Effects of stage of maturity on ensiling characteristics and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of stage of maturity on ensiling characteristics and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage. Oat was field grown and forage was harvested at the boot or soft dough stage and ensiled in mini-silos for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 45 days. Two lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were used determine ruminal nutrient degradability. Regardless of the stage of maturity, ensiled forages went through a rapid fermentation with a sharp decline in pH during the first 2 days of ensiling. Extensive proteolysis took place between 0 and 2 days as indicated by a reduction in true protein and neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDICP) and an increase in non-protein nitrogen (NPN). Chemical analysis of the 45 days silage showed that stage of maturity had no effect on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of oat silage. However, oat harvested at the boot stage contained more crude protein (CP) and less starch than that harvested at the soft dough stage. Distribution of protein fractions showed that oat harvested at the boot stage contained lower NPN, NDICP and acid detergent insoluble protein than oat harvested at the soft dough stage. Results of the in situ incubation experiment indicated that oat harvested at the soft dough stage had lower ruminal dry matter (60.6 vs. 66.4%). CP (81.3 vs. 88.7%) and NDF (35.4 vs. 42.2%) degradabilities than oat harvested at the boot stage. It was concluded that chemical composition and ruminal nutrient degradability of oat silage are significantly influenced by stage of maturity.     

Effect of hybrid, maturity, and mechanical processing of corn silage on intake and digestibility by beef cattle

A study involving a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted to evaluate effects of hybrid (Pioneer 3335 and 3489), maturity (half milkline and blacklayer), and mechanical processing (field chopper with and without on-board rollers engaged) on intake and digestibility of corn silage. Forty Angus steers (322 +/- 5.2 kg BW) were assigned to the eight silage treatments (five steers per treatment) and individually fed using electronic gates. Diets consisted of 60% corn silage and 40% chopped alfalfa hay (DM basis). Following a 5-d adaptation period, intake was measured for 7 d and subsequently fecal samples were collected for 5 d. Chromic oxide (5 g/d) was fed beginning 7 d before fecal sample collection and digestibility was determined by the ratio of Cr in the feed and feces. Steers were reallocated to treatments and these procedures were repeated, providing 10 observations per treatment. In addition, all silages were ruminally incubated in six mature cows for 0, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 96 h to determine extent and rate of DM, starch, NDF, and ADF disappearance. Processing increased DMI of hybrid 3489 but did not affect DMI of hybrid 3335 (hybrid x processing; P < 0.06). Total tract digestibility of DM, starch, NDF, and ADF decreased (P < 0.01) as plant maturity increased. Maturity tended to decrease starch digestibility more for hybrid 3489 than for hybrid 3335 (hybrid x maturity; P < 0.10). Processing increased (P < 0.01) starch digestibility but decreased (P < 0.01) NDF and ADF digestibility, resulting in no processing effect on DM digestibility. There was a numerical trend for processing to increase starch digestibility more for latethan for early-maturity corn silage (maturity x processing; P = 0.11). Processing increased in situ rates of DM and starch disappearance and maturity decreased in situ disappearance rates of starch and fiber. These data indicate that hybrid, maturity, and processing all affect corn silage digestibility. Mechanical processing of corn silage increased starch digestibility, which may have been associated with the observed decreased fiber digestibility.     

Research note: The silage characteristics of two varieties of forage sorghum mixed in different proportions and at two stages of maturity

Abstract

Two varieties of forage sorghum, low grain Dekalb FS‐5 (FS) and higher grain Pioneer 947 (GS) were harvested at the milk and dough stages of maturity respectively. Each variety was ensiled separately and as mixtures under laboratory conditions. The mixtures comprised FS.GS at ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 respectively. At the milk stage the FS had a dry matter (DM) content of 338 g kg^?1 and water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content of 120 g kg^?1, as compared with 389 g kg^?1 and 63 g kg^?1, respectively for the GS. At the dough stage, these contents were 374 g kg^?1 and 123 g kg^?1 for the FS, and 520 g kg^?1 and 29 g kg^?1 for the GS, respectively. At the dough stage the GS had higher neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents than FS (592 g kg^?1 and 379 g kg^?1 vs. 533 g kg^?1 and 339 g kg^?1 DM, respectively). In the silage harvested at milk stage, the pH of FS alone decreased most slowly, whereas at the dough stage the pH of the GS remained highest. In mixtures the pH decline accelerated with an increasing proportion of FS. Following harvest at the milk stage the 3:1 (FS:GS) had the best ensiling characteristics, whereas following at the dough stage the 1:1 mixture provided the most stable silage. Rumen degradability of the silage of GS was higher than that of the FS silage, especially for material harvested at dough stage of maturity (59.2 g kg^?1 vs. 50.9 g kg^?1). Mixing FS with GS at the ensiling increased the digestibility of the resulting silage as compared with FS alone.     

Effect of cutting height and genetics on composition, intake, and digestibility of corn silage by beef heifers

This research was conducted to determine the effect of corn genetics and cutting height on the composition and nutritive characteristics of corn silage. An in situ study involving eight commercially available corn hybrids indicated main effects and interactions (P < 0.01) of hybrid and cutting height on NDF, ADF, and starch content and on in situ DM and NDF degradablility. Four ruminally cannulated Angus heifers (initial BW = 378 +/- 3 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square digestion experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Main effects and interactions of hybrid (Pioneer Hi-Bred Int., Inc., hybrids 3335 and 3223) and cutting height (LO = 20.3 cm, and HI = 61 cm) were evaluated. Dietary treatment consisted of 40% chopped alfalfa hay and 60% corn silage. Although corn silage hybrids used were of equivalent maturity at harvest (60% milkline), 3335 treatments had 37.8% starch and 34.8% NDF, whereas 3223 treatments had 33.7% starch and 38.6% NDF. The LO treatments averaged 3.1 percentage units greater in NDF and 3.45 percentage units less in starch content than the HI treatments. Intake of DM was greater for heifers fed 3335-HI than 3335-LO; however, DMI was greater by heifers fed 3223-LO than 3223-HI (hybrid x cutting height interaction, P < 0.05). Starch intake was greater (P < 0.05) and NDF intake was less (P < 0.05) by heifers fed HI vs. LO and fed 3335 vs. 3223 dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM, starch, and NDF was greater (P < 0.05) by heifers fed 3223 than 3335 dietary treatments, but digestibility differences were not observed (P > 0.10) between cutting heights. Rate of in situ DM and starch degradability was not affected (P > 0.10) by hybrid or cutting height; however DM degradability was greater (P < 0.05) for HI than LO corn silage substrates at 8, 16, and 24 h of incubation. Rate of NDF degradability tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for 3223 than for 3335, and for LO compared with HI corn silage. Degradability of NDF was greater (P < 0.05) for 3223 compared with 3335 substrates at 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation. These data suggest fiber may not be an accurate measure of corn silage quality. Whereas cutting height affected chemical composition, we observed genetics to have a greater effect on corn silage quality.     

南疆干旱灌溉区青贮玉米农艺性状和发酵品质动态分析及评价

为研究荒漠灌溉地区青贮玉米农艺性状和发酵品质动态变化规律以及筛选第三师地区最佳青贮玉米栽培品种,选择4个青贮专用和11个粮饲兼用型玉米品种为试验材料,分别在灌浆期、1/4乳线期、1/2乳线期和3/4乳线期进行农艺性状测定并调制青贮饲料。发酵60 d进行青贮饲料发酵品质、营养成分和体外消化测定,以农艺性状、营养成分、发酵品质和消化特征为评价指标,利用相似优先比法对15个玉米品种进行综合评价。结果表明:随生育期推进各青贮玉米株高、穗位、鲜草产量、全株鲜重、茎秆鲜重、果穗鲜重、籽粒鲜重、干物质(DM)、粗蛋白(CP)、可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)、淀粉含量和代谢能(ME)不断递增,到3/4乳线期达到峰值;其中,3/4乳线期大丰30鲜草产量最高,金玉9号DM含量最高,新饲玉10号CP含量最高,先玉696 WSC含量最高,屯玉765淀粉含量最高,均与其他品种差异显著(P<0.05)。随生育期推进,中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量、氨态氮∶总氮(NH₃-N/TN)、有机物消化率(OMD)和产气速率不断递减,ADF、NDF、NH₃-N...     

绿叶汁发酵液为添加剂改善玉米青贮品质的研究

本研究以饲料玉米(Zea mays)为原料,采用绿叶汁发酵液1.0%、1.5%、2.0%作青贮添加剂,并与传统青贮工艺添加1%、3% NaCl做比较,在实验室条件下贮藏60 d。测定其青贮品质(包括微生物群落结构、pH值、粗蛋白、干物质、纤维素含量、有机酸含量)及体外消化率,并与传统青贮工艺做比较。结果显示,添加绿叶汁发酵液可以明显改善青贮品质,pH值显著降低,干物质、粗蛋白及有机酸含量均有显著性增加(P<0.05)。经体外消化试验可知,与对照相比,添加绿叶汁发酵液可显著提高青贮饲料消化率。     

不同蛋白和中性洗涤纤维水平对瘤胃发酵、消化和微生物蛋白合成的影响

以3头装有瘤胃瘘管的干奶牛作为瘤胃液供体,用体外培养法研究不同日粮蛋白和中性洗涤纤维(NDF)水平对瘤胃发酵、消化和微生物蛋白合成的影响。采用2×3双因子完全随机设计,粗蛋白水平14%、16%和18%,NDF水平为32%和36%。体外发酵后2、4、6、12、24 h取瘤胃液测定pH、NH3-N浓度和微生物蛋白含量,发酵结束后测定饲料中干物质(DM)、NDF和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)消化率。结果表明:随着蛋白水平升高,瘤胃发酵pH有增加趋势(P=0.079),显著提高NDF和ADF消化率和细菌蛋白合成量(P<0.05),但不影响DM消化率和原虫蛋白的合成量(P>0.05);日粮中NDF水平显著影响瘤胃pH、NH3-N浓度和ADF消化率(P<0.05),但不影响DM和NDF消化率以及微生物蛋白的合成量(P>0.05)。本试验条件下,日粮中16%CP和32%NDF组可在一定程度上促进瘤胃发酵,提高纤维消化率以及微生物蛋白的合成量。     

Effect of genotype on chemical composition,ruminal degradability and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize residual plants

The objective of this study was to determine the changes to residual plant feeding value of early‐ and late‐maturing maize varieties. The influence of the cell wall carbohydrate composition, in terms of neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDF and ADF) content, NDF and dry matter (DM) degradability, and in vitro organic matter digestibility and gas production on the feeding value of a range of maize genotypes, was measured. The different genotypes were allotted into two maturity groups (MG I – early to mid‐early: S210‐S240; MG II – mid‐late to late: S 250‐S280) and harvested at four different harvest dates (depending on the DM content of the kernels). The maize varieties of MG I had lower NDF and ADF contents and higher ruminal DM degradability, in vitro digestibility and gas production and thus a higher feeding value than MG II at the same stage of physiological maturity. A strong negative relationship between NDF content and the ruminal DM degradability (r = ?0.81) was observed. The data indicate that the early‐maturing varieties permit a larger flexibility in harvesting due to a longer period of starch inclusion into the kernel whilst simultaneously maintaining a good supply of rumen‐available fibre. Conclusively, the higher feeding value of the early‐maturing varieties, based on lower NDF and high DM digestibility, permits more flexibility in the harvesting period over the later‐maturing varieties.     

刈割技术对饲草品质和消化率的影响研究

为探讨收获时间和留茬高度对饲草营养品质和消化率的影响,本研究以赤峰地区典型草原牧草为试验原料,设置9个处理,分别是EAL（8月上旬,低留茬高度）、EAM（8月上旬,中留茬高度）、EAH（8月上旬,高留茬高度）、MAL（8月中旬,低留茬高度）、MAM（8月中旬,中留茬高度）、MAH（8月中旬,高留茬高度）、LAL（8月下旬,低留茬高度）、LAM（8月下旬,中留茬高度）、LAH（8月下旬,高留茬高度）,测定天然牧草营养品质和消化率,每个处理3次重复。结果显示：随着收获时间的推迟,天然牧草干物质（DM）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）和可溶性糖（WSC）含量逐渐增加,LA处理的DM、ADF、NDF和WSC含量最高,分别为55.79% DM、36.87% DM、68.43% DM和4.42% DM。而粗蛋白质（CP）、消化能（DE）、干物质消化率（IVDMD）、粗蛋白质消化率（IVCPD）、酸性洗涤纤维消化率（IVADFD）、中性洗涤纤维消化率（IVNDFD）逐渐降低,LA处理组的CP、DE、IVDMD、IVCPD、IVADFD、IVNDFD含量最低,分别为7.48% DM、8.41MJ/kg、47.12%、61.42%、41.62%和51.42 %。粗脂肪（EE）和总能（GE）表现为先增加后降低的变化趋势。随着留茬高度增加,天然牧草DM、EE、WSC、GE和IVDMD逐渐增加,高留茬高度处理组的DM、EE、WSC、GE和IVDMD指标最高,分别为53.89%、1.98% DM、4.67% DM、18.89 MJ/kg、50.1%。ADF、NDF、IVADFD、IVNDFD逐渐降低,高留茬高度处理组的ADF、NDF、IVADFD、IVNDFD最低,分别为63.53% DM、33.17% DM、43.64%、52.84%,CP含量表现为先增加后降低的变化趋势,IVCPD表现为先降低后增加的变化趋势。综合考虑,赤峰地区天然牧草收获时间以8月20日,留茬高度3 ~ 6 cm为宜,若收获延迟,可适度增加留茬高度,提高天然牧草越冬率。 [关键词] 天然牧草|收获时间|留茬高度|营养品质|消化率     

不同品种及不同成熟期的青贮玉米秸秆营养成分及体外发酵评定

通过化学成分分析和活体外人工瘤胃发酵法,对3种玉米(高油玉米HOC115、普通玉米3138及青贮专用玉米)及3个籽粒成熟期(2/4乳线期(ML)、3/4 ML和4/4 ML)的秸秆青贮品质进行了比较。结果表明:随籽粒成熟期的延长,HOC115和3138青贮秸秆的品质及青贮发酵品质均下降,而青贮专用玉米各期的发酵品质均良好。其中HOC115的NDF和木质素含量以3/4 ML为最高(P<0.05),ADF含量无显著变化(P>0.05),3138的NDF、ADF和木质素含量在成熟期上呈明显的二次曲线增加趋势(P<0.01),干物质(DM)和NDF消化率明显降低(P<0.05),而青贮专用玉米秸秆的NDF、ADF和木质素含量在成熟期上呈显著的下降趋势(P<0.01),48 h的DM消化率有明显的增加(P<0.05)。由此得出HOC115和3138玉米秸秆在2/4 ML具有较佳的青贮效果,而青贮专用玉米的最佳青贮期可延长至籽粒3/4 ML或4/4 ML。     

Substitution of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles for barley grain or barley silage in feedlot cattle diets: intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) for barley grain and barley silage on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in feedlot beef cattle. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus heifers (initial BW 455 ± 10.8 kg) were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 treatments: control, low (25%), medium (30%), and high (35%) wheat DDGS (DM basis). The diets consisted of barley silage, barley concentrate, and wheat DDGS in ratios of 15:85:0 (CON), 10:65:25 (25DDGS), 5:65:30 (30DDGS), and 0:65:35 (35DDGS; DM basis), respectively. The diets were formulated such that wheat DDGS was substituted for both barley grain and barley silage to evaluate whether wheat DDGS can be fed as a source of both energy (grain) and fiber in feedlot finishing diets. Intakes (kg/d) of DM and OM were not different, whereas those of CP, NDF, ADF, and ether extract (EE) were greater (P < 0.01) and intake of starch was less (P < 0.01) for the 25DDGS compared with the CON diet. The digestibilities of CP, NDF, ADF, and EE in the total digestive tract were greater (P < 0.05) for 25DDGS vs. CON. Ruminal pH and total VFA concentrations were not different (P > 0.15) between 25DDGS and CON diets. Replacing barley silage with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS (i.e., from 25DDGS to 35DDGS) linearly reduced (P < 0.05) intakes of DM and other nutrients without altering (P=0.40) CP intake. In contrast, digestibilities of DM and other nutrients in the total digestive tract linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing wheat DDGS except for that of EE. Additionally, with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS, mean ruminal pH tended (P=0.10) to linearly decrease, and ruminal pH status decreased with longer (P=0.04) duration of pH <5.5 and <5.2, and greater (P=0.01) curve area under pH <5.8 and <5.5 without altering (P > 0.19) ruminal VFA and NH(3)-N concentrations. Results indicated that wheat DDGS can be effectively used to replace both barley grain and silage at a moderate amount to meet energy and fiber requirements of finishing cattle. However, when silage content of the diet is low (<10%), wheat DDGS is not an effective fiber source, so replacing forage fiber with wheat DDGS in finishing diets decreases overall ruminal pH status even though the rapidly fermentable starch content of the diet is considerably reduced.     

利用尼龙袋法比较3个全株玉米品种青贮前后肉牛瘤胃降解特性

本试验旨在利用尼龙袋法比较不同品种全株玉米青贮前后瘤胃降解特性的差异.试验采用2×3双因素试验设计,选择玉米7367号、玉米7377号、玉米7387号3个全株玉米品种为研究对象,采用尼龙袋法比较3种全株玉米青贮前和青贮后的营养成分和瘤胃降解特性,旨在探讨适合河北省种植的全株玉米青贮品种.结果表明:1)青贮前玉米7377...     

Prediction of nutritive values in grass silages: I. Nutrient digestibility and energy concentrations using nutrient compositions and fermentation characteristics

Grass silages (n = 136) were selected from commercial farms across Northern Ireland according to their pH, ammonia nitrogen, DM, and predicted ME concentration. Each silage was offered to four sheep as a sole feed at maintenance feeding level to determine nutrient digestibility and urinary energy output. Dry matter concentration was determined as alcohol-corrected toluene DM and was subsequently used as the basis for all nutrient concentrations. The objectives were to use these data to examine relationships between nutritive value and nutrient concentration or fermentation characteristics in silages and then develop prediction equations for silage nutritive values using stepwise multiple regression techniques. The silages had a large range in quality (DM = 15.5 to 41.3%, ME = 7.7 to 12.9 MJ/kg of DM, pH = 3.5 to 5.5) and a relatively even distribution over the range. There was a positive relationship (P < 0.001) between silage GE and DE or ME concentration. Digestible OM in total DM (DOMD); ME/GE; and digestibility of DM, OM, and GE were positively related (P < 0.05) to CP, soluble CP, ether extract, lactic acid concentration, and lactic acid/ total VFA, whereas they were negatively related (P < 0.05) to ADF, NDF, lignin, individual VFA concentration, pH, and ammonia N/total N. Concentrations of DE and ME and digestibility of CP and NDF had similar relationships with those variables, although some relationships were not significant. Three sets of multiple prediction equations for DE and ME concentration; ME/ GE; DOMD; and digestibility of DM, OM, GE, CP, and NDF were therefore developed using three sets of predictors. The first set included GE, CP, soluble N/total N, DM, ash, NDF, lignin, lactic acid/total VFA, and ammonia N/total N; the second set excluded soluble N/ total N and lignin because they are not typically measured; the third set further excluded the fermentation data. The R2 values generally decreased with exclusion of predictors. The second and third sets of equations, except for NDF digestibility, were validated using the mean-square-prediction-error model and an independent grass silage data set published since 1977 (n = 17 [DM digestibility] to 28 [DOMD and OM digestibility]). The validation indicated that the equations developed in the present experiment could accurately predict DE and ME concentrations and DE/GE and ME/GE in grass silages.     

Effects of planting density and processing method on laboratory characteristics of grain sorghum for ruminants

Grain sorghum grown in 38-cm (high-density) or 76-cm rows (normal-density) was steam-flaked, harvested as high-moisture grain followed by rolling and ensiling, or dry-rolled. Chemical composition, enzymatic starch availability, CP insolubility, and IVDMD in a reduced-strength buffer were evaluated. High-density planting increased (P < .10) OM and starch concentration and decreased (P < .0001) CP concentration but did not affect (P > .10) P concentration, enzymatic starch availability, or CP insolubility. High-density planting resulted in lower (P < .10) in vitro ruminal culture pH at 6, 12, and 18 h of incubation when grain sorghum was processed by steam flaking, and lower (P < .10) IVDMD at 6, 12, and 18 h of digestion when grain sorghum was processed by dry rolling. Steam flaking decreased (P < .10) CP concentration and solubility and increased (P < .10) OM concentration. High-moisture ensiling decreased (P < .10) the insolubility of CP but did not otherwise seem to alter the chemical composition of grain sorghum relative to dry rolling. Starch was more available (P < .10), and DM was digested more rapidly and extensively (P < .10) in vitro, in steam-flaked sorghum followed by high-moisture sorghum. Based on these data, it seems that planting density primarily affected chemical composition of grain sorghum, whereas processing primarily affected CP insolubility and rate and extent of starch fermentation.     

Influence of Corn Smut on the Palatability and Digestibility of Corn Silage

Common corn smut (Ustilago maydis) can have adverse effects on grain yields of corn; however, the palatability and nutritional quality of silage made from infected corn are not known. To that end, three trials were conducted to determine the effects of common corn smut on the chemical composition, palatability, and digestibility of corn silage. Corn was hand-harvested, divided into infected and noninfected plants, chopped, and ensiled for 8 wk in 113-L plastic barrels lined with air-tight plastic bags. Treatments were 0, 100, and 50% (a 50:50 preensiling mixture of 0 and 100%) smut-infected plants. In the first trial, the effects of corn smut on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were determined. Silage infested with smut tended to have greater fiber and CP contents but lesser nonstructural carbohydrate content than noninfested silage. Silage infested with smut had lesser (P<0.05) in vitro DM disappearance but greater (P<0.05) in vitro NDF digestion than noninfested silage. In a palatability trial, six mature wethers were fed 50% silage (DM basis) diets in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Wethers were offered ad libitum access to two diets during each period as follows: 1) 0 and 50% infested, 2) 0 and 100% infested, and 3) 50 and 100% infested. Feed intake was recorded during the last 7 d of each period. Corn smut did not adversely affect the palatability of the corn silages. In the digestion trial, 12 wethers (four per treatment) were fed 76% silage (DM basis) diets. Fecal samples were obtained for 5 d after a 14-d adaptation period, and digestibilities were determined using acid-insoluble ash as a marker. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, and CP decreased (P<0.05) as the proportion of infested silage increased. Results indicate that common corn smut did not adversely affect the palatability of corn silage; however, corn smut decreased the digestibility of corn silage when fed to sheep. For each 10% increase in corn smut-infested plants, TDN values should be decreased approximately 0.5%.     

常规与非常规粗饲料在奶牛瘤胃中的降解特性研究

旨在探讨非常规粗饲料(玉米芯、毛豆荚壳)与奶牛常用粗饲料(苜蓿干草、玉米青贮)在奶牛瘤胃中的降解规律,试验选用3只装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛,采用尼龙袋法测定4种粗饲料的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的瘤胃降解规律。结果表明:1)苜蓿干草和毛豆荚壳的CP含量分别为17.55%和11.10%,且苜蓿干草显著高于毛豆荚壳(P<0.05);玉米芯和玉米青贮的CP含量分别为2.97%和8.41%,且玉米芯显著低于玉米青贮(P<0.05);玉米芯的NDF和ADF含量显著高于其他3种粗饲料(P<0.05),达到79.98%和43.35%。2)苜蓿干草的DM有效降解率最高(P<0.05),由高到低依次为苜蓿干草、毛豆荚壳、玉米青贮和玉米芯。毛豆荚壳的CP有效降解率显著高于其他3种粗饲料(P<0.05),由高到低依次为毛豆荚壳、苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和玉米芯。苜蓿干草的NDF有效降解率显著高于毛豆荚壳(P<0.05),玉米青贮和毛豆荚壳无显著差异(P>0.05);玉米芯的ADF有效降解率最高(P<0.05),苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和毛豆荚壳无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,玉米芯和毛豆荚壳可作为非常规粗饲料资源加以开发利用。     

Evaluation of wheat middlings as a supplement for beef cattle consuming dormant bluestem-range forage

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate wheat middlings as a supplement for cattle consuming dormant bluestem-range forage. Effects of supplement type and amount were evaluated in Exp. 1, which consisted of feeding supplements of soybean meal:grain sorghum (22:78) or two different amounts of wheat middlings. Sixteen ruminally fistulated steers were blocked by weight (BW = 374 +/- 8.3 kg) and assigned randomly to the following treatments: 1) control, no supplement (NS); 2) soybean meal:grain sorghum (SBM/GS) formulated to contain the same CP concentration (21%) and fed to provide a similar energy level (3.5 Mcal of ME/d); 3) a supplement of 100% wheat middlings fed at a low level (LWM); and 4) 100% wheat middlings fed at twice the amount of LWM (7 Mcal of ME/d; HWM). The influence of different supplemental CP concentrations in a wheat middlings-based supplement was evaluated in Exp. 2. Sixteen ruminally fistulated steers were blocked by weight (BW = 422 +/- 8.1 kg) and assigned randomly to the following treatments: 1) control, no supplement (NS); 2) 15% CP; 3) 20% CP; and 4) 25% CP supplements. These supplements consisted of 60% wheat middlings and various ratios of soybean meal and grain sorghum to achieve the desired CP concentration. In Exp. 1, SBM/GS and HWM supplements increased (P less than .10) and LWM tended to increase (P = .16) forage DMI compared with NS. All supplements in Exp. 1 increased (P less than .10) DM digestibility, ruminal DM fill, and ruminal indigestible ADF (IADF) passage rate compared with NS, although the greatest response in fill and passage was observed with HWM. In Exp. 2, forage DMI, DM digestibility, NDF digestibility, ruminal DM and IADF fill, IADF passage rate, and fluid dilution rate were increased (P less than .01) by supplementation. Forage DMI, ruminal IADF passage rate, and fluid dilution rate increased quadratically (P less than .10), and NDF digestibility, ruminal DM and IADF fill increased linearly (P less than .10) with increased supplemental CP concentration. These experiments indicate that wheat middlings performed similarly to a SBM/GS supplement of equal CP concentration, when both were fed to provide a similar amount of energy daily. Additionally, use of poor-quality range forage was enhanced when wheat middlings-based supplements were formulated to contain a CP concentration of 20% or greater.     

Supplementation of dormant tallgrass-prairie forage: I. Influence of varying supplemental protein and(or) energy levels on forage utilization characteristics of beef steers in confinement

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of supplemental protein vs energy level on dormant forage intake and utilization. In Exp. 1, 16 ruminally cannulated steers were blocked by weight (avg wt = 242 kg) and assigned randomly to a negative control or to one of three isocaloric supplement treatments fed at .4% BW: 1) control, no supplement (NS); 2) 12% CP, low protein (LP); 3) 28% CP, moderate protein (MP); 4) 41% CP, high protein (HP). In Exp. 2 and 3, 16 ruminally cannulated steers were blocked by weight (avg wt = 332 kg, Exp. 2; 401 kg, Exp. 3) and assigned randomly to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The treatments contrasted low (LP) and high (HP) levels of supplemental protein (.66 g CP/kg BW vs 1.32 g CP/kg BW) with low (LE) and high (HE) levels of supplemental ME (9.2 kcal/kg BW vs 18.4 kcal/kg BW). In Exp. 1, forage DMI as well as ruminal DM and indigestible ADF fill at 4 h postfeeding were greater (P less than .10) with the MP and HP steers than with control and LP steers. Total DM digestibility increased (P less than .10) for supplemented steers (35.5% for control vs 47.3 for supplemented steers); however, LP depressed (P less than .10) NDF digestibility. In Exp. 2, forage DMI, indigestible ADF flow and liquid flow were depressed (P less than .10) in LP-HE supplemented steers. In Exp. 3, HP steers had greater (P less than .10) forage DMI, indigestible ADF fill values (4 h postfeeding), liquid volume and tended (P = .11) to have greater ruminal DM fill (4 h postfeeding). In summary, increased levels of supplemental protein increased intake and utilization of dormant tallgrass-prairie forage (less than 3% CP). Increasing supplemental energy without adequate protein availability was associated with depressed intake and digestibility.     

The nutritive value for sheep of quackgrass and timothy hays harvested at two stages of growth

Thirty-two wethers were used to compare the nutritive value of Climax timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and quackgrass (Agropyron repens L. Beauv.) harvested at two stages of maturity, joint and early heading, and fed as hay. Crude protein was higher for quackgrass than for timothy (P less than .01). As maturity advanced, CP decreased (P less than .01), but NDF and ADL increased (P less than .01). Dry matter intake was similar between species but decreased by 8% with increasing maturity (P less than .01). Intake of NDF (g/kg.75) was similar for all hays. With increasing plant maturity, apparent digestibility decreased, the effect being more pronounced for quackgrass. Apparent digestibilities of DM and energy were slightly higher (P less than .06) for timothy, and those of CP and hemicellulose were higher for quackgrass (P less than .01). Apparent digestibilities of NDF, ADF, ADL, crude fiber and cellulose were similar between species. Dry matter intake and digestibility were correlated negatively with the ADL/ADF ratio of the hay (r = -.99, P less than .01), whereas CP intake and CP digestibility were correlated with CP of the hay (r = .99, P less than .01). The Lucas test estimated true protein digestibility at 88.1% and metabolic fecal protein at 29.4 g per kg of DM intake. During the growth trial, DM intake was similar between hays, but ADG of sheep was lower (P less than .01) for those fed hays at early heading vs those receiving hays at the joint stage of maturity. The feed to gain ratio was slightly lower for hays at joint (P less than .08). Under the climatic conditions of the 1988 growing season, the nutritive value of quackgrass was similar to that of Climax timothy.     

Methodological impact of starch determination on starch content and ileal digestibility of starch in grain legumes for growing pigs

Background: Grain legumes represent a valuable energy source in pig diets due to their high starch content. The present study was conducted to determine the content and apparent ileal digestibility(AID) of starch in different grain legume cultivars for pigs by means of both a polarimetric and enzymatic method for starch determination.Methods: Three experiments were conducted with six barrows each which were fitted with ileal T-cannulas. In total, 18 diets including six different cultivars of faba beans(Vicia faba L.) and peas(Pisum sativum L.), five different cultivars of lupins(Lupinus luteus L., Lupinus angustifolius L.), and one diet with a soybean meal(SBM) were fed.Results: The starch content of faba beans and peas was greater(P 0.05) when determined polarimetrically than enzymatically(438 vs. 345 g/kg dry matter(DM) in faba beans and 509 vs. 390 g/kg DM in peas, respectively).Considerable lower starch contents were obtained in lupins and SBM, with 82 and 48 g/kg DM(analyzed polarimetrically) and 1.1 and 3 g/kg DM(analyzed enzymatically), respectively. Mean values for contents of neutral detergent fiber(NDF) and acid detergent fiber(ADF) in grain legumes ranged from 111 and 79 g/kg DM in peas to248 and 207 g/kg DM in lupins, respectively. Contents of condensed tannins in the colored flowered faba bean cultivars ranged from 2.1 to 7.4 g/kg DM. The AID of starch was greater(P 0.05) in pea than in faba bean cultivars,and using the polarimetric starch determination method resulted in greater(P 0.05) digestibility values than using enzymatic starch analysis(84 vs. 80% in faba beans and 86 vs. 83% in peas). Moreover, AID of starch differed(P 0.05)within pea cultivars and starch digestibility in faba beans decreased linearly(P 0.05) as the content of condensed tannins increased. However, there was no relationship between contents of NDF and ADF and AID of starch in pea and faba bean cultivars.Conclusion: Both contents and AID of starch in grain legumes can vary as influenced by the analytical method used for starch determination. Generally, starch digestibility is greater when measured by polarimetric rather than enzymatic methods.