Effect of linseed cake supplementation on digestibility and faecal and haematological parameters in dogs

The experiment was conducted with a 6 x 4 cyclic changeover design. Six adult Alaskan huskies were assigned to diets containing 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% linseed cake. A linear decrease in the apparent digestibilities of organic matter (OM) (p < 0.020), ether extract (EE) (p < 0.003), neutral detergent fibre (p < 0.015), nitrogen-free extract (NFE) (p < 0.001) and crude carbohydrates (p < 0.001) was noted. Digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were unaffected by the treatment. Wet weight of faeces increased (p < 0.001) and DM of faeces decreased (p < 0.001) linearly as the percentage of dietary linseed cake increased. Serum cholesterol concentration tended to decrease (p = 0.094) as the proportion of linseed cake increased. Apparent OM, EE, CP and NFE digestibility coefficients for linseed cake were 52%, 77%, 54% and 37%, respectively, and the digestible energy (DE) value was 13.22 MJ/kg DM. Our results showed that working and racing dogs fed the extruded and kibbled diet can utilize up to 4.2% linseed cake of diet DM as a fibre source without severe reductions in nutrient digestibility or feed consumption. Even higher levels of linseed cake, up to 8.5% of diet DM, can be used for normal or obese dogs, but more faeces will be excreted.     

Effect of starch gelatinisation on nutrient digestibility and plasma metabolites in pigeons

Feed manufacturing exerts physical and chemical changes in ingredients, including the gelatinisation of starch. Studies on the effect of the degree of starch gelatinisation on nutrient digestibility, metabolism and subsequent performance show inconsistent results, and no data are available in pigeons. In a cross‐over trial, fourteen adult pigeons were randomly divided into two groups, in which two extruded pellet diets were tested. Both the diets were similar in ingredient composition and nutrient content, but differed in extrusion conditions, resulting in a different degree of starch gelatinisation: pellets with high gelatinisation degree (HG; 73.6% gelatinisation) and low gelatinisation degree (LG; 53.1% gelatinisation). After a 14‐day adaptation period, all excreta were gathered per bird during a 5‐day collection period. Coefficients of apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), crude ash (CA) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) as well as apparent nitrogen retention were calculated from proximate analyses of feed and excreta. Further, excreta consistency was subjectively scored. Blood samples were taken at the end of each period and plasma samples were analysed for glucose, fructosamine and triglycerides. Feed intake and body weight changes were recorded weekly. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of DM, OM, CP, EE, CA and NFE were significantly higher in the LG group (p ≤ 0.05). The ADC of crude fibre was numerically higher in the LG group but not significant, and no significant differences were found in starch digestibility. Excreta consistency score tended to be higher in the LG diet group. Neither plasma glucose nor plasma fructosamine values were significantly different between the two test diets. The results of this study show that lower degree of starch gelatinisation in extruded diets can enhance digestibility in pigeons.     

The effect of crude fibre on apparent digestibility and digestible energy content of extruded dog foods

The apparent digestibility of nutrients and energy of 38 commercial dry extruded dog foods was measured using six adult (2 to 3 year-old) female Beagles. Diets contained [in g/kg dry matter (DM)]: 164–360 crude protein (CP); 79–261 ether extracts (EE); 8–33 crude fibre (CF) and 318–585 nitrogen free extracts (NFE). Apparent energy digestibility ranged from 77.3 to 91.6%, and was closely related to CF content ( r =–0.85), yielding the resultant equation: GED (%)=94.00 – 4.04 × CF (% DM). The estimation of digestible energy content of foods from digestibility coefficients predicted from the above equation and gross energy measured or estimated from the Weende fractions, provides a more accurate prediction of experimental values than the Atwater approach followed by the National Research Council and the Association of American Feed Control Officials.     

鳙鱼对10种蛋白质饲料原料中营养物质的表观消化率

本试验旨在研究鳙鱼(Aristichthys nobilis)对鱼粉(国产)、干酒糟及其可溶物(DDGS)、菜籽粕、米糠、豆粕、酶解羽毛粉、棉籽粕、小麦麸、玉米蛋白粉和花生粕中干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、总能以及氨基酸的表观消化率。试验饲料按照基础饲料和待测饲料原料7∶3的比例构成,并添加0.5%的三氧化二钇(Y2O3)作为外源指示剂。挑选初体重为(290.02±2.82)g的鳙鱼,随机分成11组,每组3个重复,每个重复10尾鱼。随机选取1组作为对照组投喂基础饲料,剩余10组为试验组分别投喂试验饲料。投喂1周后通过虹吸法收集粪便。结果表明:1)10种饲料原料中干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪和总能的表观消化率的范围分别为69.9%~85.7%、73.5%~88.3%、81.2%~91.1%和81.9%~86.3%。2)在10种饲料原料中,米糠总能的表观消化率最高,而鱼粉的干物质、粗蛋白质和粗脂肪的表观消化率最高;酶解羽毛粉的干物质、粗脂肪和总能的表观消化率最低,玉米蛋白粉的粗蛋白质的表观消化率最低。3)各饲料原料氨基酸的表观消化率基本维持在65.59%~99.17%,且都以小麦麸较低。由此可见,鳙鱼对鱼粉具有很好的利用效果,其次是豆粕和花生粕,而酶解羽毛粉中粗蛋白质的表观消化率最低,小麦麸各氨基酸的表观消化率均比较低。     

Energy evaluation of extruded compound foods for dogs by near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict the chemical composition, apparent digestibility and digestible nutrients and energy content of commercial extruded compound foods for dogs. Fifty-six foods of known chemical composition and in vivo apparent digestibility were analysed overall and 51 foods were used to predict gross energy digestibility and digestible energy content. Modified partial least square calibration models were developed for organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extracts (NFE) and gross energy (GE) content, the apparent digestibility (OMD, CPD, EED, NFED and GED) and the digestible nutrient and energy content (DOM, DCP, DEE, DNFE and DE) of foods. The calibration equations obtained were evaluated by the standard error and the determination coefficient of cross-validation. The cross-validation coefficients of determination (R) were 0.61, 0.99, 0.91, 0.96, 0.94 and 0.92 for OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE and GE, the corresponding standard error of cross-validation (SECV) being 5.80, 3.51, 13.35, 3.64 and 16.95 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 0.29 MJ/kg DM respectively. The prediction of apparent digestibility was slightly less accurate, but NIRS prediction of digestible nutrient (g/kg DM) and DE (MJ/kg DM) gave satisfactory results, with high R (0.93, 0.97, 0.93, 0.83 and 0.93 for DOM, DCP, DEE, DNFE and DE respectively) and relatively low SECV (11.55, 6.85, 12.14 and 22.98 g/kg DM and 0.47 MJ/kg DM). It is concluded that the precision of NIRS in predicting the energy value of compound extruded foods for dogs is similar or better than by proximate analysis, as well as being faster and more accurate.     

青鱼对8种饲料原料中营养物质的表观消化率

本试验旨在研究青鱼(Mylopharyngodon piceus)对国产鱼粉、蝇蛆粉、玉米蛋白粉、大豆粕、花生粕、棉籽粕、菜籽粕和米糠8种饲料原料干物质、粗蛋白质、氨基酸、粗脂肪、总磷和总能的表观消化率。试验饲料由70%基础饲料和30%待测饲料原料组成,并以0.1%的三氧化二钇(Y2O3)为外源指示剂。选取平均体重为(60.17±1.28)g的青鱼270尾,随机分成9组,每组3个重复,每个重复10尾鱼。对照组试验鱼饲喂基础饲料,试验组试验鱼分别饲喂1种试验饲料。饲喂1周后采用自排法收集粪便待测。结果表明:8种饲料原料的干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、总磷、总能以及总氨基酸的表观消化率的范围分别是62.17%～86.47%、83.34%～95.84%、78.93%～100.06%、37.33%～81.99%、66.75%～89.86%、86.33%～96.58%。在8种饲料原料中,玉米蛋白粉的干物质、总磷和总能的表观消化率最高,而大豆粕的粗蛋白质、粗脂肪和总氨基酸的表观消化率最高;棉籽粕的干物质和总能的表观消化率最低,米糠的粗脂肪和总磷的表观消化率最低。各饲料原料中总氨基酸表观消化率与粗蛋白质表观消化率的变化趋势一致,其中以蝇蛆粉最低。由此可见,大豆粕和玉米蛋白粉是青鱼的优质植物蛋白质源,可适量替代鱼粉;蝇蛆粉中粗蛋白质和氨基酸的消化率都较低,在青鱼饲料中的添加量不宜过高;花生粕、棉籽粕和菜籽粕也是较好的植物性蛋白质源,在青鱼饲料中适量添加既有利于饲料的营养平衡,还可降低饲料成本;米糠作为青鱼的能量原料必须保持新鲜,并控制其在饲料中的用量。     

Nutrient digestibility of rabbit does in different stages of reproductive cycle under tropical conditions

Effect of stages of reproductive cycle on body weight, feed intake and apparent nutrient digestibility of rabbits was investigated. Pregnant/lactating (PL) does increased their feed intake above pregnant lactating does. Dry matter (DM) digestibility was higher in pregnant does than in lactating, PL or open does. Digestibility of crude fibre, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen-free extractives (NFE) were significantly higher for open and pregnant does than lactating and PL does. Ether extract (EE) digestibility was similar for pregnant, lactating and PL does. Digestible CP requirement of does increased with physiological state from open to PL states. Open and pregnant does were meeting their protein requirement while lactating and PL does were not meeting their requirement. Feed intake was higher for first week pregnant, fourth week pregnant, first week lactating, first week pregnant/fourth week lactating and second week pregnant/fourth week lactating does than open does. DM digestibility was higher for first and fourth week pregnant does than the other physiological stages. EE digestibility was similar for all physiological stages. CP digestibility was higher in fourth week pregnant does than the other physiological stages. Fourth week pregnant does had higher NFE digestibility than first and fourth week lactating and the various stages of concurrent pregnant and lactating does. Open does, first and fourth week pregnant does were meeting their protein requirement while does in the first and fourth week of lactating and stages of concurrent PL were not meeting their requirement.     

非洲鸵鸟饲料营养物质表观消化率的测定及适宜方法的探讨

试验选用 3只 15月龄的非洲鸵鸟 (1公 2母 ) ,采用全收粪法对鸵鸟表观消化率进行了测定。其测定结果为 :干物质 5 5 .9%± 0 .2 1% ,粗蛋白 6 8.5 %± 0 .2 2 % ,粗纤维 5 7.4 %± 1.2 1% ,粗脂肪 5 8.8%± 1.35 % ,无氮浸出物 75 .3%± 0 .6 2 % ,总磷 5 5 .2 %± 1.10 %。钙消化率因消化道中存留较多的沙石而未能测得。同时探讨了鸵鸟消化率测定的适宜方法     

The effects of increasing the level of dietary wormwood (Artemisia montana Pampan) on intake, digestibility, N balance and ruminal fermentation characteristics in sheep

This study investigated the effect of replacing concentrates with dry wormwood (Artemisia montana) on the performance of sheep. Four Corriedale × Polwarth sheep (41.3 ± 1.3 kg) were fed diets with an 8 : 2 straw to supplement ratio, for four, consecutive 16 d periods (10 d adaptation, 6 d collection) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Supplements were made by substituting 0 (Control), 30 (LW), 50 (MW) or 100 (HW) g/kg DM of concentrate (15.6% CP, 72.1% of TDN) with dried, ground wormwood. Ruminal pH, NH₃–N and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were measured on d 6 of collection. Ether extract (EE) intake was linearly decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing wormwood inclusion, otherwise intake was unaffected. The Control diet had lower (P < 0.05) DM and CP digestibility than LW and MW diets and lower EE digestibility than the LW diet. Retained N (P < 0.05) and microbial N yield (P < 0.01) linearly increased with dietary wormwood level, but efficiency of microbial N synthesis linearly decreased (P < 0.001). Mean concentrations of rumen NH₃–N, total VFA and propionic acid were quadratically increased (P < 0.05) by increasing wormwood inclusion. Replacing concentrates with 30–50 g/kg DM of wormwood increased N retention, microbial N yield and EE digestibility.     

Effect of level of whole cottonseed on intake, digestibility, and performance of growing male goats fed hay-based diets

Twenty-four purebred Boer (Capra hircus hircus) and 12 male kids of 1/2 Boer breeding (initial BW 21 +/- .5 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to study the effects of increasing level of whole cottonseed (WCS) on ADG, serum urea N, plasma gossypol, live grades, and intake of DM, CP, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, ether extract, and free gossypol. A subgroup of 16 purebred goats was used to determine digestibility using a 5-d total fecal collection. Goats were blocked by BW and then assigned at random to one of four diets containing 0, 8, 16, or 24% WCS. All diets contained 71% chopped orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay and 29% concentrate; WCS replaced corn and soybean meal to maintain calculated TDN and CP concentrations at 68 and 15% of DM, respectively. Concentrations of NDF in diet DM were 52.4, 55.9, 59.3, and 62.1% with increasing WCS, and the Ca:P ratio was maintained at 2:0. Goats were given ad libitum access to feed and water. Over the 90-d performance phase, DMI (P < .05), CP intake (P < .02), and ADG (P < .01) decreased linearly with increasing WCS in the diet, whereas ether extract (EE) intake increased in a cubic fashion (P < .01). Gain:feed decreased linearly (P < .02) with increasing level of WCS. Addition of WCS resulted in linear decreases in apparent digestibility coefficients of DM (P < .02) and NDF (P < .05), a linear increase in total plasma gossypol (P < .01), and a quadratic increase in serum urea N (P < .04). Apparent digestibility of CP was not affected by WCS level. At the 16 and 24% WCS levels, EE constituted 4.2 and 4.8% of total DMI, respectively. Adding WCS to diets for growing goats had detrimental effects on animal performance, and, based on the possible negative effects of dietary EE and NDF rather than gossypol, economics should dictate whether to use WCS in feeding programs.     

饲粮粗蛋白质和粗脂肪水平对冬毛期雄性水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮粗蛋白质(CP)和粗脂肪(EE)水平对冬毛期雄性水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮代谢的影响,以明确冬毛期水貂饲粮CP和EE的适宜水平。试验采用2×3因子试验设计,即2个CP水平(32%和36%)和3个EE水平(10%、20%和30%),共配制6种试验饲粮。选取84只(120±5)日龄健康雄性水貂,随机分成6组,每组14个重复,每个重复1只。预试期7 d,正试期85 d。结果表明:32%CP组水貂平均日增重(ADG)、蛋白质消化率、脂肪消化率、碳水化合物消化率及氮代谢各指标均显著或极显著低于36%CP组(P0.05或P0.01)。30%EE组水貂末重、ADG和氮沉积含量显著或极显著高于10%EE组(P0.05或P0.01);30%EE组水貂平均日采食量、料重比、干物质消化率、蛋白质消化率、碳水化合物消化率、食入氮含量和粪氮排出量显著或极显著低于10%EE组(P0.05或P0.01)。饲粮CP和EE水平对水貂脂肪消化率有显著交互作用(P0.05)。综合以上指标,在本试验条件下,饲粮CP水平为36%、EE水平为20%或30%时,冬毛期水貂可获得较佳的生长性能,且能够提高水貂对蛋白质的利用率。     

木薯产品营养成分的分析与比较研究

本试验对3种木薯产品及玉米对照样品的主要营养成分包括粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、粗纤维、粗灰分、无氮浸出物、总淀粉、支链淀粉、直链淀粉、氨基酸、非淀粉多糖、矿物质的含量及其体外干物质和淀粉消化率、淀粉颗粒特征等指标进行了比较研究。结果表明,与玉米对照相比,木薯产品粗蛋白质和氨基酸含量较低,蛋白质品质低劣;木薯粒粗脂肪、粗纤维、粗灰分含量均显著高于玉米（P<0.05）;木薯渣无氮浸出物含量显著低于木薯干（P<0.05）,而粗灰分和粗纤维含量均显著高于木薯干和玉米（P<0.05）;木薯干和木薯粒的总淀粉含量与玉米相当,但直链淀粉/支链淀粉比值显著低于玉米（P<0.05）,木薯渣中抗性淀粉含量显著高于其他木薯产品和玉米对照（P<0.05）,玉米淀粉粒形态为不规则多面体,而木薯淀粉粒形态似球形;木薯产品中钙、钾、铁和锰的含量均显著高于玉米（P<0.05）,而磷和锌的含量均显著低于玉米（P<0.05）;玉米中可溶性非淀粉多糖（SNSP）含量显著低于3种木薯产品,且木薯渣中SNSP含量显著高于木薯干和木薯粒（P<0.05）;木薯渣中不溶性非淀粉多糖含量显著高于木薯干和木薯粒（P<0.05）,且其不溶性半乳糖的含量显著高于其他木薯产品及玉米（P<0.05）;木薯粒干物质和淀粉消化率均显著高于木薯干、木薯渣和玉米（P<0.05）,木薯渣干物质和淀粉消化率均显著低于玉米和木薯干（P<0.05）。本研究结果对木薯产品在饲料中的应用有一定的指导意义。     

Effect of feeding level on ileal and total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy from soybean meal‐based diets for piglets

A total of 36 piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 5.6 ± 0.7 kg, fitted with simple T‐cannulas at the distal ileum, were used to evaluate the effect of three graded feeding levels (50, 75 or 100 g/kg BW^0.75 day) on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and energy, and on ATTD of organic matter (OM), ether extracts (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and digestible (DE), metabolisable (ME) and net energy (NE) content in soybean meal (SBM)–casein–cornstarch‐based diets. The AID of DM, N and energy and ATTD of NDF, ADF and EE in the diets were not affected (p > 0.05) by the feed intake (FI) level. There was a small decrease in ATTD of DM, N (CP), OM, ash and energy, and in DE, ME and NE content in the diets (p < 0.05) with increasing FI level. The net disappearance in the large intestine (in % of ileal recovery) decreased for DM, N and energy (p < 0.05) with increasing FI level. The design of the study allowed for estimating ileal endogenous loss of N and total tract endogenous loss of ash, N and EE, for estimating corresponding true ileal and total tract digestibility values, and for estimating urinary endogenous N loss. High variability in estimates of ileal endogenous N loss and total tract endogenous losses of N, EE and ash reflects great variation in individual endogenous losses between animals. Estimation of true total tract digestibility of N, EE and ash by regression analysis was affected by their decrease in ATTD with increasing FI level, as estimates for true digestibility were lower compared to their apparent values. The present results suggest that FI level can affect both apparent and true total tract nutrient digestibility in piglets.     

Survey of copper and zinc concentrations in commercially available dry ferret diets

BackgroundTo survey macronutrients and two micronutrients (copper and zinc) in commercial ferret diets to investigate dietary factors that may influence copper-associated hepatopathy in ferrets.MethodsProximate analysis and copper and zinc concentrations of 12 commercially available dry adult maintenance ferret diets. Medians were calculated on a dry matter and metabolizable energy basis and compared to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles for cats and the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for mink.ResultsCalculated metabolizable energy of diets ranged from 3830 to 4305 kcal/kg dry matter (DM). Crude protein ranged from 89.1 to 151.4 g/1000 kcal, nitrogen-free extract ranged from 13.9 to 124.7 g/1000 kcal, and crude fat ranged from 29.6 to 52.4 g/1000 kcal. The median copper concentration was 9.0 mg/1000 kcal and 37.8mg/kg DM, 7 times the AAFCO minimum for cats and 6.3 times the recommendation for mink. Median zinc concentration was 64.2 mg/1000 kcal and 243.1mg/kg DM, 3.4 times the AAFCO minimum for cats and 3.7 times the NRC recommendation for mink. The median zinc to copper ratio was 6.7.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThere is considerable variation in micro- and macronutrient composition among tested commercial ferret diets. High copper concentrations in ferret diets may contribute to copper-associated hepatopathy in ferrets.     

Apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of domestic cats fed extruded, raw beef-based, and cooked beef-based diets

The objectives of this study were to determine differences in apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility, fecal and urine characteristics, and serum chemistry of domestic cats fed raw and cooked meat-based diets and extruded diet. Nine adult female domestic shorthair cats were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Dietary treatments included a high-protein extruded diet (EX; 57% CP), a raw beef-based diet (RB; 53% CP), and a cooked beef-based diet (CB; 52% CP). Cats were housed individually in metabolic cages and fed to maintain BW. The study consisted of three 21-d periods. Each period included diet adaptation during d 0 to 16; fecal and urine sample collections during d 17 to 20; and blood sample collection at d 21. Food intake was measured daily. Total feces and urine were collected for determination of nutrient digestibility. In addition, a fresh urine sample was collected from each cat for urinalysis, and a fresh fecal sample was collected from each cat for determination of DM percentage and ammonia, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) concentrations. All feces were scored after collection using a scale ranging from 1 (hard, dry pellets) to 5 (watery, liquid that can be poured). Blood was analyzed for serum metabolites. Apparent total tract DM, OM, CP, fat, and GE digestibilities were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in cats fed RB and CB than those fed EX. Total fecal SCFA concentrations did not differ among dietary treatments; however, molar ratios of SCFA were modified by diet, with cats fed RB and CB having an increased (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of fecal propionate and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of fecal butyrate compared with cats fed EX. Fecal concentrations of ammonia, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and total BCFA were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in cats fed EX compared with cats fed RB and CB. Our results indicated that cooking a raw meat diet does not alter apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and may also minimize risk of microbial contamination. Given the increasing popularity of feeding raw diets and the metabolic differences noted in this experiment, further research focused on the adequacy and safety of raw beef-based diets in domestic cats is justified.     

Digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep fed enset (Ensete ventricosum) pseudostem or corm and graded levels of Desmodium intortum hay to wheat straw‐based diets

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of Desmodium intortum (Desmodium) hay supplementation in sheep fed fixed amounts of enset pseudostem or corm and a basal diet of wheat straw on intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization. Eighteen male sheep with a mean (± SD) live weight of 20.5 ± 1.45 kg were assigned to six treatments in a completely randomized design and fed either 108 g dry matter (DM) enset pseudostem or 165 g DM enset corm each with three levels (100, 200 and 300 g) of hay supplementation. For the pseudostem diets, there was no significant difference in total DM intake. Total crude protein (CP) intake and N retention increased with increasing levels of hay in both pseudostem and corm diets. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and microbial nitrogen supply (MN) at 100 g was lower that other levels of supplementation. For the corm diets, total DM and OM intake and MN supply increased with increasing levels of hay. The digestibility decreased (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of supplementation. The results suggest that at least 300 g (395 g/kg dietary DM) of Desmodium hay is required in pseudostem diets, whereas 200 g (337 g/kg dietary DM) may be sufficient in corm diets for efficient nutrient utilization.     

Digestibility and nitrogen retention of diets containing different levels of fibre in local (Mong Cai), F1 (Mong Cai x Yorkshire) and exotic (Landrace x Yorkshire) growing pigs in Vietnam

Total tract digestibility and nitrogen retention of three diets containing different levels of fibre [200, 260 and 320 g/kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in dry matter] were determined in three breeds of growing pig at an initial age of approximately 3.5 months. The breeds were local (Mong Cai, MC), F1 crossbred (MC x Yorkshire) and exotic (Landrace x Yorkshire, LY), allocated at random within breed (block) to double 3 x 3 Latin squares. The main fibrous ingredients of the experimental diets were rice bran, cassava residue meal and non-dehulled groundnut cake meal. Digestibility of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), NDF, crude fibre, gross energy (GE) and ether extract (EE) decreased as the level of dietary NDF increased (p < 0.001). The r(2) values for the relationship between NDF level and digestibility of OM, CP, GE and EE were 83%, 83%, 80% and 82% respectively. On average, an increase in NDF content of 1% unit resulted in a decrease in OM, CP, GE and EE digestibility of 0.67%, 0.75%, 0.50% and 0.42% units respectively. Digestibility of energy and nutrients was the highest for MC and the lowest for LY (p < 0.01), with intermediate values for F1. There was a negative effect of NDF level on nitrogen (N) retained as a proportion of intake (p < 0.05). Nitrogen retention and utilization were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for LY than for MC and F1 pigs.     

玉米秸和大豆秸对生长獭兔的营养价值

为评定玉米秸和大豆秸在生长獭兔上的营养价值,本试验选择18只60日龄平均体重(1.78±0.20)kg的健康白色獭兔,随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每个重复1只。基础饲粮用套算法进行配制,玉米秸和大豆秸的替代比例为15%;采用全收粪法进行消化试验,预试期和正试期各7 d。结果表明:1)玉米秸与大豆秸中的总能(GE)以及干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、粗纤维(CF)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)、粗脂肪(EE)、粗灰分、钙(Ca)、磷(P)、无氮浸出物(NFE)含量分别为15.79 MJ/kg、90.06%、5.35%、34.74%、65.39%、37.43%、2.89%、0.88%、8.85%、0.50%、0.08%、40.26%与15.11 MJ/kg、91.39%、5.64%、47.11%、65.20%、50.10%、10.95%、1.05%、8.80%、0.42%、0.09%、28.80%;2)玉米秸和大豆秸在生长獭兔中的表观消化能分别为6.84和4.87 MJ/kg,生长獭兔对玉米秸与大豆秸中的GE、DM、CP、CF、NDF、ADF、EE、粗灰分、Ca、P、NFE的消化率分别为43.33%、34.44%、54.77%、21.02%、27.52%、23.58%、85.92%、45.47%、32.78%、60.05%、53.79%与32.18%、21.74%、50.72%、15.60%、19.78%、12.57%、87.16%、56.69%、36.00%、66.64%、34.93%。生长獭兔对玉米秸和大豆秸中的不同营养成分消化率存在一定差异,结合饲料原料营养物质含量总体分析,玉米秸对生长獭兔的营养价值要高于大豆秸。     

兔对桂牧1号杂交象草营养成分的消化率

试验测定了桂牧1号杂交象草{[(Pennisetum purpureum.cv.Mott)×(P.americanum×P.pu-rureum)]cv.Guimu No.1}的营养成分及消化率,其营养成分为:粗蛋白(CP)13.95%,粗纤维(CF)30.63%,粗脂肪(EE)2.72%,无氮浸出物(NFE)41.99%,粗灰分(ASH)10.72%,钙(Ca)0.61%,磷(P)0.42%。兔对桂牧1号杂交象草营养成分的消化率分别为:CP 76.79%、CF 42.26%、EE 80.23%、NFE 58.42%、ASH43.17%、Ca 45.52%、P 22.30%。表明桂牧1号杂交象草营养丰富,各种营养成分能很好地被兔消化利用。     

Intake and ruminal digestion determined using omasal and reticular digesta samples in cattle fed diets containing sugar cane in natura or ensiled sugar cane compared with maize silage

Sugar cane is widely used in an in natura forage in tropical countries, but the adoption of silage methods facilitates the preservation of its nutritional value and improves the logistics of its use. To explain differences in performance using alternative forages, it is important to conduct studies that evaluate the various digestion sites for the nutrients provided in diets. However, considering that the collection of omasal digesta is quite laborious and requires the use of a vacuum pump, reticular sampling has been suggested as a promising alternative. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal digestibility obtained from samples of digesta collected in the reticulum and omasum of cattle fed different diets. Five rumen-fistulated crossbred cattle with an average initial live weight of 336±16.6 kg were used, being distributed in a 5×5 Latin square design. Five diets were evaluated, which contained 60% forage and 40% concentrate on dry matter basis using different forages: maize silage (CS); sugar cane in natura (SCIN); sugar cane silage (SCS0%); sugar cane silage treated with 0.4% calcium oxide (SCS0.4%) or 0.8% calcium oxide (SCS0.8%) on wet basis. The percentage of crude protein (CP) in all of the forages was corrected to 11% based on dry matter (DM) using a mixture of urea/ammonium sulfate (9:1). Six collections of reticular and omasal digesta were obtained over three days at 12 h intervals. To calculate the flow of reticular and omasal nutrients, a double marker system was employed, using cobalt–EDTA and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDFi) as markers. The reticular and omasal digesta were similar (P>0.05) to estimate ruminal digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). However, the ruminal digestibility of ether extract (EE) and the intestinal digestibility of CP and EE differed (P<0.05) between sampling sites. The results indicate that the omasal digesta is more suitable than the reticular digesta for measuring the ruminal digestion of diet components.