Effect of roughage to concentrate ratio of sweet sorghum (Sorghum biclor L. Moench) bagasse-based complete diet on nutrient utilization and microbial N supply in lambs

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of roughage to the concentrate ratio of complete diets containing sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB), an agro-industrial by product, as sole roughage source on nutrient utilization in ram lambs. Twenty-four Nellore × Deccani cross ram lambs aged about 3?months (average body wt. 10.62?±?0.03?kg) were randomly allotted into four groups fed with CR-I (60R:40C), CR-II (50R:50C), CR-III (40R:60C), and CR-IV (30R:70C) complete diets. The roughage to concentrate ratio did not affect the dry matter intake (in grams/day or grams/kilogram weight(0.75)). The crude protein (P?相似文献   

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing ram lambs fed sweet sorghum bagasse-based complete rations varying in roughage-to-concentrate ratios

Different roughage-to-concentrate ratios of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) (a by-product of the biofuel industry)-based complete diets were assessed. Twenty four growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs aged about 3 months (average body wt., 10.62?±?0.25 kg) were randomly allotted to four complete rations (CR) varying in roughage-to-concentrate ratios viz. 60:40 (CR-I), 50:50 (CR-II), 40:60 (CR-III) and 30:70(CR-IV) for a period of 180 days. The feed intake was comparable among the lambs fed different experimental complete diets. Average daily weight gain (in grams) was 77.31?±?4.90, 81.76?±?5.16, 85.83?±?2.83 and 86.30?±?3.25, and feed conversion ratio (in kilograms of feed per kilogram gain) averaged 11.42?±?0.68, 10.57?±?0.64, 10.17?±?0.37 and 9.96?±?0.38 in ram lambs fed CR-I, CR-II, CR-III and CR-IV rations, respectively. Statistically, differences in daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the lambs fed four experimental rations were not significant (P?>?0.05). The cost per kilogram gain was significantly (P?<?0.01) higher in ram lambs fed CR-IV and CR-III rations compared to CR-I ration, and it was comparable between CR-I and CR-II rations. Dressing percentage averaged 44.90?±?0.15, 42.57?±?0.72, 43.67?±?0.16 and 44.42?±?0.76 for the respective diets. No significant difference and trend was observed in preslaughter weight, empty body weight, carcass weights, dressing percentage, wholesale cuts and edible and non-edible portions of experimental animals. Similarly, no significant variation could be seen in bone and meat yield (in per cent) and their ratios in various wholesale cuts among the dietary treatments. The roughage-to-concentrate ratio did not affect the chemical composition of meat; however, the fat content of meat was linearly increased with increase in the proportion of concentrate in the diets. The results of the experiment indicated that SSB can be included at 60 % level in the complete diet for economical mutton production from growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs.     

Effect of supplementation of dietary protected lipids on intake and nutrient utilization in Deccani lambs

Four complete isonitrogenous (crude protein 13%) rations with 0 (T₁), 5 (T₂), 10 (T₃) and 15 (T₄) per cent calcium soap from red palm oil (protected fat) were formulated and evaluated using four Deccani lambs (19.32 ± 0.82 kg) in a completely randomized design at the end of a growth trial. The average daily dry matter intake (% body weight or g/kg W^0.75 per day) in lambs fed ration T₄ was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in those fed rations T₁, T₂, and T₃. There was no significant difference in the digestibility of proximate principles and cell-wall constituents except for ether extract (EE) and cellulose. EE digestibility was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by 15.71, 14.65 and 11.56 percentage units, respectively in lambs fed rations T₂, T₃ and T₄ as compared to those fed ration T₁. Ration T₄ had significantly (p < 0.05) lower cellulose digestibility than rations T₁, T₂ and T₃. Nitrogen and phosphorous balances (g/day) were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the four rations. Calcium balance (g/day) was higher by 0.65, 1.39 and 1.40, respectively, in lambs fed rations T₂ (p > 0.05) and T₃ and T₄ (p < 0.05) in comparison to those fed ration T₁. Digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients content (g/kg DM) of rations were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the four rations. It is concluded that calcium soap from red palm oil can be supplemented up to 10% level as a concentrated energy source in the rations of Deccani lambs without any adverse effect on dry matter intake and cellulose digestibility.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nigella sativa</Emphasis> seeds, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis> leaves and their combination on growth performance,immune response and rumen metabolism in Dorper lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Nigella sativa L. seeds, Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves and their combination on rumen metabolism, nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, immune response and blood metabolites in Dorper lambs. Twenty-four entire male Dorper lambs (18.68?±?0.6 kg, 4–5 months old) were randomly assigned to a concentrate mixture containing on a dry matter basis either, no supplement (control, T1), 1% R. officinalis leaves (T2), 1% N. sativa seeds (T3) or 1% R. officinalis leaves +1% N. sativa seeds (T4). The lambs had ad libitum access to urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) and were raised for 90 days. Supplemented lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) intake of DM and UTRS than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) nutrient digestibility than those fed other treatments. Total and daily weight gain was greater (P?< 0.05) in T2 lambs than those fed other diets. The T3 and T4 lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) ruminal pH than the T1 and T2 lambs. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?<?0.05) ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, NH₃-N and C18:0 than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, methanogens and total protozoa compared with those fed other diets. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) neutrophils, basophils and serum urea and greater (P?<?0.05) serum IgA and IgG compared with the control lambs. The current results emphasised the variation in the efficacy of medicinal plants in ruminant nutrition.     

Performance, growth, and maturity of Nellore bulls

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, average daily gain (ADG), microbial efficiency, empty body weight (EBW) gain, and body composition of Nellore bulls. Additionally, Nellore bull maturity was estimated, and the prediction equation for DMI, suggested by the Brazilian nutrient requirements system (BR CORTE; Azevêdo et al. 2010), was evaluated. Thirty-three Nellore bulls, with a mean initial weight of 259?±?25 kg and age of 14?±?1 months, were used in this study. Five animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment (control group), and the remaining 28 were divided into 4 groups, each slaughtered at 42-day intervals. Their diet was composed of corn silage and concentrate (55:45). The power model was used to estimate muscle tissue, bone tissue, crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), and water present in the empty body, while the exponential model was used to estimate adipose tissue and ether extract (EE) present in the empty body. When expressed in kilograms per day, differences were observed (P?<?0.05) only for the intake of EE and neutral detergent fiber as a function of feedlot time periods. Although there was a difference in relation to nutrient intake, it did not affect (P?>?0.05) digestibility, with the exception of EE digestibility. The equation suggested by BR CORTE correctly estimates the DMI of Nellore bulls. ADG was not affected (P?>?0.05) by time spent in the feedlot. No differences were observed (P?>?0.05) for microbial efficiency; a mean value of 142 g microbial crude protein/kg total digestible nutrients was achieved. The muscle and bone tissues, CP, MM, and water present in the empty body increased as the animal grew, although at a lower rate. The adipose tissue and EE present in the empty body increased their deposition rate when the animal reached its mature weight. Maturity is defined as when an animal reaches 22 % EE in the empty body, which corresponds to 456 kg of EBW in Nellore bulls. Therefore, this study can conclude that the feedlot time period does not affect DMI, nutrient intake, ADG, or microbial efficiency. The equation proposed by BR CORTE (Azevêdo et al. 2010) correctly estimates the DMI of Nellore bulls, which reach maturity when an EBW of 456 kg is attained.     

Dry matter intake and digestibility of rations replacing concentrates with graded levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum in Pelibuey lambs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum pods in the ration on feed intake and digestibility by Pelibuey lambs. Five dietary treatments were imposed where ground pods replaced concentrate diet at 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % of dry matter (DM), respectively. The concentrate portion was composed of ground sorghum, soybean meal, cane molasses and minerals. Five entire Pelibuey lambs with initial bodyweight 34?±?2 kg were allocated in the treatments in a 5?×?5 Latin square design. Values of dry matter intake (DMI) and dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) digestibility were measured and metabolisable energy intake (MEI) estimated. Rumen degradation constants for E. cyclocarpum were also measured. There were no differences (P?>?0.05) in average DMI (86.6 g/kg^0.75) and OMI (81.2 g/kg^0.75) among treatments. As the level of incorporation of E. cyclocarpum pods increased, voluntary DMI and OMI increased, whereas apparent DMD and OMD decreased linearly. Average digestible DM (65 g/kg^0.75) and OM (61 g/kg^0.75) intakes were similar (P?>?0.05) among treatments. Similarly, MEI (0.976 MJ ME kg^0.75/day) was not different (P?>?0.05) among treatments. The potential rumen degradation (A?+?B) of ground pods of E. cyclocarpum was 866.4 g/kg DM. Ground pods of E. cyclocarpum can be employed for lamb feeding up to 50 % of the ration, without affecting DMI, DM apparent digestibility and MEI.     

Practice on improving fattening local cattle production in Vietnam by increasing crude protein level in concentrate and concentrate level

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of crude protein (CP) level in concentrate (experiment 1) and concentrate level (experiment 2) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) retention, ruminal pH and NH₃-N concentration and average daily gain (ADG) of Vietnamese local fattening cattle. Animals (24 cattle, initial live weight (LW) 150.3?±?11.8 kg in experiment 1 and 145.1?±?9.8 kg in experiment 2) were allotted based on LW to one of four treatments in a randomised complete block design. In experiment 1, concentrate with four levels of CP (10, 13, 16 and 19 %) was fed at 1.5 % of LW. In experiment 2, concentrate was fed at 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 % of LW. In both experiments, roughage was 5 kg/day native grass and ad libitum rice straw (fresh basis). Results showed that the CP level in concentrate significantly affected dry matter (DM) intake (P?<?0.05), N retention, ADG and ruminal NH₃-N concentration (P?<?0.01), but it had no significant effect on DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (P?>?0.05), whereas CP digestibility increased (P?<?0.001) along with the CP level. DM intake, N retention and ADG increased (P?<?0.001) linearly with concentrate intake. DM and CP digestibility were not significantly affected by concentrate intake (P?>?0.05). OM digestibility and NH₃-N concentration increased linearly (P?<?0.05), whereas NDF digestibility and ruminal pH declined linearly with increased concentrate consumption (P?<?0.01). These results indicate that 16 % CP in concentrate and feeding concentrate at the rate of 2.2 % of LW are recommendable for fattening local cattle in Vietnam.     

The nutritional value of peanut hay (Arachis hypogaea L.) as an alternate forage source for sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and feeding value of peanut hay (Arachis hypogaea L.) produced under tropical environment as an alternate forage resource for sheep. Peanut hay was appreciably high in crude protein [CP; 105 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and lower in neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 466 g/kg DM). Moreover, peanut hay was rich in Ca (12 g/kg DM) and P (1.7 g/kg DM). A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of substituting wheat straw with peanut hay on nutrient intake, digestibility, and N utilization. Four adult Ramghani (Kaghani × Rambouillet) wethers (60?±?2.5 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to the four dietary treatments according to a 4?×?4 Latin square design. The four rations were formulated on isonitrogenous and isocaloric bases and differed in the proportion (in grams per kilogram DM) of wheat straw/peanut hay, i.e., 700:0, 460:240, 240:460, and 0:700. The replacement of wheat straw with peanut hay increased the intakes of DM (P?<?0.001), NDF (P?<?0.01), and N (P?<?0.001). Moreover, apparent in vivo digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP increased (P?<?0.001) with the increasing proportion of peanut hay in the ration. Nitrogen retention in the body increased (P?<?0.01; 3.2 to 8.1 g/day) with the replacement of wheat straw with peanut hay. These findings showed that substitution of wheat straw with peanut hay can improve DM and nutrients intake, digestibility, and N retention in sheep.     

Evaluation of bovine rumen contents as a feed for lambs

This study evaluated effects of increasing levels of dried rumen contents (DRC) on voluntary intake, growth performance, digestibility, nutritive value, N utilization, microbial protein supply (MPS), and purine derivatives excretion (PDE) of lambs fed with Afzelia africana basal forage. Sixteen lambs (13.7?±?0.1 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to one of the four eight diets containing 0, 200, 400 and 600 g DRC/kg dry matter (DM) in a completely random design. Intakes of concentrate, DM, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), digestible CP (DCP), digestible OM (DOM), digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), CP and OM digestibility, DOM, DCP, DE, ME, N intake and retention, weight gain, cost/kg BW gain, MPS and PDE increased with increasing DRC level up to 400 g/kg DRC and declined at 600 g/kg DRC (P?<?0.05; 0.01). Feed conversion ratio and DM digestibility declined as DRC level increased from 0 to 400 g/kg and peaked at 600 g/kg DRC (P?<?0.05; 0.01). Forage intake and DE/DCP ratio decreased (P?<?0.05; 0.01) progressively with increasing DRC level. Results indicate that DRC can be incorporated up to 400 g/kg in a compounded ration for sheep.     

Digestibility of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)-based diets supplemented with four levels of Gliricidia sepium hay in hair sheep lambs

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementing increasing levels of Gliricidia sepium hay (GS) with different levels of inclusion of Buffel grass (BG) hay on digestibility by hair sheep lambs (2.5 to 3.5 months of age). Eight male lambs were used in a replicated 4?×?4 Latin square design with 21-day experimental periods (n?=?4). Animals were fed with BG with different levels of GS: 100 % BG (T1, control), 90 % BG?+?10 % GS (T2), 80 % BG?+?20 % GS (T3), and 70 % BG?+?30 % GS (T4). Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intakes were not affected by treatments. The intake of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and gross energy was higher (P?<?0.05) in those lambs fed with T4 diet than control. NDF and ADF digestibilities were higher (P?<?0.05) in T1 than in the other treatments. CP digestibility was higher (P?<?0.05) in T4 compared to T1, T2, and T3. The study showed that inclusion of GS up to 30 % with BG in forage-based diets of sheep does not affect DM and fiber intake nor influence DM and OM digestibilities but it increases CP intake and reduces NDF and ADF digestibilities.     

Performance,endocrine, metabolic,and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers submitted to different supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning on performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers. Fifty Nellore heifers with 132?±?9.9 kg average body weight (BW) and 138?±?19 days of age were supplemented from 4 to 14 months. The heifers were distributed into five supplementation plans: HH—6 g/kg of BW of supplement pre- and post-weaning, HL—6 g/kg of BW of supplement pre-weaning and 3 g/kg post-weaning, LH—3 g/kg of BW pre-weaning and 6 g/kg of BW post-weaning, LL—3 g/kg of BW pre- and post-weaning, and CC—control, no supplementation. Interactions were not significant (P?>?0.10). The level of supplement fed pre-weaning did not affect any of the performance variables evaluated at the end of the experiment (P?>?0.10). There was a significant effect of supplementation and level of supplementation fed post-weaning on average daily gain (ADG) and final BW (P?<?0.05). Overall ADG was also affected only by supplementation and level of supplement fed post-weaning (P?<?0.05) with animals receiving 6 g/kg of BW post-weaning gaining more weight. Follicular diameter was greater in animals that received 6 g/kg of BW post-weaning (P?<?0.05). In summary, performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive variables evaluated in the current study were improved by the level of supplement fed post-weaning. Heifers receiving supplementation of 6 g/kg of BW post-weaning had greater responses, independent of the level received during the pre-weaning phase.     

Nutritional evaluation of wheat straw treated with Crinipellis sp. in Sahiwal calves

Wheat straw was subjected to solid-state fermentation (SSF) with lignolytic white-rot fungus (WRF) Crinipellis sp. for 5 days to improve the nutritive value and digestibility. The fungal treatment caused a significant (P?<?0.05) decrease in cell wall constituents viz., neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose to the extent of 10.4, 11.2, 8.7, 8.7, and 12.1 %, respectively, with increase (P?<?0.05) in crude protein (CP) (51.6%) and ash (25.8%) contents in fungal treated wheat straw (FT-WS) than untreated wheat straw (UT-WS). Further, in vitro gas production, in vitro true dry matter digestibility and in vitro true organic matter digestibility at 48 h, metabolizable energy (ME) content, microbial biomass production, and short-chain fatty acids synthesis were significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in FT-WS. In vivo feeding trial in 10 Sahiwal calves (8–12 months) comprised of (1) control group (T1) fed with ad libitum chopped UT-WS and (2) treatment group (T2) offered with ad libitum chopped FT-WS, in addition to supplementation of groundnut cake and green berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) forage to both groups. Digestibility of nutrients for dry matter (DM), organic matter, CP, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, and total carbohydrates were significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in T2 compared to T1. Moreover, daily DM (P?<?0.05), digestible crude protein (P?<?0.01), and ME intakes were also higher (P?<?0.05) in group T2 with higher (P?<?0.05) nitrogen (N) retention, which resulted in significantly (P?<?0.05) higher average daily gain in body weight (135 vs. 102 g/day). It was concluded that SSF with WRF Crinipellis sp. holds potential in upgrading the nutritional worth of wheat straw for feeding growing calves.     

Effect of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) seeds as a replacement protein source of soybean meal on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Awassi lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing the protein source of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of bitter vetch seeds (BVS) in the diets of finishing Awassi ram lambs on performance, and carcass characteristics. Diets were designed based on replacing SBM with BVS as a percentage of the diet. Diets were: control (0% BVS), substituting 5% of SBM (5% BVS), 10% of SBM (10% BVS) and the entire SBM in the ration with BVS (15% BVS). Forty eight lambs (18.74?±?3.95 kg initial body weight and 70 days of age) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment diets (12 lambs/treatment). Lambs were given an adaptation period of 10 days and the experiment lasted for 84 days. At the end of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed and 6 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Average daily gain tended (P?=?0.07) to be higher for lambs fed 10% BVS when compared to the other diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P?<?0.01) in control diet compared to the other diets. Fat depth (C) and leg fat depth (L3) tended (0.05?<?P?<?0.1) to be affected by BVS levels in the diet. Leg total lean % was the highest (P?<?0.05) in 5% BVS and 10% BVS diets. These results suggest that substituting SBM with BVS in the diets did not influence performance or carcass characteristics of lambs. However, the cost of ration formulation decreases since SBM is a very expensive component of the ration.     

Assessment of different levels of enset (Ensete ventricosum) corm as an energy supplement in sheep fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of enset corm as a supplement to sheep fed Rhodes grass hay. Thirty local yearling rams with a mean (±SD) body weight of 16.97 (±1.13) kg were used. Six sheep were allocated to each of the five treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments were hay ad libitum and 129 g dry matter (DM) corm (T1), 188 g DM corm (T2), 248 g DM corm (T3), 100 g DM noug (T4) cake, and hay alone (T5). One hundred grams of noug seedcake was supplemented for all treatments except T5. Total DM and organic matter (OM) intakes of sheep in T1, T2, and T3 were the highest (P?<?0.05) compared with sheep in other treatments, while sheep in T5 consumed the lowest DM and OM. The total crude protein (CP) intakes of sheep in T3 and T2 were greater (P?<?0.05) than the other treatments, while sheep in T5 consumed the lowest CP. The apparent DM and OM digestibility coefficients of T1, T2, and T3 diets were higher (P?<?0.05) compared with T5. The lowest (P?<?0.05) CP digestibility was in T5, whereas the digestibility among the supplemented groups was similar (P?>?0.05). The daily body weight gain for T1, T2, and T3 diets was greater (P?<?0.05) than that of T5. The feed conversion efficiency for T1 and T2 was higher (P?<?0.05) than T5, while T4 had an intermediate value. The highest (P?<?0.05) nitrogen retention was in sheep fed T3 diet, while the lowest was in those fed T5. It is concluded that farmers can supplement enset corm at 129 g DM/day as an alternative energy source to improve the productivity of sheep for small-scale farmers under enset-livestock production systems.     

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and monensin on digestion, ruminal parameters, and balance of nitrogenous compounds of beef cattle fed diets with different starch concentrations

This study was carried out aiming to evaluate the effects of yeast or monensin supplementation on dry matter intake, nutrients digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acids profile, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, microbial protein synthesis, and the balance of nitrogen compounds of cattle fed high concentrate diet (80 % dry matter (DM) basis) with two different levels of starch. Eight crossbred beef steers fitted with rumen cannula were assigned to two simultaneous 4?×?4 Latin squares arranged in a 4?×?2 factorial design. Two different starch levels (23 and 38 % of DM) were assigned to each Latin square, independently. Within each Latin square, four treatments were randomly assigned to the experimental animals (control; monensin; 1-g yeast [1 g/100 kg body weight (BW)/day] treatment; and 2.5-g yeast [2.5 g/100 kg BW/day] treatment). Feed additives did not influence ruminal pH (P?>?0.05). Total ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration was greater (P?<?0.05) in the diet with the lowest starch level. Similarly, monensin and 1-g yeast treatments resulted in greater (P?<?0.05) VFA concentration in the rumen. Monensin inclusion in the diet with the highest starch level led to a decrease (P?<?0.05) in lactate concentration in the rumen. However, acetate levels were increased (P?<?0.05) by the inclusion of 1 g of yeast in the diet with lowest starch level. Ruminal concentrations of propionate and butyrate, and ammonia-N were not influenced (P?>?0.05) by none of the additives evaluated. However, propionate concentration was greater (P?<?0.05) in the low-starch diets. Low-starch diets resulted in lower ruminal ammonia-N concentration and greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P?<?0.05). The excretion of urinary nitrogenous compounds, purine derivatives, synthesis of microbial protein, microbial efficiency, and balance of nitrogenous compounds were not affected by treatments evaluated (P?>?0.05). Monensin or yeast inclusion in high concentrate beef cattle diets in tropical regions as in Brazil is not justified by do not alter nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and main ruminal parameters.     

Feeding value of different levels of malt sprout and katikala atella on nutrient utilization and growth performance of sheep fed basal diet of Rhodes grass hay

Nonconventional agro-industrial by-products such as traditional liquor residues (locally called katikala atella) are widely used by livestock farmers in Ethiopia. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the supplementary value of katikala atella and malt sprout (MS) on performance of sheep fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay. Thirty intact yearling male sheep with an average initial body weight of 17.4?±?0.74 kg (mean?±?SD) were assigned to the treatments in a completely randomized block design: atella alone (T1), 75 % atella?+?25 % malt sprout (MS) (T2), 50 % atella?+?50 % MS (T3), 25 % atella?+?75 % MS (T4), MS alone (T5), and Rhodes grass hay alone (T6). Grass hay was fed ad libitum to all treatments. The total dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intakes of sheep fed T4, T5, and T3 diets were the highest (P?<?0.05), while sheep receiving T6 had the lowest DM intake. The highest (P?<?0.05) total crude protein (CP) intake was for sheep fed T5 diet, while the lowest was for those fed T6 diet. Sheep receiving T3 diet had higher (P?<?0.05) DM, OM, CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility as compared with those fed T1, T2, and T6 diets. Sheep supplemented with 50–100 % malt sprout had similar (P?>?0.05) DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility. The highest (P?<?0.05) average daily gain was for sheep fed T3, T4, and T5 diets, while sheep in T6 lost body weight. Sheep fed T5 diet had the highest (P?<?0.05) nitrogen retention, while those fed T6 diet had the lowest. The study has shown that a mixture diet consisting of equal parts of katikala atella and malt sprout (T3) are found to be superior in most of the required nutrient characteristics.     

Comparative evaluation of effective microbe– and urea molasses–treated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw on nutritive values and growth performance of Washera sheep in northwestern Ethiopia

An experiment was carried out to comparatively evaluate the effect of effective microbe (EM)– and urea molasses (UM)–treated finger millet straw (EMTFMS and UMTFMS, respectively) on nutrient utilization and growth performance of Washera lambs. Twenty yearling intact male Washera lambs with an initial body weight of 21.13?±?1.77 kg (mean ± SE) were used for feeding and digestibility trial. These lambs were grouped into five blocks of four animals and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. The four experimental feeds were untreated finger millet straw (control) + 150 g wheat bran (WB) (T1), untreated finger millet straw + 150 g WB + 150 g Noug seed cake (NSC) (T2), UMTFMS + 150 g WB + 150 g NSC (T3), and EMTFMS + 150 g WB + 150 g NSC (T4). The lambs were de-wormed and vaccinated against ecto- and endo-parasites. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedure of SAS. Results showed that crude protein (CP) content of finger millet straw (FMS) was improved from 2.13 to 9.7% in UM treatment and 2.13 to 2.39% in EM treatments. Total DM, CP, and OM intake were higher in lambs assigned in UMTFMS (P?<?0.01) and EMTFMS (P?<?0.01) than the control groups and significantly highest (P?<?0.01) in UMTFMS. A non-significant (P?>?0.05) difference was observed between treatment technologies in all nutrient apparent digestibility and average daily weight gain. Therefore, it can be concluded that both treatments could serve as an alternative measure to improve nutritive value of finger millet straw, but due to environmental effect, EM treatment could be safe.

     

Effect of feeding of calcium hydroxide-treated or vitamin E-supplemented cottonseed meal on plasma gossypol levels, blood parameters, and performance of Bikaneri lambs

To study the effect of feeding calcium hydroxide-treated or vitamin E-supplemented cottonseed meal (CSM) incorporated diets on plasma gossypol, blood parameters and animal performance, 24 male Bikaneri lambs of 6–7 months of age and of uniform body weight were divided into four groups of six animals each in a completely randomized design and respectively fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric concentrate mixtures containing 20 % soybean meal (CON) or 40 % raw CSM (RCSM), 40 % raw CSM supplemented with 500 IU of vitamin E per head per day (ERCSM), and 40 %, 1.5 % calcium hydroxide-treated CSM (CaCSM) along with ad libitum wheat straw throughout 510 days of experimental feeding. The lambs on all the diets grew linearly throughout the experimental period. The total weight gain, in turn the average daily gain (ADG), was not affected by dietary variations. The daily intake of dry matter, crude protein (CP), digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were found comparable among lambs of all the groups. Though total gossypol intake was similar in RCSM, ECSM and CaCSM groups, however, free gossypol intake was significantly higher (P?<?0.01) in RCSM, ECSM groups as compared to CaCSM group. Serum iron and blood hemoglobin levels were significantly (P?<?0.05) lower in RCSM group as compared to CaCSM and CON groups, and ALT activity was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher on RCSM group as compared to other groups. Plasma gossypol and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes were significantly (P?<?0.05) increased in RCSM group as compared to CaCSM and ERCSM groups. However, there was no significant difference in the concentration of other blood/serum biochemical constituents among the lambs on different groups. Based on the results, it may be concluded that feeding of 40 % CSM in the concentrate mixture of the diet in Bikaneri lambs did not have any major adverse effect in blood parameters and animal performance. Either calcium hydroxide treatment or vitamin E supplementation did not produce any major additional benefits.     

Influence of varying levels of supplemental cassava root meal without or with groundnut cake on performance of growing Laisind cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of varying levels of cassava root meal (CRM, 300 and 1,000 g), without or with 700 g groundnut cake (GNC) on intake and performance of growing Laisind cattle fed with a basal diet of urea-treated rice straw (URTRS). Twenty-four male cattle of crossbred Laisind (50 % Red Sindhi and 50 % local Yellow, both Bos indicus), from 15 to 17 months of age, 165–175 kg body weight, were used. They were assigned to a completely randomized block design in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement (two CRM levels and two GNC levels). Intake of URTRS (interaction, P?<?0.01) and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (interaction, P?<?0.05) decreased as CRM level increased on the diets without GNC but was not affected by CRM level on the diets with GNC. The total dry matter intake (interaction, P?<?0.05) and live weight gain (LWG) (interaction, P?<?0.001) increased as CRM level increased on the diets with GNC, but no difference was observed on the diets without GNC. In conclusion, supplementation of 1,000 g CRM should be in combination with 700 g GNC to avoid the negative effects on URTRS intake and digestibility, therefore improving LWG of growing Laisind cattle fed on a URTRS-based diet.     

Use of biochar by sheep: impacts on diet selection,digestibility, and performance

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of biochar obtained from exothermic production of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) on sheep performance and diet digestibility and on preference for a ration enriched with this carbon-based material. Twenty-four lambs were housed in individual pens and assigned to one of three treatment groups (eight animals per group), where they received: 1) a 60:40 ration of alfalfa:barley (Control), 2) an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous ration with alfalfa, barley, and 2% biochar (BC), and 3) a simultaneous offer of the Control and BC rations (Choice). Lambs were exposed to two consecutive feeding periods (Period 1: 13 d and Period 2: 21 d), representing time intervals where the evolution of intake, animal performance, and rumen parameters were assessed; in vivo digestibility was determined during the last 5 d of the study. Ration intake did not differ among groups of lambs (P > 0.10), although during some days in Period 2, intake was greater for the BC and Choice groups than for the Control group (P < 0.05). Lambs in Choice had a lower preference for BC than for the Control ration (Period 1: P < 0.05; Period 2: P < 0.10), although they incorporated a substantial amount of BC (39 and 40%, for Periods 1 and 2, respectively) into their diets. No differences in body weight gains (ADG) or gain-to-feed ratios were found among groups of animals (P > 0.10), although dry matter digestibility and digestible dry matter intake was greater for lambs in the BC group than for lambs in Control group (P < 0.05). The ruminal concentration of the volatile acid acetate in Period 2 was greater for BC than for Choice (P < 0.05). During the same period, the concentration of valerate and ruminal pH values were greater in BC than in Control (P < 0.05). Thus, the addition of biochar to grain-based diets enhanced diet digestibility and influenced some ruminal parameters in lambs. Nevertheless, these positive effects were not reflected in significant improvements on ADG or feed conversion efficiencies. Lambs offered choices between Control and BC rations formed a diet with concentrations of biochar of ~1.2%, suggesting that these animals would tolerate such levels without reductions in ration palatability.