Strategic supplementation of cassava top silage to enhance rumen fermentation and milk production in lactating dairy cows in the tropics

High-quality protein roughage is an important feed for productive ruminants. This study examined the effects of strategic feeding of lactating cows with cassava (Manihot esculenta) top silage (CTS) on rumen fermentation, feed intake, milk yield, and quality. Four early lactating crossbred dairy cows (75% Holstein-Friesian and 25% Thai) with body weight (BW) 410?±?30 kg and milk yield 12?±?2 kg/day were randomly allotted in a 4?×?4 Latin square design to four different supplementation levels of CTS namely, 0, 0.75, 1.50, and 2.25 kg/day of dry matter (DM). Strategic supplementation of CTS significantly affected ruminal fermentation end-products, especially increased propionate production, decreased protozoal population and suppressed methane production (P?<?0.05). Increasing the CTS supplementation level substantially enhanced milk yield and the 3.5% FCM from 12.7 to 14.0 kg/day and from 14.6 to 17.2 kg/day (P?<?0.05) for non-supplemented group and for the 2.25 kg/day supplemented group, respectively. We conclude that high-quality protein roughage significantly enhances rumen fermentation end-products, milk yield, and quality in dairy cows.     

Comparison of milk fatty acid profiles measured on Kouri cows near Lake Chad and on dairy cattle as reported by meta-analytical data

Kouri (Bos taurus) is a breed aboriginal from Lake Chad and threatened with extinction. This study aimed to compare milk fatty acid profiles measured on Kouri cows and on high-yielding dairy cattle in Europe and elsewhere as reported by meta-analytical data (22 experimentations). Milk samples were collected from 14 Kouri dairy cows in dry season (March to June) and fatty acids (FA) were determined by gas chromatography. Overall, 32 FA have been identified. Kouri showed lower values (P < 0.001) in the sum of saturated FA (SFA, ?10.9 pts), cis-9, cis-12 18:2 (?1.00 pt) (P < 0.01, higher values (P < 0.001) in the sum of monounsaturated FA (MUFA, +15.3 pts), C18:0) (+3.5 pts), cis-9, trans-11 C18:2-CLA (+1.00 pts), trans-11 18:1 (+1.4 pts) and (P < 0.01) in cis-9, C18:1 (+3.00 pts) acids. The differences between the milk FA profile of the Kouri cows and that obtained from meta-analytical data could be the possible consequence of the use of particular lake pastures by Kouri cows.     

Utilization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna pruriens</Emphasis> whole pods to feed lactating hair ewes

Twenty nine Pelibuey × Katahdin hair ewes rearing single lamb were used during 42 days of lactation to evaluate the effect of including the Mucuna pruriens whole pods in the diets of lactating ewes on milk production and offspring performance. Animals were distributed at random into three experimental diets: a control diet without Mucuna (M0), and two more diets with the inclusion of 13 (M13) and 26% (M26), of milled pods of Mucuna pruriens, respectively. Dry matter intake, was not significantly different (P?>?0.05) among diets. Milk yield (P?>?0.05) was 734, 786, and 694 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively. Milk fat (P?>?0.05), milk protein (P?>?0.05), and milk lactose (P?>?0.05) did not differ between treatments. Lambs had similar daily weight gain (P?>?0.05) among diets (180, 174, and 171 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively). Diets with Mucuna whole pods were 5.6 and 12.9% more profitable (M13 and M26, respectively) than control diet. Under the conditions of this work, Mucuna pruriens whole pods can be included up to 26% in the diets of lactating crossbred hair ewes without negatively affecting their productive performance during the first 6 weeks of lactation.     

Effect of grape seed and skin supplement on milk yield and composition of dairy ewes

In the present study, we investigated the effect of grape seed and skin supplement (GSSS), on lactating dairy ewes’ production. Ten dairy pregnant ewes from northern Tunisia were allocated to two groups: control diet (C) and supplemented with 20 % (w/w) GSSS. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and took place after 2 months of lambing. During the experiment, daily milk yield and milk composition were determined. Supplementation of the diet with GSSS increased milk production (P?<?0.001), calcium (P?<?0.01), free iron (P?<?0.01) and urea content (P?<?0.001) but had no effect on milk fat nor protein. From these data, it is concluded that the inclusion of GSSS in sheep diets increased significantly ewes’ milk yield.     

Effects of feed supplementation on growth,blood parameters and reproductive performance in Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows grazing natural pasture

This study determined the effects of feed supplementation during the postpartum period on the weight gain, milk yield, blood profiles and reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows grazing on natural pasture. 20 Sanga and 20 Friesian-Sanga cows were randomly allocated either to serve as a control on grazing only or to be supplemented with 2.5 kg of concentrate a day for 10 weeks during the dry season. Each week, all cows were weighed and scored for body condition. Partial milk yield of cows was determined daily. Plasma concentrations of blood metabolites were assessed fortnightly from weeks 1 to 10 postpartum. Resumption of postpartum ovarian activity was determined by measuring progesterone concentration in the plasma from weeks 1 to 10. Supplemented cows had a better body condition score (6.2 versus 5.8; P?<?0.05) and higher partial milk yield (1.94 versus 1.55 L/day; P?<?0.01) than non-supplemented cows. Sanga cows had a better body condition score (6.2 versus 5.8; P?<?0.05) but lower milk yield (1.58 versus 1.92 L/day; P?<?0.01) than the Friesian-Sanga crossbreds. Total protein (P?<?0.05) and albumin (P?<?0.01) concentrations were higher in the supplemented than in the non-supplemented cows. Sanga cows recorded higher globulin (P?<?0.05) and total cholesterol (P?<?0.01) but lower albumin (P?<?0.01) concentrations than Friesian-Sanga crossbred cows. Feed supplementation did not affect (P?<?0.05) the interval from calving to resumption of ovarian activity, and the days to resumption of ovarian activity in the Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows were also similar (P?>?0.05). The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of feed supplementation in terms of improved body condition and metabolic status and increased milk yield.     

Impact of crossbreeding Holstein and Brown Swiss cows on milk yield,composition, and fatty acid profiles in subtropics

Milk yield (MY), composition, and fatty acid profiles of purebred Holstein (HO) cows, Brown Swiss (BS), and their F₁ crossbreds (HS) were compared under subtropical climate in Egypt. Pure HO had significantly greater 305-MY, total-MY, and daily-MY (p?<?0.05) than pure BS and crossbred HS. Furthermore, HO and HS had significantly higher peak-MY (44.2 and 43.3 kg, respectively) than BS (36.1 kg). In comparison with HO, BS had significantly higher milk fat, protein, total solids, and solid-not-fat % (p?<?0.05); however, no significant differences were observed between BS and HS for milk fat %. The milk fat of BS had higher concentrations of saturated (C17:0 and C18:0) fatty acids (FA) than that of the HO and HS (p?=?0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Content of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C12:0, and C15.0 FA did not differ between genotypes. Milk from HO and BS had significantly higher concentrations of unsaturated (C20:1 and C20:5) FA than that from HS (p?<?0.05). C14:1 (myristoleic), C16:1 (palmitoleic), and C18:2 (linoleic) FA contents were similar for all genotypes. In conclusion, BS surpassed HO for all milk composition traits and some FA components; however, HS had comparable milk fat percentage with BS. There appears to be an opportunity to modify the concentration of certain FA by breeding.     

The effects of supplementing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mearnsii</Emphasis> tannin extract on dairy cow dry matter intake,milk production,and methane emission in a tropical pasture

The study assessed the effect of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract supplementation grazing dairy cows on dry matter (DM) intake, enteric methane (CH₄) emission, and performance. Twelve Holstein cows were divided into two groups and subjected to two treatments that consisted of millet pasture (Pennisetum glaucum L.) plus supplementation with 6 kg of concentrate (750-g/kg ground corn and 250-g/kg soybean meal) including or excluding 120-g tannin extract. The trial design was a double reversal using three periods of 28 days each, with 21 days for the adaption period, and 7 days for sample collection. Herbage intake was measured using the n-alkane technique, and daily CH₄ emission was measured with the sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique. Individual total DM intake (mean = 17.1 kg/day), herbage DM intake (mean = 11.8 kg/day), and milk production (mean = 19.2 kg/day) were similar between treatments. CH₄ emission significantly decreased (32%, P < 0.05) in the animals supplemented with tannin extract, compared to non-supplemented animals. On the other hand, as proportion of DM intake or milk production, methane emission tended to decrease in tannin-supplemented animals. Supplementing dairy cows grazing a millet pasture with 120-g tannin extract reduced daily CH₄ emission without affecting animal performance.     

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.     

Sorghum silage supplemented with crambe meal improves dry matter intake and milk production in crossbred Holstein cows

We studied the feed intake and milk production of Holstein × Zebu crossbred cows fed sorghum silage diets and concentrates, with and without the addition of crambe meal. Using a change-over design for a total of 120 days, eight cows were fed two diets (concentrates + silages with and without crambe meal) in four 30-day periods, with four replications (animals). The crambe meal diet increased (P < 0.05) the dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein intake (CPI), and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake (NFCI) as well as milk production (4.3%). No difference was noted (P > 0.05) for the milk composition between the treatments. Crambe meal as an additive in sorghum silage (100 g/kg in natural matter) showed a great potential for introduction in dairy farming as it substantially increases CP intake, does not reduce food intake, raises animal productivity, and does not affect milk composition.     

Estimation of daily milk yield of Nellore cows grazing tropical pastures

Beef cows’ milk yield is typically determined by measuring milk yield once daily and then doubling this value to estimate daily production. However, it is not known whether this is accurate. Thus, we aimed to determine the association between morning and afternoon milk yield in grazing Nellore cows. Eighty Nellore cows were used, with initial weight of 516.0?±?1.0 kg. The experiment was a completely randomized factorial scheme, with 20 replications and four treatments (i.e., +?or ??pre-partum supplementation in combination with +?or ??post-partum supplementation): PRMM—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days pre-partum; MMPS—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days post-partum; PRPS—1 kg of supplement/cow/day for 90 days pre-partum and 90 days post-partum; and MM—only mineral mix ad libitum during pre- and post-partum. Milk was sampled on days 45, 135, and 225 post-partum (early, middle, and late lactation, respectively). No effects were observed of pre- and post-partum supplementation on milk yield (P?>?0.05). The afternoon/morning proportion of 0.45 in the early third of lactation was higher than other stages, which had a proportion of 0.41 (P?<?0.05). Post-partum supplementation increased milk protein in the morning and afternoon milking (P?<?0.05). There was also no effect of pre- and post-partum supplementation on afternoon-morning proportion other milk components (P?>?0.05). We conclude that estimating daily milk production of grazing beef cattle by multiplying a once daily milking amount times two is not accurate. Under the conditions of this study, proportion of total daily production represented by the ratio of afternoon/morning milking was 0.45 in early lactation (first third) and 0.41 in mid- and late lactation.     

Yeast mixture of liquid beer and cassava pulp with rice straw for the growth of dairy heifers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of mixtures of liquid brewer’s yeast (LBY) and cassava pulp (CVP) with rice straw (RS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth of dairy heifers. Sixteen Holstein crossbred heifers (13.8?±?1.6 months old, 210?±?23 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly allocated to four feeding treatments with four replications, which were 0:0:100 (RS), 0:70:30 (0%LBY), 20:50:30 (20%LBY), and 50:20:30 (50%LBY), respectively, for LBY/CVP/RS on a fresh matter basis. The heifers were offered conventional concentrate at 1.5% initial body weight daily and fed the treatment diets ad libitum. Average daily gain and feed intake were not significantly different among the treatments. The heifers fed 50%LBY had the highest crude protein (CP) intake and DM, OM, and CP digestibility (P?<?0.05). The ruminal pH did not differ significantly among treatments, while NH₃-N was the highest (P?<?0.05) in 50%LBY. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and the molar proportion of each VFA were not significantly different among the treatments. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations of 50%LBY were the highest among the treatments (P?<?0.05). The results indicated that 50%LBY improved CP digestibility.     

Comparison of silage and hay of dwarf Napier grass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pennisetum purpureum</Emphasis>) fed to Thai native beef bulls

Both quantity and quality of forages are important in dry season feeding. Eight Thai native beef bulls were arranged in a Completely randomized design to evaluate dwarf Napier namely Sweet grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham) preserved as silage or hay on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation. The animals were fed with forage ad libitum supplemented with concentrate mixture at 1.0% of BW for 21 days; data were collected during the last 7 days. The results showed that there were differences (P?<?0.05) between treatments in dry matter (DM) intake, DM digestibility, and ruminal pH, in which hay feeding gave enhanced feed intake and more favorable ruminal pH. Nevertheless, mean ruminal ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs), proportion of VFAs, bacterial and protozoal population, and blood urea nitrogen were similar (P?>?0.05) in animals fed silage and hay. Sweet grass is better preserved as hay rather than silage.     

Effect of feeding slowly fermentable grains on productive variables and amelioration of heat stress in lactating dairy cows in a sub-tropical summer

Feeding low-fiber and high-energy diets to dairy cows is one approach to ameliorate heat stress (HS) by reducing heat increment (HI) during digestion. However, rapidly and slowly fermentable cereal grains differ in their HI. The aim of this experiment was to quantify if feeding slowly fermentable grains ameliorated the physiological responses to HS and improved milk production (MP) in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian lactating dairy cows were housed in shaded pens and were fed either a total mixed ration (TMR) plus wheat (TMRW), a TMR plus wheat treated with 2% of a commercial starch-binding agent (TMRB), or a TMR plus corn (TMRC) (n?=?8 cows per diet) during summer in Queensland, Australia. Respiration rate (RR) and panting score (PS) were measured four times a day; rumen temperature (RuT) was recorded every 20 min, and rectal temperature (RT) and milk samples were obtained every 4 days. Cows fed slowly fermentable grains had higher milk production (MP) than cows fed TMRW, and cows fed TMRC had lower RT than those fed TMRW and TMRB (P?<?0.001). Rumen temperature was positively correlated with temperature-humidity index and negatively correlated with MP (P?<?0.05). In summary, feeding TMRC ameliorated HS as indicated by lower RT and improved MP in dairy cows. Milk production was improved with starch-binding agents; however, this was not associated with efficient thermoregulatory responses. Furthermore, determination of RuT enabled the prediction of changes in physiological variables and productive responses due to HS in lactating dairy cows.     

Effect of mixed maize-legume silages on milk quality and quantity from lactating smallholder dairy cows

The study investigated the effect of the following maize:legume (70:30) mixed crop silages: maize:cowpea, maize:velvet bean, and maize:lablab on milk production during the 2016 dry season. Using a 5?×?5 double Latin square design, five Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows in early lactation (30?±?15 days) and five Jersey crossbred cows in early lactation (25?±?10 days) were given the supplementary mixed crop silage diets at 0.5 kg/l of milk produced over 105 days. Commercial dairy meal and sole maize silage were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Milk yield was significantly higher (P?< 0.05) in cows given the dairy meal compared to mixed crop silages; however, milk yield was also significantly higher (P?< 0.05) for cows given the three mixed crop silages compared to cows given sole maize silage. Cows given mixed crop silages produced milk of significantly higher protein content (P?< 0.05) than those given sole maize silage. There was no significant difference (P?> 0.05) in butterfat content of milk across all the dietary treatments. The dietary cost of producing 1 l of milk was highest at 0.31USD/l for cows given commercial dairy meal and lowest for cows given maize:velvet bean and maize:cowpea silage at 0.19USD/kg. The highest dietary gross margins of 68% were observed when cows were given maize:velvet mixed silage compared to commercial dairy meal (47%) and sole maize silage (57%). The 70:30 maize:legume mixed crop silages showed the capability to increase milk quantity and quality at very low production costs in smallholder dairy schemes.     

Milk production and fatty acid profile of dairy cows grazing four grass species pastures during the rainy season in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico

The study evaluated small-scale dairy systems with continuous grazing of pastures based on three temperate grasses festulolium (FL), tall fescue (TF), and perennial ryegrass (RG), compared with subtropical kikuyu grass (KG). All pastures were associated with white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to a 4?×?4 Latin square replicated three times with 14-day experimental periods. Sampling and analyses of pastures, concentrates, and animal variables followed standard procedures. FL showed a significantly (p?<?0.05) higher mean sward height, but there were no differences (p?>?0.05) in net herbage accumulation. There were significant differences (p?<?0.05) among pastures for CP, NDF, ADF, in vitro digestibility of OM (IVOMD), and estimated metabolizable energy (eME). There were no differences (p?>?0.05) between treatments for milk yield and composition, live weight, or body condition score. There were significant differences (p?<?0.05) in fatty acid values for pastures in C14:0, C16:1, and C18:3n3. There were significant differences between treatments (p?<?0.05) in milk contents for C18:0, C18:1t11, and C18:2c9t11. Grazing FL, TF, RG, or KY pastures showed no differences in milk yields. Higher values for C18:0, C18:1t11, and C18:2c9t11 were detected in KY, RG, and TF. RG had significantly higher MUFA than FL and higher PUFA than TF. A value under 65% of SFA, a ratio of n-6/n-3 lower than 4, and an atherogenic index of 1.7 are indicators of milk with beneficial effects for human health.     

Effect of carbohydrate source and cottonseed meal level in the concentrate: IV. Feed intake, rumen fermentation and milk production in milking cows

Four early-lactation crossbred cows (82.5 % Holstein) were selected to investigate the effect of carbohydrate source and cottonseed meal level in the concentrate on rumen fermentation and milk production. Cows were randomly assigned to receive four dietary treatments according to a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement in a 4?×?4 Latin Square design. Factor A was carbohydrate source: cassava chip (CC) and CC + rice bran at a ratio 3:1 (CR3:1), and factor B was variation in the level of cottonseed meal (CM): low (LCM) and high (HCM) in isonitrogenous diets (180 g CP/kg DM). It was found that carbohydrate source did not affect feed intake, dry matter digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial population, milk yield and composition, or economic return (P?>?0.05). However, cows fed with CC had a higher population of amylolytic bacteria than cows fed with CR3:1 (P?<?0.05). Cows fed with HCM had a higher total feed intake, milk yield and composition, and milk income when compared with cows fed on LCM although the concentrate and roughage intakes, dry matter digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial populations were similar between treatments (P?>?0.05). In addition, the carbohydrate source and cottonseed meal level interactions were not significant for any parameter. It could be concluded that cassava chip and high level of cottonseed meal could usefully be incorporated into concentrates for dairy cows without impacting on rumen fermentation or milk production.     

Comparative performance of dairy cows in low-input smallholder and high-input production systems in South Africa

The aim of this study was to benchmark the performance of dairy cows in the low-input smallholder system against their counterparts in the high-input system, in South Africa. Data comprised of cow performance records from the national dairy recording scheme. Performance measures included production (305-day yields of milk, fat, and protein), lactation length, somatic cell count (SCC), and reproductive traits, represented by age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Least squares means of each trait were compared between the two systems, and lactation curves for production traits and SCC were plotted for each production system. Mean yields of milk, fat, and protein were significantly (P?<?0.05) lower in the smallholder (4097?±?165, 174?±?5.1, and 141?±?4.5 respectively) compared to the high-input system (6921?±?141, 298?±?4.7, and 245?±?4.1 respectively). Mean lactation length was significantly (P?<?0.05) shorter for the smallholder (308?±?15.1) than the high-input system (346?±?12.8). Log-transformed somatic cell count (SCS) was, however, significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in the smallholder (2.41?±?0.01) relative to the high-input system (2.27?±?0.01). Cows in high-input herds showed typical lactation curves, in contrast to the flat and low peaking curves obtained for the smallholder system. Cows on smallholder herds had their first calving significantly (P?<?0.05) older (30?±?0.5) than those in the high-input system (27?±?0.5). There was, however, no significant difference (P?<?0.05) in CI between the two systems. These results highlight large room for improvement of dairy cow performance in the smallholder system and could assist in decision-making aimed at improving the productivity of the South African dairy industry.     

Dairy cows fed on tropical legume forages: effects on milk yield,nutrients use efficiency and profitability

Two trials with multiparous dairy cows were conducted. Experiment 1 tested the effects of increasing forage proportion in the diet (500, 600, and 700 g/kg DM) when a mixed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and jackbean (Cannavalia ensiformis) silage was used as forage. Experiment 2 studied the substitution of sorghum silage and soybean meal by jackbean silage or fresh cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forage in the diet. All diets were iso-energetic and iso-proteic. In each experiment, 30 cows were used and separated into three groups. In experiment 1, there were no differences in dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), or apparent total tract digestibility (aTTd) among the three diets, but milk fat content increased with increasing forage proportion, even though the similar neutral detergent fiber of all diets. Nitrogen use efficiency was highest in the diet containing 600 g forage/kg DM, and some evidence was observed for a better profitability with this forage proportion. In experiment 2, feeding legumes increased DMI despite no effects on aTTd. Milk yield increased in line with DMI, with a larger increase for the fresh cowpea. Nitrogen use efficiency and milk composition were not affected by the diets. The increased MY and lower feed costs increased the economic benefits when feeding legumes, particularly when feeding fresh cowpea. Feeding fresh cowpea or jackbean silage to dairy cows appears to be an alternative to soybean as protein source, ideally at a forage proportions of 600 g/kg DM, without altering milk yield and quality and increasing the farm profitability.     

Performance of Arsi-Bale sheep fed urea treated maize cob as basal diet and supplemented with graded levels of concentrate mixture

The experiment was conducted using 20 yearling intact male Arsi-Bale sheep with a mean body weight of 20.56?±?0.45 (mean?±?SD) to investigate the performance and economic benefit of graded levels of concentrate supplementation to urea-treated maize cob (UTMC)-based diet. The experiment consisted of 7 days of digestibility trial and subsequent 90 days of feeding trial. Before the commencement of the experiment, sheep were vaccinated against common infectious diseases, dewormed, and disinfected against internal and external parasites, respectively. The experimental design was randomized complete block design. The sheep were grouped into five blocks of four animals based on their initial body weight, and one animal from each block was randomly assigned to one of the four treatments. The treatments included ad libitum feeding of UTMC (T1) and supplementation with a concentrate mixture composed of wheat bran (WB) and noug seed cake (NSC) in 2:1 ratio, which were offered at 150 g (T2), 250 g (T3), and 350 g (T4) DM/head/day. The CP content of the UTMC was 9.3% on DM basis. The daily DM intake of UTMC was higher (P?<?0.001) for T4 (614.6 g) compared to T1 (505.1 g), T2 (538.9 g), and T3 (590.3 g). Total DM intake was higher (P?<?0.001) for supplemented treatments T2 (688.4 g), T3 (844.1 g), and T4 (966.9 g). Supplementation did not improve (P?>?0.05) digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF, except CP digestibility which was significant (P?<?0.001) across treatments. Supplementation increased (P?<?0.001) final body weight (FBWT), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and average daily weight gain (ADG). The average daily gain (ADG) was highest (P?<?0.001) in T4 (80.8?±?7.74 g/day) followed by T3 (33.3?±?7.74 g/day) and T2 (23.1?±?0.95 kg) whereas the un-supplemented animals lost about 9.2 g/day. The highest total return, net income, and marginal rate of return were observed in higher level supplemented sheep than the control. Therefore, T4 improved biological performance and marginal rate of return than the other treatments and can be considered as better alternative feed supplement in UTMC-based feeding of Arsi-Bale sheep in Ethiopia.     

Effect of lablab and pigeon pea leaf meal supplementation on performance of goats fed a basal diet of haricot bean haulms

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of lablab and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, weight gain, and carcass characteristics of goats fed a basal diet of haricot bean haulms. Thirty-two yearling intact male goats with an average initial body weight of 14.4?±?1.04 kg (Means ± SD) were assigned to one of the four treatments in a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were 17.5% lablab?+?17.5% pigeon pea leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T1), 35% pigeon leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T2), 35% lablab leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T3), and 88% wheat bran?+?10% noug seed cake (T4). In addition, all treatment diets contained 1 and 1% limestone. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. Carcass evaluation was conducted at the end of the feeding trial. Final body weight ranged from 16.3 kg for T4 to 21.1 kg for T3. The total dry matter (DM) intake for T3 was higher (P?<?0.05) than T2 and T4. The total crude protein (CP) intake for T2 was greater (P?<?0.05) than T3 and T4. Goats supplemented with T3 diets had the highest (P?>?0.05) digestibility of DM, organic matter, and CP and attained the highest (P?<?0.05) average daily gain, the heaviest (P?<?0.05) hot carcass weight, and the highest (P?<?0.05) rib-eye muscle area than those supplemented with T1, T2, and T4 diets. In conclusion, 35% lablab leaf meal and 63% what bran (T3) were found to be a very promising supplement in sheep fed low-quality crop residues under the condition of the current experiment.