in spot urine samples could be useful for estimating microbial protein synthesized in the rumen and/or digested in the lower gut.     

Nutritive value of ammoniated wheat straw fed to cattle

The effects of ammoniation of wheat straw on site and extent of digestion of nutrients by cattle and the nutritive value of the N added to the straw were studied using eight Hereford steers during three consecutive 21-d periods and analyzed in an incomplete block design with steers and periods as orthogonal blocking factors. The steers, approximately 30 mo old and weighing 360 +/- 24 kg, were cannulated in the rumen, duodenum and ileum. Diets consisted of untreated (US) or ammoniated (AS) wheat straw supplemented with a mineral-vitamin mixture. Steers fed US received four supplements in which the percentages of supplemental N from soybean meal (SBM) and urea were 0:100; 33:67; 67:33 or 100:0. Percentage of N and in vitro DM digestibility values were increased in US by the ammoniation process from .42 to 1.82 and 34.8 to 54.3, respectively. Total tract digestibility of OM consumed was similar among treatments, although total tract digestibility of dietary N was decreased by ammoniation. Ammoniation doubled (P less than .05) the synthesis of microbial N per unit of dietary OM truly fermented in the rumen. When SBM and urea were fed in combination they depressed (P less than .10) microbial N flow and synthesis of microbial N per unit of OM truly fermented more than each depressed flow and synthesis individually. The nutritive value of the increased N of AS was equivalent to between 67 and 100% of SBM N based on amounts (g/d) of non-ammonia N apparently digested in the small intestine.     

Comparison of feed intake,digestion and rumen function among domestic ruminant species grazing in upland vegetation communities

This study aimed to compare feed intake, digestion, rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial community of 5 beef cows, 12 crossed ewes and 12 goats grazing together in spring–early summer on heather–gorse vegetation communities with an adjacent area of improved pasture. Organic matter intake (OMI) and digestibility (OMD) were estimated using alkane markers. Ruminal fluid samples were collected for measuring fermentation parameters, and studying the bacterial community using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP). Spot samples of urine were taken to determine purine derivative (PD) and creatinine concentrations to estimate microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Herbaceous species were the main dietary component in all animal species. Cattle had higher (p < 0.05) daily OMI (g/kg LW^0.75) and OMD, whereas sheep and goats showed similar values. The highest ammonia concentration was observed in sheep. Total VFA, acetate and butyrate concentrations were not influenced by animal species, while propionate concentrations in goats were 1.8 times lower (p < 0.05) than in sheep. Acetate:propionate ratio was greater (p < 0.05) in goats, whereas cattle excreted more allantoin (p < 0.05). Estimated supply of microbial N was higher in cows (p < 0.01), whereas the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was lower (p < 0.01) in this animal species. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated a clear effect of animal species on rumen bacterial structure. Differences among animal species were also observed in the relative frequency of several T‐RFs. Certain T‐RFs compatible with Lachnospiraceae, Proteobacteria and Clostridiales species were not found in goats, while these animals showed high relative frequencies of some fragments compatible with the Ruminococcaceae family that were not detected in sheep and cattle. Results suggest a close relationship between animals’ grazing behaviour and rumen bacterial structure and its function. Goats seem to show a greater specialization of their microbial populations to deal with the greater fibrous and tannin content of their diet.     

Effects of straw treatment and nitrogen supplementation on digestibility,intake and physiological responses of water intake as well as urine and faecal characteristics

This study investigates the effects of feeding diet based on untreated (UT) or ensiled alkali‐treated (ET) barley straw with either urea or casein supplementation, on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal pH, water intake and faecal and urinary characteristics. Four sheep fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Barley straw was treated by the dry (spraying) method in pH adjusted of hydrogen peroxide (pH 11.5), ensiled for 6 weeks and included at 65% of the diet dry matter (DM). The results showed that straw pH reduced from 11.58 to 8.60 after 6 weeks of ensilage. The ET diet increased average DM digestibility and intake by 19% and 43% respectively. Total water intake was similar across treatments, while the water/DM intake ratio was 23% higher with the UT diet than with the ET one. Ruminal (6.73 vs. 6.84) and faecal (8.67 vs. 9.05) pH decreased but urinary pH (6.14 vs. 8.13) increased as a result of feeding animals on the ET diet compared with the UT diet. Compared with the UT diet, the ET one decreased faecal fibre (12%), moisture (32%) and water holding capacity, while it increased faecal ash (10%) and density (20%). The volume of urine excreted by the sheep fed with the ET diet increased by 67%, but their urine specific gravity (SG) decreased. No significant effects were observed for the dietary N supplementation and interactions between straw type × N supplementation with regard to any of the measured characteristics except for DM intake, which reduced due to the casein supplementation in the ET diet. These results indicate that the alkali treatment and ensilage of barley straw increased digestibility, intake, faecal consistency and urinary pH and dilution but decreased straw alkalinity as well as ruminal and faecal pH.