Body weight and tissue gain in lambs fed an all-concentrate diet and implanted with trenbolone acetate or grazed on alfalfa

Targhee x Hampshire lambs (average BW 23 +/- 1 kg) were used in two experiments to determine the effects of finishing on concentrate with an anabolic implant or forage grazing after concentrate feeding on growth, organ and viscera weights, and carcass tissue accretion. In Exp. 1 and 2 lambs were penned by sex and assigned for slaughter at initial (23 kg), intermediate (37 kg), or end BW (ewes, 47.7; wethers 50.4 kg). From 23 to 37 kg BW, lambs were fed all-concentrate diets in drylot (DL) or grazed on alfalfa (ALF). Experiment 1 was a 2 x 2 factorial with 28 lambs; factors were wether vs ewe lambs and unimplanted vs DL implanted with trenbolone acetate-estradiol benzoate. There were no differences in organ and viscera weights due to implant status. However, ADG (P < .03) and lean gain (P < .02) were greater for implanted than for unimplanted wethers (507 vs 357 g and 1,314 vs 656 g, respectively). Ewes did not respond to the implant. Fat accretion was not affected by implantation. Experiment 2 was a 2 x 3 factorial with 42 lambs; factors were wether vs ewe lambs and drylot during growing and finishing phases (DL-DL) vs drylot during growing and alfalfa grazing during finishing (DL-ALF) vs alfalfa grazing during growing and finishing phases (ALF-ALF). In Exp. 2, ADG of DL-DL lambs was greater (P < .01) than ADG of DL-ALF or ALF-ALF lambs. Lambs on ALF-ALF had smaller (P < .05) livers and rumen/reticulum weights but heavier (P < .04) kidney, omasum, small and large intestine, and cecum weights than those on DL. In Exp. 2, DL-ALF and ALF-ALF lambs had overall hindsaddle lean gain equal to those on DL-DL with less mesenteric fat and 100 g less separable fat. Finishing lambs on alfalfa reduced fat accretion without decreasing lean accretion, whereas trenbolone acetate implants for lambs fed concentrate increased BW gain and lean accretion without affecting fat accretion.     

Utilization of grass silage by growing cattle: effect of a supplement containing ruminally protected amino acids.

Sixteen crossbred steers (278 +/- 4.9 kg) were used to determine the influence of supplemental ruminally protected lysine and methionine on performance of growing cattle fed grass silage. During the 154-d experiment, all steers were allowed ad libitum consumption of a good-quality grass silage during the first 70 d and of a lesser-quality silage during the remaining 84 d of the trial. The steers received a supplement of .5 kg/d of barley with or without a mixture of ruminally protected amino acid (RPAA) containing 8.2 g of lysine and 2.6 g of methionine. Compared with controls, steers supplemented with RPAA showed 16.3% improved (P less than .03) ADG (.92 vs 1.07 kg/d). Dry matter intake was not affected (P greater than .50) by treatment and averaged 2.03% BW across treatments. Supplementation with RPAA improved feed/gain by 13.6% (7.88 vs 6.81 for control and RPAA treatments, respectively, P less than .01). Plasma levels of methionine, lysine, arginine, and glutamic acid were higher (P less than .05) and of histidine were lower (P less than .001) when RPAA were fed. These results indicate that feeding RPAA can improve the performance of growing steers fed grass silages of varying qualities.     

Energy and protected protein supplements to lambs on endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture

The effect of supplements on intake, digestibility, N retention, ADG and blood and body composition of growing lambs fed cut herbage or grazing KY 31 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pastures at two levels of N fertilization (92 and 318 kg/ha) was determined. Supplements were corn (C), corn with soybean meal (U-SBM) and corn with heat-treated SBM (H-SBM). Metabolism trials were run at three growth stages in the 1st yr with 24 lambs. Although all supplements increased total DMI and DM digestibility, they decreased NDF digestibility relative to grass (G), with no difference between supplements; C depressed apparent CP digestibility. Nitrogen retention increased from -2.5 g/d on G to -.4 g/d on C and 3.2 and 4.1 g/d on U-SBM and H-SBM, respectively, for combined periods and N rates. Blood urea N (BUN) concentrations differed (P less than .01) in the following order: G greater than U-SBM greater than H-SBM greater than C. In the 2nd yr, lambs (n = 64) grazed fescue pastures at the same N fertilizer rates and were given the same supplements. Gains were not different (P less than .05) on low-N (LN) and high-N (HN) pastures. Seasonal ADG were 80, 115, 122 and 130 g/d for G, C, U-SBM and H-SBM treatments, respectively, with no difference (P less than .05) between U-SBM and H-SBM. At slaughter, lambs from G had lower dressing percentages (P less than .05) and fat content (P less than .01) than lambs on C, U-SBM and H-SBM treatments, with no differences between supplements. Results indicated a better performance of growing lambs on fescue with both energy and protein supplements. Response to protected vs unprotected protein was small.     

Effect of ruminal escape protein and fat on nitrogen utilization in lambs exposed to elevated ambient temperatures.

Eight wether lambs (mean BW = 28.8 kg) with ruminal and abomasal cannulas were assigned to either thermally neutral or high ambient temperature treatments. Within each temperature, lambs were randomly allotted to dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (60% corn and 24% cottonseed hulls) either with (high; 11.4% CP) or without (control; 10.1% CP) added ruminal escape CP as fish meal and with (high) or without (control) 5% added ruminally inert fat in a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement using a Latin square design. Lambs were fed 606 g of DM/d in each period, which consisted of a 10-d adjustment followed by 6 d of sample collection. High temperature increased (P less than .05) respiration rate, evaporative water loss, and rectal temperature. When compared with controls, lambs fed high escape CP retained more N when exposed to high temperatures (2.8 vs 3.6 g of N/d) and less N at neutral temperatures (3.3 vs 3.1 g of N/d; temperature x escape CP; P less than .05). Retention of N was greater (P less than .05) in lambs fed high than in those fed control fat (3.8 vs 2.7 g/d). Lambs fed high vs control escape CP had greater abomasal feed N flow (percentage of intake) when fed high-fat diets (77.3 vs 56.1%) but similar dietary N flow when fed control fat diets (55.8 vs 54.3%; fat x escape CP; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synchrony of nutrient supply to the rumen and dietary energy source and their effects on the growth and metabolism of lambs

The objective of the current series of experiments was to assess the effects of dietary synchrony of OM and N supply to the rumen, achieved by altering the sequence of feeding individual ingredients and in diets with different energy sources, on the metabolism and performance of growing lambs. In Exp. 1, the in situ degradability coefficients of OM and N were determined for five feed ingredients and subsequently was used to formulate two diets, based either on barley or sugar beet pulp, to have a similar predicted nutrient content. Within each diet, specific ingredients were shifted between the 0900 and 1600 feeding to provide either a synchronous, intermediate, or asynchronous supply of OM and N to the rumen. In Exp. 2, these diets were fed at a restricted level to 48 growing lambs with an initial live weight of 25.1 +/- 4.22 kg and a slaughter weight of 41.4 +/- 1.94 kg. There was no significant effect of dietary treatment on live weight gain or feed conversion efficiency. Lambs fed the synchronous diets deposited more kidney knob and channel fat than lambs on the asynchronous or intermediate diets (P < 0.05), whereas lambs fed the barley-based diets deposited more carcass (P < 0.05) and noncarcass (P < 0.001) fat than lambs on the sugar beet-based diets. Lambs fed the asynchronous diets retained less energy over the course of the experiment than lambs on the intermediate or synchronous diets (P < 0.05), and had a lower energy efficiency (0.079, 0.097, and 0.093 MJ retained/ MJ of intake, respectively, P < 0.05). Lambs fed the barley-based diets retained more energy than lambs on the sugar beet-based (P < 0.001) and had a higher energy balance (0.095 vs. 0.084 MJ retained/MJ intake, respectively; P < 0.01). Plasma ammonia concentrations mirrored ruminal ammonia concentrations on the barley-based diets, but not sugar beet-based diets. In Exp. 3, lambs fed the sugar beet-based diets had a higher digestibility of OM and NDF (P < 0.001). By contrast, lambs on the barley-based diets had a higher level of purine derivative excretion and microbial N production (P < 0.001). The results indicate that neither dietary synchrony nor energy source significantly influenced growth rate. However, both the asynchronous and sugar beet pulp-based diets resulted in a lower efficiency of dietary energy use, and the avoidance of asynchronous patterns of nutrient release within the rumen can improve energy efficiency in growing lambs.     

Effects of alpha-ketoisocaproate on adrenocorticotropin-induced suppression of lymphocyte function in sheep.

Previous studies of the amino acid analogue, alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC), indicate that it can stimulate lymphocyte blastogenesis and antibody responses of sheep. To determine whether KIC could overcome the effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-induced lymphocyte suppression, 24 lambs were fed a control diet, a diet supplemented with 0.05% KIC, or a diet supplemented with 0.05% of the parent amino acid leucine. Immune status was monitored by determining lymphocyte blastogenic responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA), concanavalin A (conA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and percentages of T-cell subsets in the blood, using monoclonal antibodies and a flow cytometer. Serum cortisol, insulin, and glucagon concentrations also were determined. After 60 days of consuming the respective diet, lambs were administered either saline solution or ACTH (100 IU) twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Administration of ACTH increased serum cortisol and insulin concentrations; however, no effects were seen for serum glucagon concentration. Compared with saline administration, ACTH administration significantly (P less than 0.05) suppressed mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis by approximately 50%, regardless of the mitogen used, and significantly (P less than 0.01) decreased the percentage of circulating T lymphocytes and decreased (P less than 0.01) the ratio of T4 to T8 cells. Lambs fed KIC had greater PHA- and conA-stimulated blastogenic responses and significantly (P less than 0.05) increased ratio of T4 to T8 cells in the blood, compared with lambs fed the leucine-supplemented diet or the control diet and given corresponding injections. These data indicate that ACTH decreased in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis and altered the subset ratios of blood lymphocytes in sheep. These changes were partially prevented by feeding KIC.     

Effects of heat and alcohol treatments of soybean meal on nitrogen utilization by sheep

Soybean meal (SBM) was treated with aqueous solutions of ethanol or propanol at room temperature or at 80 C to study treatment effects on SBM-N solubility and utilization by sheep. Soybean meal was soaked in an excess of 70% (v/v) ethanol at 80 C (ET-80), 70% ethanol at 23 C (ET-23) or 70% propanol at 80 C (PR-80). Nontreated SBM and nontreated SBM heated at 80 C without alcohol treatment (NT-80) served as controls. Nitrogen solubility in McDougall's buffer was lowest (P less than .05) for PR-80 and ET-80 (2.2 and 4.7% of total N, respectively), intermediate (P less than .05) for ET-23 (9.0%), greater (P less than .05) for nontreated SBM (36.2%) and highest for NT-80 (40.2%). In an situ study using three ruminally cannulated cows and two bags per treatment per animal per removal time, more (P less than .05) N remained in in situ bags after 3, 6, 9 and 12 h incubation for ET-23, ET-80 and PR-80 than for nontreated SBM and NT-80. A lamb metabolism trial, using 15 lambs in each of two periods, compared nontreated SBM, ET-23, ET-80, PR-80 and urea as N supplements. Nitrogen retention was higher (P less than .02) for lambs fed SBM treatments compared with urea. When the same N supplements were fed to wethers in a 5 X 5 Latin square experiment and duodenal N flow was measured, non-ammonia non-bacterial N flow was higher (P less than .07) for wethers fed SBM treatments than for wethers fed urea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of dietary monensin and potassium on apparent absorption of magnesium and other macroelements in sheep

Twelve ruminally cannulated lambs (average weight, 31.1 kg) were used to determine the effects of monensin and K on apparent absorption of Mg in lambs. Lambs were assigned randomly to two groups and fed a basal high concentrate diet containing .44% K with or without 20 mg/kg monensin for 19 d of dietary adjustment. During adjustment, lambs were housed by treatment group and given ad libitum access to their diets. Following dietary adjustment, lambs were placed in individual metabolism stalls and fed 450 g of their respective diet twice daily. Within each monensin group, lambs were infused ruminally with 0, 7.6 or 31.6 g K/d (equal amounts at each feeding in 158 ml of distilled-deionized water) during three periods in a 3 X 3 Latin-square arrangement of K treatments. Each period consisted of a 10-d preliminary phase and a 7-d collection phase followed by a 3-d D2O infusion phase to determine water turnover. Addition of monensin to the diet decreased (P less than .05) fecal Mg excretion 15.9%. Apparent absorption and retention of Mg were increased (P less than .05) with the addition of monensin. Increasing K level increased (P less than .05) fecal Mg excretion. Apparent absorption of Mg decreased (P less than .05) from .93 to .80 g/d when either level of K was infused into the rumen. Monensin decreased the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio. There was a significant interaction between monensin and K level for acetate and propionate (molar %), and A:P ratio. In the presence of higher K concentrations, monensin appears to be more effective in decreasing the A:P ratio.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of copper and fat addition to the diets of weanling swine on growth performance and serum fatty acids.

A 2 x 3 factorial experiment, encompassing three 28-d trials involving a total of 420 weanling pigs, was conducted to determine the effect of dietary Cu (5 or 250 ppm) and animal fat (0, 2.5, or 5%) on the performance and serum fatty acid profiles of weanling pigs. Pigs had ad libitum access to corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 10% whey and 5% fish meal and similar lysine:calorie ratios. Pigs were weighed and pen feed intakes were recorded weekly. Weekly blood samples were collected during the first two trials (n = 270) for serum fatty acid analysis. There was a Cu x fat interaction for ADG from d 1 to 14 (P less than .07) and over the 28-d experiment (P less than .05). The ADG of pigs fed 250 ppm of Cu increased, whereas the ADG of pigs fed 5 ppm of Cu was not affected as dietary fat increased. The addition of 250 ppm of CU increased (P less than .01) ADFI throughout the 28-d experiment. The addition of fat quadratically increased ADG (P less than .05) during d 14 to 28 and gain:feed ratios (P less than .01) during d 14 to 28 and over the 28-d experiment. The addition of fat decreased (P less than .05) the weight percentage of serum saturated fatty acids and increased (P less than .01) the weight percentage of serum monounsaturated fatty acids on d 28. The addition of 250 ppm of Cu decreased (P less than .01) the weight percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids on d 14 and 28.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of supplemental protein source and level of urea on intestinal amino acid supply and feedlot performance of lambs fed diets based on alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental CP source and level of urea on intestinal amino acid (AA) supply and feedlot performance of lambs fed diets based on alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHPWS). In Exp. 1, five cannulated (ruminal, duodenal, and ileal) crossbred wethers (61 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of different sources of CP and included soybean meal (SBM), a combination of urea, distillers dried grains (DDG), and fish meal, each provided an equal portion of supplemental CP (UDF), and three levels of urea (17, 33, and 50% of supplemental CP) fed in combination with DDG (U17, U33, and U50). Organic matter and N digestibilities decreased (P less than .05) when lambs were fed U17 compared with those fed SBM. There were no differences (P greater than .05) in bacterial N or AA flows to the duodenum due to CP source despite large differences in ruminal NH3 N concentrations and lower ruminal OM digestion when lambs were fed U17. Duodenal nonbacterial N and AA flows were highest (P less than .05) in lambs fed U17 and UDF and lowest when lambs were fed U50 and SBM. Lysine concentration in duodenal digesta decreased with incremental increases in DDG. In Exp. 2, 30 individually penned ram lambs (33 kg) were allotted to five CP treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were similar to those of Exp. 1, with the exception that U17 was replaced by a 14% CP diet with SBM as the supplemental CP source; all other diets were formulated to contain 12% CP. Lambs fed U50 had decreased (P less than .08) ADG and gain/feed compared with all other treatments, and lambs fed UDF had greater (P less than .05) ADG and gain/feed than lambs fed U33. It was concluded that 17% of the supplemental CP from urea seems adequate to maximize bacterial protein synthesis and that no more than 33% of the supplemental CP should be provided by urea in diets based on AHPWS. Feeding a combination of ruminally resistant protein sources with complementary AA profiles of lysine and methionine (UDF) may enhance quality of protein entering the duodenum and feedlot performance.     

Effects of plane of nutrition, growth hormone and unsaturated fat on growth hormone, insulin and prolactin receptors in prepubertal lambs

The influence of plane of nutrition, growth hormone (GH) treatment and dietary polyunsaturated fat on serum concentrations of GH and insulin (INS) and binding capacities of GH, INS and prolactin (PRL) in liver, mammary parenchyma and adipose tissue was assessed in prepubertal ewe lambs. Ten lambs were assigned to each of four treatment groups. Treatments included: (A) lambs with ad libitum access to a high-energy ration; (G) lambs fed as group A and treated with bovine GH (.08 mg/kg/d); (R) lambs with feed intake restricted to limit ADG to about 120 g; and (S) lambs with ad libitum access to a ration including formaldehyde-protected sunflower seed. Diets, all approximately isonitrogenous and isocaloric, were fed from about 7 to 22 wk of age. Weekly blood samples were collected during wk 6 to 14 of the trial. Averaged across sampling dates, mean serum concentrations of GH were elevated in G lambs (P less than .05) and INS concentrations differed in the order G greater than A greater than R = S (P less than .05). Crude membranes for binding assays were prepared from liver, mammary parenchyma and adipose tissue. Mean concentrations of GH receptors in liver and PRL receptors in mammary parenchyma were elevated in group S lambs (P less than .01). Dietary polyunsaturated fat increased the number of GH receptors in liver and PRL receptors in mammary parenchyma. Increased availability of receptors may mediate the stimulation of mammary growth observed in lambs fed polyunsaturated fat.     

Feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and sensory quality of lambs, with or without prolific ancestry, fed diets with different protein supplements.

Data were collected on 130 intact male lambs fed diets based on roughages supplemented with fish meal, soybean meal, or corn gluten-blood meal and slaughtered at 43 kg live weight. A nonsupplemented group served as a control. The lambs represented Romanov (R), Finnsheep (F), a new breed developed in Canada (DLS), Coopworth (C), and Suffolk (S), three first crosses of DLS with R, F, and Booroola Merino (B), and their backcrosses to DLS. Supplemented lambs consumed 16 to 22% less (P less than .05) silage than control lambs. Average daily gains of lambs fed fish meal (226 g) and corn gluten-blood meal (217 g) were higher and feed conversion ratio (4.99 and 5.11) lower than that of lambs fed soybean meal (189 g and 5.48) or control (186 g and 5.76) diets (P less than .05). The cost of feed per kilogram of gain or per kilogram of lean produced was similar in the four treatments but was between C $.23 and .65 cheaper in the protein-supplemented groups when the number of days to reach slaughter weight was considered. The effect of diet on carcass traits and meat quality were minimal. Meat of lambs fed the three protein supplements was less juicy than that of control lambs. With a few exceptions, most of the significant differences among genetic groups in growth, carcass, and sensory traits were mainly between prolific (R and F) and meat-type breeds (C, S, and DLS). Gain in weight was highest in S lambs (199 g/d), but F and R first crosses were the youngest at slaughter (196 and 198 d). The F lambs had higher dressing and kidney fat percentages than meat-type breeds. The DLS lambs had the largest longissimus muscle area (14.0 cm2), whereas C had the smallest (10.7 cm2). The B crosses had larger longissimus muscle area than R and F crosses. The R lambs had more lean and less fat in the 12th rib, whereas C lambs had the lowest lean and a high bone percentage. The toughest and the most tender roasts were those of R and B crossbred lambs, respectively. Roasts from F lambs had the most intense lamb flavor.     

Effect of dietary lactic acid on rumen lactate metabolism and blood acid-base status of lambs switched from low to high concentrate diets.

Two experiments were conducted with ruminally fistulated wether lambs to determine the effect of lactic acid addition to a hay diet on rumen lactate metabolism, blood acid-base status and subsequent adaptation to a high concentrate diet. In Exp. 1, lambs were fed mature brome hay (H), H plus 5% (w/w) D,L lactic acid (H5L) or H plus 10% lactic acid (H10L) (three lambs per treatment) for 14 days (phase I) then switched to a 90% concentrate diet for 2 days (phase II). In Exp. 2, lambs were fed alfalfa-brome hay (H) (six lambs), H plus 2.5% lactic acid (H2.5L) (six lambs) or H plus 5% lactic acid (H5L) (four lambs) during phase I, then switched to a 70% concentrate diet (3 days) followed by a 90% concentrate diet (10 days) (phase II). During both experiments rumen fluid samples were taken periodically for pH and lactate analyses and in vitro L- or D-lactate disappearance (IVLD) studies. Blood samples were taken to measure acid-base status, serum lactate, and serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Dietary lactic acid enhanced IVLD during phase I of both experiments. L and D isomer IVLD rates were similar and followed zero-order kinetics. In Exp. 2, IVLD increased rapidly during phase II in response to increased concentrate level in the diet; the enhanced rates of H2.5L and H5L lambs were sustained for the first 3 days of phase II. Blood data from both experiments indicated a deleterious effect of dietary lactic acid on blood acid-base balance; however, this treatment effect was not manifested in any symptoms of acute acidosis. There was a decrease (P less than .05) in serum calcium during phase II of both experiments. In Experiment 1, serum calcium increased linearly (P less than .05) in response to dietary lactic acid level. In Exp. 1, rumen fluid total lactate and L-lactate were lower (P less than .05) for H5L vs H lambs during phase II. However, all lambs in Exp. 1 experienced acute acidosis; four of the nine lambs subsequently died. There was evidence of acidosis in Exp. 2, but there were no clear treatment effects during phase II on rumen fluid pH or lactate, or feed intake. All lambs adapted to the high concentrate diets as evidenced by rumen lactate levels and feed intakes. In both experiments, the proportion of L-lactate in rumen fluid decreased from almost 100 to about 50% of total lactate by the end of phase II.     

Fat source and calcium level effects on finishing steer performance, digestion, and metabolism

A 111-d finishing study evaluated animal growth and carcass characteristics using 138 steers (366 kg) in a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The dietary treatments consisted of no supplemental fat or 3.5% tallow or soybean oil soapstock (SS) fed with .6% and .9% dietary Ca. Fat increased DMI (P less than .05) but interacted with Ca level (P less than .05) for gain/feed and ADG. All diets containing fat or .9% Ca were converted more efficiently to gain than the .6% Ca, no supplemental fat diet (P less than .05). The .9% Ca interacted with fat source to decrease gain (P less than .05) and tended to decrease efficiency in the tallow diet but improved efficiency (P less than .05) and tended to improve gain in the no-fat diet. In the SS diet, .9% Ca had no effect on ADG, DMI, or efficiency of gain. Fat addition increased backfat (P less than .10) and interacted with Ca on hot carcass weight, final weight, and dressing percentage (P less than .05). Feeding fat increased the proportion of 18:0 (P less than .02) and decreased the proportion of 16:1 fatty acids (P less than .06) in intermuscular fat. A replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design, using six Holstein steers (349 kg) fed three diets, with no supplemental fat or 3.5% SS or tallow with 1.0% Ca, was used to explore the effects of fat sources when fed with high Ca on digestion and metabolism. Ruminal fluid pH was higher (P less than .10) when steers were fed fat. Adding fat did not affect (P greater than .10) duodenal or ileal pH, VFA proportions or total concentration, or ruminal liquid volume or flow rate. Liquid retention time was shorter and liquid rate of passage was higher (P less than .05) with dietary fat addition. Adding fat did not affect site or extent of starch or DM digestion. There was net synthesis of 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 fatty acids in the rumen. When steers were fed tallow, synthesis of 16:0 and 18:0 fatty acids in the rumen was lower (P less than .10) than when steers were fed SS. Feeding fat tended to decrease (P = .11) bacterial N flowing at the duodenum but did not affect nonbacterial N or total N. Fat addition seems to affect ruminal kinetics, and the effects may vary with fat source, particularly relative to fatty acid synthesis and digestion.     

Effect of monensin on rumen ciliate protozoa in sheep

In a first experiment 4 rams consumed over a period of 70 days 0; 82; 208 and 345 mg of monensin daily, respectively. All doses of monensin caused a marked decrease in total numbers of rumen protozoa in samples taken after this period. More than 90% of total protozoal numbers belonged to the genus Entodinium. The sensitivity of the genus Entodinium to monensin was found to be lower than that of genera Dasytricha and Isotricha. In the second experiment 24 lambs were fed hay and concentrates in the ratio 60:40% (groups 1 and 2) and 40:60% (groups 3 and 4). Groups 2 and 4 received 40 mg monensin per animal daily during 16 weeks. The decrease in protozoal numbers due to monensin in samples taken after this period was significant (P less than 0.001) in lambs fed the concentrate diet (groups 3 and 4) and also in lambs from groups 1 and 2 fed the roughage diet (P less than 0.05). The statistical evaluation of the inhibition of total protozoal numbers by monensin (%) in lambs fed both diets has shown that the antiprotozoal effect of monensin was significantly more intensive with the concentrate diet (P less than 0.025) than with the roughage diet.     

Winter-feeding systems for gestating sheep II. Effects on feedlot performance, glucose tolerance, and carcass composition of lamb progeny

Mature pregnant crossbred ewes (n = 90) were used in a randomized complete block design experiment and were assigned to 1 of 3 winter-feeding systems differing in primary feed source: haylage (HL), limit-fed corn (CN), or limit-fed dried distillers grains (DDGS). Effects of these winter-feeding strategies on postweaning progeny performance were determined. Lamb progeny (n = 96) were weaned at 61 ± 4 d of age and fed a common high-concentrate diet. Lambs were assigned to feedlot pen (n = 18) based on dam mid-gestation pen. Growth rate, DMI, and ADG were determined for the first 40 d of the finishing period. At 96 ± 4 d of age, 1 wether lamb was randomly selected from each pen (n = 18) for a glucose tolerance test. The experiment was terminated, and lambs were slaughtered individually when they were determined to have achieved 0.6-cm 12th-rib fat thickness. After a 24-h chill, carcass data were collected and a 2.54-cm chop was removed from each lamb from the LM posterior to the 12th rib for ether extract analysis. Additional carcass measurements of bone, muscle, and fat from the shoulder, rack, loin, and leg were collected on 35 carcasses. At weaning, lamb BW was not different among treatments, whereas final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for lambs from ewes fed DDGS and CN during gestation than from those fed HL. Overall lamb growth rate from birth to slaughter was not different among treatments. Lambs from ewes fed DDGS vs. CN or HL tended to have a greater initial insulin response (P = 0.09). Dressing percent was less (P = 0.04) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS, but no difference (P = 0.16) was detected in HCW among treatments. As expected, 12th rib fat thickness was similar among treatments, whereas LM area was largest to smallest (P = 0.05) in lambs from ewes fed CN, HL, and DDGS, respectively. Proportion of internal fat tended to be greatest to smallest (P = 0.06) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS, CN, and HL, respectively. Calculated boneless trimmed retail cuts percentage was less (P = 0.04) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS than CN or HL. Loin muscle weight as a percentage of wholesale cut tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in lambs from ewes fed CN and HL than DDGS, whereas other muscle, bone, and fat weights and proportions were similar (P > 0.24) among treatments. Prepartum diet during mid to late gestation of ewes altered postnatal fat and muscle deposition and may be associated with alterations in insulin sensitivity of progeny.     

过瘤胃保护甜菜碱和过瘤胃保护胆碱对1～3月龄湖羊生长性能、消化性能、屠宰性能和脂肪沉积的影响

本试验旨在研究过瘤胃保护甜菜碱(RPB)和过瘤胃保护胆碱(RPC)对1~3月龄湖羊生长性能、消化性能、屠宰性能和脂肪沉积的影响。试验选用30只体重相近的1月龄左右的湖羊公羔,随机分成3组,分别为对照组、RPB组和RPC组,每组10只。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,RPB组和RPC组则饲喂在基础饲粮干物质(DM)基础上分别添加2.9 g/kg RPB和2.5 g/kg RPC的试验饲粮。预试期21 d,正试期54 d。结果表明:1)饲粮中添加RPB和RPC对1~3月龄湖羊的平均日增重、平均日采食量和料重比均无显著影响(P0.05),但RPB组、RPC组的平均日增重较对照组分别增加了19.97%和27.75%。2)饲粮中添加RPB和RPC对1~3月龄湖羊的粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、DM和有机物(OM)的表观消化率均无显著影响(P0.05)。3)饲粮中添加RPB和RPC均可以显著降低1~3月龄湖羊的背膘厚(P0.05),对宰前活重、屠宰率、胴体重、GR值、眼肌面积、腹脂重、肾周脂肪重和肌内脂肪(IMF)含量无显著影响(P0.05),但RPB组和RPC组眼肌面积较对照组分别增加了10.86%和3.16%,IMF含量较对照组分别增加了17.27%和36.36%,肾周脂肪重较对照组分别降低了20.60%和22.67%。综合以上试验结果得出,饲粮中添加2.9 g/kg RPB或2.5 g/kg RPC均可以改善1~3月龄湖羊的脂肪沉积部位和胴体品质,并且从消化性能、生长性能和屠宰性能来看,在满足维持需要的饲粮营养水平下,2种添加剂的作用相当     

Influence of dietary palm oil supplementation on serum lipid metabolites, carcass characteristics, and lipid composition of carcass tissues of growing ram and ewe lambs.

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of dietary palm oil supplementation on carcass characteristics and lipid composition of tissues from growing lambs. Twenty-eight Suffolk x Hampshire lambs were weaned at 60 d of age (average 36 kg BW) and assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement consisting of diet (control [NPO] or 10.6% added dietary palm oil [PO]) and sex (ram vs ewe). The NPO diet (77% forage and 23% concentrate) contained 11.2% CP and 2.66 Mcal of ME/kg. Palm oil replaced molasses in the PO diet. Lambs were individually given ad libitum access to feed for 60 d to a final BW average of 50.1 kg. Lipid composition of the longissimus muscle and corresponding subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissue was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Lambs fed PO were fatter (P less than .01) than lambs fed NPO (.77 vs .56 cm, s.c. fat). Diet had no effect on cholesterol content of lean tissue; however, feeding PO increased the saturated fatty acids of lean tissue. The s.c. fat from lambs fed PO had less (P less than .01) cholesterol (64.79 vs 89.67 mg/100 g) and more saturated fatty acids than that from lambs fed NPO. Ewes were fatter (P less than .01) than rams, yet they had less cholesterol content in the s.c. adipose tissue (68.71 vs 85.74 mg/100 g). High amounts of dietary palm oil fed to growing lambs caused changes in fatty acid deposition and cholesterol metabolism and may be a useful investigative tool to study lipid metabolism in growing ruminants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of dietary niacin on volatile fatty acids in rumen liquid of sheep and rumen dry matter degradability of untreated and ammonia-treated wheat straw

Three rumen fistulated sheep were fed with roughage (1200 g artificially dried grass) or a concentrate/roughage diet (600 g concentrate, 400 g artificially dried grass per animal and day). The diets were unsupplemented or 0.5, 1 and 2 g niacin per animal and day were added. After a 14-day adaptation period samples of rumen liquid were taken 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h after morning feeding. In a second experiment untreated and NH3-treated wheat straw were incubated in nylon bags for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in the rumen of 5 sheep fed with 1.2 kg artificially dried grass and unsupplemented or supplemented with 1 g niacin per day. Niacin did not significantly influence the total concentration of volatile fatty acids, acetate and branched chain fatty acids in both types of diet (P less than 0.05). 0.5 and 1 g niacin in the roughage and 0.5 g niacin in concentrate/roughage diet increased the propionic acid concentration and reduced the butyric acid concentration in rumen liquid of sheep (P less than 0.05). Niacin resulted in a small decrease (P greater than 0.05) of dry matter degradability in rumen. After 48 h incubation time, the dry matter disappearance of untreated and NH3-treated wheat straw amounted to 35.4 and 46.2% resp. The effects of niacin on rumen fermentation may be useful in avoiding ketogenic situations in dairy cows.     

过瘤胃氯化胆碱对奶牛生产性能的影响

选取40头健康荷斯坦泌乳盛期奶牛完全随机分为2组,每组20头。对照组牛群饲喂基础日粮,试验组牛群在基础饲料中添加20 g/（日.头）的瘤胃保护胆碱,分三次饲喂,瘤胃保护胆碱直接投喂于TMR日粮上。试验期60 d。测定了产奶量,牛奶中的乳脂率、乳蛋白、体细胞数。试验结果表明：在本试验的条件下,试验组牛群在基础饲料中添加20 g/（日.头）的瘤胃保护胆碱后,奶牛的平均产奶量显著提高了1.6%（P〈0.05）,乳脂率提高了0.06%（P〈0.05）;乳蛋白率、乳蛋白量、乳脂量、体细胞数均无显著差异（P〉0.05）。