Replacement of soybean meal with levels of inclusion of soya waste in the diet of growing goats

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with soya waste at different levels on intake, digestibility and growth in goats. Eighteen male goat kids with initial body weight (BW) of 13.0 kg were distributed equally to three dietary groups. They were fed Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and concentrate mixture, and each goat was assigned to an individual pen. Soybean meal in the concentrate mixture was replaced with soya waste at 0% (T1), 50% (T2) and 100% (T3) levels in respective dietary groups. These diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Results showed that animals fed T3 diet exhibited higher Napier grass intake than those fed T1 or T2 diet. There was no influence on total intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), metabolic BW, per cent BW and metabolisable energy by the dietary groups. However, there was an increasing trend on intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) with increasing levels of soya waste in the diets. Animals fed T3 diet showed higher intake and digestibility of NDF than those fed T1 diet. There was no influence of the dietary groups on digestibilities of DM, OM and CP. Similarly, there was no effect of them on the final BW, total BW gain, daily BW gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. Soya waste can replace 100% soybean meal in diets for growing goats, because no change was observed in nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance; inclusion of soya waste enhanced the intake and digestibility of NDF.

     

Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion, solid and liquid flow, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum silage-based diets fed to steers

Six ruminally cannulated steers, five Holsteins and one Hereford (250 to 295 kg), were fed 84% forage sorghum silage plus 16% supplement or 50% forage sorghum silage plus concentrate and supplement diets containing either no addition (controls), 1% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or 2% sodium bentonite in a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a 6 X 6 Latin-square experiment with 3-wk periods. Sodium bicarbonate increased dry matter (DM) intake when concentrate was included, but neither compound affected intake of the 84% silage diet. Bentonite lowered DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities, but NDF disappearance from nylon bags was unchanged. Ruminal pH, osmolality and L(+) and D(-) lactate were not affected by treatment. Both NaHCO3 and bentonite tended to lower ruminal NH3-N concentrations. Bentonite lowered the molar proportion of isobutyrate in ruminal fluid relative to controls, but proportions of other volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total VFA concentrations were unchanged. Neither NaHCO3 nor bentonite affected ruminal liquid or solid volumes, dilution rate constants or ruminal outflow rates. Markers overestimated volumes, but correction with measured volumes did not change interpretation of treatment effects. It was concluded that control diets had sufficiently high baseline values of pH, dilution rate and acetate proportion to preclude changes induced by either compound, especially at 1 or 2% of DM intake. An effect on palatibility through neutralization of silage acids may have been responsible for the intake response to NaHCO3.     

Comparison of the effects of three methods of harvesting and storing alfalfa on nutrient digestibility by lambs and feedlot performance of steers

Two lamb digestion and three steer growth experiments were conducted to study the feeding value of alfalfa harvested as direct-cut silage (DCS) with grain added prior to ensiling or as low-moisture silage (LMS) or hay with grain added at feeding. In all experiments, alfalfa-grain mixtures contained approximately 50% alfalfa and 50% concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis). In Exp. 1, lambs fed DCS alone consumed less DM than lambs fed LMS or hay alone or any of the alfalfa-grain mixtures. Apparent digestibilities of DM and fiber components were higher (P less than .05) for DCS than for LMS or hay. Lambs that were fed LMS digested more (P less than .05) DM and fiber components than lambs fed hay. Addition of grain resulted in increased (P less than .05) DM digestibility and decreased (P less than .05) digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. In Exp. 2, growing steers (271 kg) fed DCS-grain had increased (P less than .05) weight gains compared with steers fed hay-grain. Steers fed any of the alfalfa-grain mixtures gained weight more rapidly (P less than .05) than steers fed corn silage (CS)-based diets. In a third experiment, finishing steers (283 kg) fed DCS-grain, LMS-grain, hay-grain or CS-based diets performed similarly (P greater than .05), although steers fed DCS-grain had higher (P less than .05) dressing percentages and yield grades than steers that were fed the other three diets and were fatter (P less than .05) than those fed LMS-grain or CS. In Exp. 4, lambs fed DCS-grain or LMS-grain had higher (P less than .05) apparent DM and organic matter digestibilities than lambs fed CS-based diets with similar forage:grain proportions. In Exp. 5, finishing steers (326 kg) fed DCS-grain gained similarly (P greater than .05) to steers fed LMS-grain or an 85% concentrate diet based on high-moisture corn. Steers fed CS diets had lower (P less than .05) gains and increased (P less than .05) feed per gain compared with steers fed DCS-grain, LMS-grain or high-moisture corn.     

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover,silage or quality protein silage

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P < 0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet.     

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

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

Effect of increasing levels of white mulberry leaves (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Morus alba</Emphasis>) on ruminal dry matter degradability in lambs

A study was conducted to estimate dry matter (DM) degradability in the rumen of lambs offered a basal soybean meal and sorghum grain diet with three levels of white mulberry (WM) leaves (Morus alba). Diets consisted of 90% concentrate and 10% sorghum straw, which was incrementally replaced by WM leaves at 0% (control diet, T1), 2.5% (T2), and 5% (T3) of the total ration. Crude protein (CP) in WM was 21.8% (DM basis). Diets had equal CP (14% DM basis) and metabolizable energy (10.8 MJ/kg DM) content. Three non-castrated Pelibuey male lambs fitted with permanent rumen cannula were utilized in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of 10 days of adaptation followed by sampling. DM degradability was determined using the nylon bag technique. Bags contained the experimental diets offered in each period and were incubated in rumen in pairs for 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. The potential degradation was higher (P < 0.05) for T2, followed by T3 and T1. WM level did not influence the degradation rate or the effective degradation at the three passage rates modeled. It was concluded that WM forage may have useful application in feedlot diets for growing lambs, as this forage increases potential degradation of high-grain diets. The incorporation of WM in diets for feedlot lambs in tropics may reduce the use of expensive conventional protein supplements.     

Nutrient utilization in lambs fed diets high in sodium or potassium

Twenty-four wether lambs averaging 47 kg were used to study the effects of dietary K and Na additions on metabolism of lambs. Lambs were randomly allotted to four treatments and fed 900 g/d of the following: control diet consisting of 50% ground tall fescue hay and 50% concentrate; K diet calculated to contain 4% K with K added as KCl; Na diet calculated to contain 4% Na with Na added as NaCl, and K-Na diet containing 2% K and 2% Na with K and Na added from the same sources as in the K and Na diets. Water intake and urine excretion were highest for lambs fed the Na diet. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibilities were similar among treatments. The K-Na diet resulted in decreased (P less than .05) acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility compared with lambs fed the Na diet. Nitrogen (N) retention was highest (P less than .05) in lambs fed the K diet and lowest in those fed the Na diet. Rumen NH3-N was lower (P less than .05) in lambs fed the Na diet compared with controls. Rumen K at 2 and 6 h postfeeding was highest (P less than .05) and rumen Na at 6 h lowest (P less than .05) for lambs fed the K diet. Plasma K values at both sampling times were highest (P less than .05) in lambs fed the K diet. At 6 h postfeeding, plasma Mg was higher in control lambs compared with those fed the K-Na diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of forage NDF level and source in growing–finishing diets on growth performance of feedlot lambs

The effect of two forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels (6 vs. 9%) and two forage sources (sorghum stover vs. alfalfa hay) on growth performance was evaluated in 20 feedlot lambs (17.45?±?2.75?kg) for a 60-d feeding-period. Final longissimus area and subcutaneous fat were measured by ultrasound. There were no treatment interactions. Lambs receiving sorghum stover had greater gain efficiency (p?=?.04), estimated dietary net energy (NE; p?=?.04), longissimus area (p?=?.02) and tended to greater average daily gain (ADG; p?=?.06) than lambs fed alfalfa hay. Lambs receiving 6% forage NDF had greater ADG (p?=?.03), gain efficiency (p?=?.03) and tendency toward for dietary NE (p?=?.06) than those fed 9% forage NDF. Treatments did not influence subcutaneous fat. In conclusion, at equivalent forage NDF level, sorghum stover may be superior to alfalfa hay for feedlot lambs which may depress growth performance at 9% forage NDF in isocaloric diets including a 50:50 blend of whole and ground sorghum grain.     

Effect of replacing barley with rice bran in finishing diet on productive performance and carcass characteristics of Afshari lambs

Thirty-five male Afshari lambs (3.5 months old), with an average weight of 35 kg were randomly assigned to one of five experimental treatments relating to optimal replacement level of rice bran in lamb finishing diets. The lambs were fed a milled concentrate (3 mm screen) diet supplemented with 15% (DM basis) chopped (5 cm length) lucerne hay and chopped (5 cm length) maize silage or wet (80% moisture) sugar beet pulp. Barley grain in the lambs’ diets was replaced by rice bran at either 0, 15, 30, 45 or 60% of the concentrate mixture on a dry matter basis. Results show that lambs fed 45 and 60% rice bran treatments weighed significantly less than those fed with 15 and 30% and control group (P < 0.05). Average daily gain in lambs fed with concentrate mixtures containing 45 and 60% rice bran were 33 and 47% lower than control, respectively (P < 0.05). Lambs that received diets containing 45 and 60% rice bran, had lower feed intake (P < 0.05) than other groups. Using rice bran in the finishing diet had no significant effect on dressing percentage, tail percentage, abdominal fat and visceral organ weights. These results suggest that barley can be replaced with rice bran up to 30% in the finishing diets of lambs without any adverse effect on lamb performance.     

Effects of three different concentrate proportions and rapeseed meal supplement to grass silage on animal performance of dairy-breed bulls with TMR feeding

A 3 × 2 factorial design with growing dairy-breed bulls was used to study the effects on animal performance of (1) proportion of concentrate (rolled barley) in the diet, and (2) inclusion of rapeseed meal (RSM) in the barley-based concentrate in a total mixed ration (TMR). The interactions between concentrate proportion and RSM supplement were also examined.Three feeding experiments comprised in total of 84 Finnish Ayrshire bulls and 6 Friesian bulls. The bulls were fed TMR ad libitum. The three concentrate proportions were 300 (L), 500 (M) and 700 (H) g/kg dry matter (DM), fed without RSM (RSM−) or with RSM (RSM+). Rapeseed meal was given so that the crude protein (CP) content of the concentrate was raised to 160 g/kg DM in the RSM+ diets. In the RSM− diets the CP content of the concentrate was 128 g/kg DM, so the CP content increased 25% with RSM supplementation. Increasing the proportion of concentrate led to a linear improvement in daily live weight gain (LWG) (P < 0.05), but there were no significant treatment differences in the DM intake (kg/d). Increasing the proportion of concentrate also led to significantly higher CP (P < 0.001) and phosphorus (P) (P < 0.001) supply and significantly improved DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility (P < 0.001). However, the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) decreased (P < 0.001) as the proportion of concentrate increased. The feed conversion rate (kg DM/kg LWG) decreased significantly with increasing concentrate proportion (P < 0.001). Rapeseed meal supplement had no effect on animal performance, but the supply of CP (P < 0.01) and P (P < 0.001) was higher when RSM was included in the diet. The CP (P < 0.001) and NDF (P < 0.05) digestibilities were also higher for the RSM+ diets than for the RSM− diets. Because RSM at the concentration used did not affect animal performance, there is no reason to use RSM supplementation for finishing dairy bulls when there is good quality grass silage and barley-based concentrate in the TMR ration. This study also shows that there is a need to update the Finnish feeding recommendations for dairy-breed growing bulls, and extra calculations are needed for the energy and protein supply of growing dairy bulls.     

Influence of urea molasses treated wheat straw fermented with cattle manure on chemical composition and feeding value for growing buffalo calves

The study was conducted to examine the chemical composition of urea–molasses treated wheat straw (WS) fermented with cattle manure (CM) and its feeding value for growing buffalo male calves. Wheat straw treated with varying levels of urea (0%, 2% and 4%) and molasses (2% and 4%) was ensiled with 30% cattle manure (on dry matter basis) for different fermentation periods (20, 30 and 40 days). Fermented wheat straw (FWS) after each fermentation period was analyzed for pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), true protein (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Maximum pH, DM, CP, TP and NH₃-N and minimum NDF contents were observed with 4% urea. The 4% molasses level increased the CP, TP and NH₃-N contents of FWS, but pH, DM and NDF remained unchanged after 40 days of fermentation. The 4% urea × 4% molasses interaction resulted in maximum DM, CP, TP, NH₃-N after 40 days of fermentation period and this combination was used for large scale production of FWS to evaluate its feeding value for calves. Four isonitrogen and isocaloric diets were formulated. The control FWS 0 diet contained no FWS while in FWS 15, FWS 25 and FWS 35 diets concentrate was replaced with 15%, 25% and 35% FWS, respectively. The diets were randomly allotted to four groups of 28 calves 9–12 months of age, seven in each group, in a randomized complete block design to examine the nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and weight gain. An increased DM, organic matter (OM), CP and NDF intakes were observed in calves fed FWS diets compared to those fed FWS 0 diet. Nitrogen retention increased significantly with increasing the level of FWS. The DM, OM, CP and NDF apparent digestibilities were non-significant in calves fed different levels of FWS. A linear increase in weight gain was noticed in calves fed diets containing increasing level of FWS.     

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.     

Nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows as affected by diet and milk yield

The aim of this study, which was part of the EU-financed project Life Ammonia, was to evaluate the effects of dietary components and milk production on nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows. The study included examining the effects of decreased crude protein (CP) concentration in a grass-clover silage based diet and results of mixing whole-crop barley silage (WCBS) with grass-clover silage in the diet, on feed intake, milk production and nitrogen efficiency. Rations were formulated and milk production data were registered individually each month for 42 cows of the Swedish Red Cattle breed during four indoor periods from 1999 to 2003. The range in nitrogen efficiency by the cows, 11 to 398 days in milk, was 18 to 40%, when fed a diet containing 135 to 184 g CP/kg DM, 44 to 56% of NDF as rumen degradable fibre (RDF) and milking 13 to 57 kg of ECM daily. The average CP concentration of the diet, containing mainly grass-clover silage and concentrate, was decreased from 168 g/kg DM (170 g in early lactation) in the control treatment period to 160 g/kg DM (163 g in early lactation) during the following treatment period. The CP concentration was 170 g/kg DM (171 g in early lactation) during the third treatment period, when the grass-clover silage was fed in a mixture with WCBS. Using the whole data set (n = 284 for primiparous, n = 440 for multiparous cows based on measurements each month) resulted in models, in which total DM intake, ECM yield, dietary CP concentration and RDF were the most important factors affecting nitrogen utilisation of primiparous and multiparous cows. Increases in both average DM intake and milk yield by multiparous cows and no changes in average intake and milk yield by primiparous cows fed the low CP diet or the normal CP diet containing WCBS, compared to cows fed the normal CP diet, resulted in similar nitrogen efficiencies among the treatments. Hence, dietary CP concentrations of 160 to 170 g/kg DM can be used for cows in early lactation in commercial herds to improve nitrogen utilisation without causing a simultaneous decrease in milk yield.     

Effects of dietary energy level and supplemental protein source on performance of growing steers and nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in lambs

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate three crude protein (CP) sources (urea, U; soybean meal, SBM; corn gluten meal, CGM) in diets based on corn silage (high energy) or grass hay (low energy). In Exp. 1 and 2, growing steers were fed all combinations of energy and protein source at 10.5 or 12% CP. Steers fed high energy diets or 12% CP had improved (P less than .05) daily gains and feed:gain over 84 d. Protein source had no effect (P greater than .05) on performance except that steers fed U consumed more (P less than .05) feed than those fed CGM. Steers were fed experimental diets to a common weight and switched to an 85% concentrate diet for finishing. During finishing, steers fed low energy diets in the growing period consumed more (P less than .05) feed and had increased (P less than .05) feed:gain compared with those fed high energy diets. Growing lambs were fed the same diets as steers. At 10.5% CP, lambs fed high energy diets had higher (P less than .05) digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N) and fiber components, and retained more (P less than .05) N. For lambs on 12% CP, high energy diets had higher (P less than .05) DM and OM digestibilities and lower (P less than .05) N digestibilities. At 12% CP, energy level had no effect (P greater than .05) on N retained. Protein source had no effect (P greater than .05) on N retention. There appeared to be no advantage in supplementing with ruminally undegradable proteins, i.e. CGM, in these experiments.     

Effect of roughage particle size on ruminal, digestive and metabolic characteristics of early-weaned lambs fed pelleted corncob-concentrate diets

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of feeding corncobs of various mean particle size (MPS) on ruminal, digestive and metabolic characteristics of early-weaned lambs fed pelleted 74.9% concentrate:25.1% corncob diets. The MPS of corncobs in diets was 6.5, 5.4, 1.4 and .8 mm, respectively. As particle size decreased, percentage starch decreased and percentage neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose increased. In Exp. 1, 28 crossbred rams (seven/treatment, avg initial wt, 15.3 kg) were used in a randomized complete-block design. In Exp. 2, lambs from Exp. 1 were re-weighed (avg initial wt, 16.8 kg) and fed the same diets as in Exp. 1. In Exp. 1 and 2, lambs ingested dry matter (DM) equal to 2.68 and 3.74% of body weight, respectively. In Exp. 1, apparent DM digestibility was unaffected by corncob MPS; however, in Exp. 2, DM digestibility was highest (68.8%) for lambs fed the 6.5-mm diet and lowest (63.8%) for those fed the .8-mm diet. Apparent starch digestibility was high (greater than 98.8%) in both experiments. Neutral detergent fiber and ADF digestibilities were highest for lambs fed the 1.4-mm diet (50.5 and 43.6%, Exp. 1; 39.6 and 28.9%, Exp. 2). A dramatic increase (6.8 to 39.1%) in acid detergent lignin (ADL) digestibility was observed in Exp. 1 as corncob MPS decreased. In Exp. 2, ADL digestibilities were similar for lambs fed the 6.5-, 5.4- or 1.4-mm diets (avg value, 5.9%) and highest for those fed the .8-mm diet (29.7%). Nitrogen metabolism was unaffected by corncob MPS. In Exp. 1, digestible energy intake, corrected for urinary losses, did not differ among treatments but in Exp. 2, lambs consuming the 6.5-mm diet had higher corrected digestibility energy intakes (1,926.6 kcal/d) than did those fed other diets (avg, 1,832.4 kcal/d). Ruminal pH sampled 4 h post-feeding was highest for lambs consuming the 6.5-mm diet (6.25) in Exp. 1 and the 1.4-mm diet (5.89) in Exp. 2. Lowest ruminal pH (5.30 and 5.36, respectively) was for lambs consuming the .8-mm diet in Exp. 1 and the 5.4-mm diet in Exp. 2. Ruminal lactate concentrations were variable within and among treatments. Total ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were similar across treatments but in Exp. 2, there was a shift in molar proportions from acetate to propionate as corncob MPS decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Low-quality roughages in high-concentrate pelleted diets for sheep: digestion and metabolism of nitrogen and energy as affected by dietary fiber concentration

Two trials were conducted to evaluate effects of, and interactions between, level and source of fiber in the diet on ruminal environment, microbial protein synthesis, nutrient digestion and flow of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract of multiple-fistulated sheep (trial 1; 4 X 4 Latin square design) and on ruminal, digestive and metabolic characteristics of early-weaned lambs (trial 2; randomized complete block design; 3 periods). All diets tested were pelleted and were formulated to contain either 39% or 25% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), with corncobs or cottonseed hulls (CSH) as the major NDF (roughage) sources. In trial 1, dry-matter (DM) and organic-matter (OM) digestibilities were not different (P greater than .05) among treatments. Digestibility of NDF was higher (P less than .05) with high-fiber. Bacterial N synthesis (g N/kg OM truly digested) was not different (P greater than .05) among treatments. Molar proportion acetate was higher (P less than .05) and molar proportion propionate lower (P less than .05) when sheep were fed high-fiber diets. In trial 2, apparent DM digestibility was higher (P less than .05) for lambs fed diets containing corncobs. Energy digestibility was higher (P less than .05) at the low-fiber level and for lambs fed diets containing corncobs. Apparent NDF digestibility by lambs was higher (P less than .05) at the high-fiber level and for lambs fed diets containing corncobs. Nitrogen retained (percentage of N intake) was higher (P less than .05) for lambs fed diets containing CSH. Ruminal pH and molar proportion acetate were higher (P less than .05) and molar proportion propionate lower (P less than .05) for lambs fed high-fiber diets. Although responses to corncob vs CSH inclusion in high-energy pelleted diets differ, both roughages are effective as fiber sources in sheep diets.     

Effects of dietary nonprotein nitrogen on performance, digestibility, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency in crossbred steers

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary NPN levels on animal performance, diet digestibility, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency. Experiment 1 was conducted with 24 Holstein x Nellore crossbred steers (350 +/- 20 kg of BW) distributed in 6 blocks to evaluate intake and digestibility of nutrients and performance. The diets consisted of 70% corn silage and 30% concentrate (DM basis) and were formulated to contain 12.5% CP (DM basis). Treatments consisted of 0, 15.5, 31, and 46.5% of dietary N as NPN. There were no treatment differences in the daily intakes of DM (P = 0.47), OM (P = 0.60), CP (P = 0.24), nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC; P = 0.74), or TDN (P = 0.63); however, NDF intake decreased linearly as NPN increased (P = 0.02). Additionally, no effects of NPN were observed on apparent total tract digestibility of DM (P = 0.50), OM (P = 0.53), NDF (P = 0.63), or NFC (P = 0.44). The apparent total tract digestibility of CP increased linearly (P = 0.01), but ADG (1.14 kg/d) was not influenced (P = 0.96) as NPN increased. In Exp. 2, 4 ruminally and abomasally cannulated steers (300 +/- 55 kg of BW) were fed the same diet used in Exp. 1 to evaluate the effects of NPN levels on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ruminal characteristics, and microbial efficiency. There were no differences in the daily intakes of DM (P = 0.22), OM (P = 0.17), CP (P = 0.31), NDF (P = 0.29), or TDN (P = 0.49). However, NFC intake increased linearly (P = 0.02), and there was a quadratic effect (P = 0.01) on intake of ether extract as NPN increased. Ruminal digestibility of CP increased linearly (P = 0.01) with the increase of dietary NPN. There were no differences (P >or= 0.28) in microbial protein synthesis and microbial efficiency among the treatments. The results of these trials suggest that dietary NPN levels (up to 46.5% of total N) can be fed to crossbred steers receiving corn silage-based diets without affecting their growth performance or ruminal protein synthesis.     

Effects of feeding different levels of corn steep liquor on the performance of fattening lambs

This study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding corn steep liquor (CSL) on in vivo digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and hydrolytic enzyme activities, blood metabolites, feed intake (FI) and growth performance in fattening lambs. The CSL is a by‐product of wet milling process of maize starch industry. The crude protein (CP), rumen‐degradable protein (RDP), lactic acid and metabolisable energy contents of this by‐product were 420, 324, 200 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 12.6 MJ/kg DM respectively. Twenty‐seven male Moghani lambs were assigned randomly into three groups of nine lambs each in a completely randomised design. Three iso‐energetic and iso‐nitrogenous diets containing different levels (0, 50 or 100 g/kg dry matter) of CSL were offered ad libitum three times a day. Forage to concentrate ratio of the diets was 30:70. With inclusion of CSL in diet, the contents of canola meal, fish meal, wheat bran, corn grain and sugar beet pulp were decreased. The contents of DM, ash‐free neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), ether extract, starch, Ca and S were numerically lower, but soluble protein, RDP and non‐fibre carbohydrates were greater in the diets containing CSL in comparison with the control diet. The lambs fed with the diets containing CSL had lower [linear (L), p < 0.06] digestibility coefficients of DM and NDFom as compared to those fed with the diet free of CSL. Ruminal ammonia‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05), but pH decreased (L, p < 0.05) with raising CSL level in diet. Carboxymethyl cellulase and filter paper‐degrading activities decreased (L, p < 0.05), while proteases activity increased (L, p < 0.05) as dietary rates of CSL increased. Microcrystalline cellulase and ɑ‐amylase activities were similar among the treatments. Within blood metabolites, only urea‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05) in the lambs receiving CSL as compared to those fed with diet without CSL. Dietary inclusion of CSL resulted in linear decreases (L, p < 0.05) in the intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, NDFom and ash‐free acid detergent fibre, and average daily gain. However, the feed conversion ratio was similar among the experimental animals. Overall, feeding CSL up to 100 g/kg diet DM in lamb resulted in reductions of rumen fibrolytic microbial enzyme activities, in vivo digestibility, FI and growth performance, but rumen proteases activity increased.     

Seafood processing wastes ensiled with straw: utilization and intake by sheep.

Ensiled mixtures of seafood processing wastes and wheat straw were evaluated. Thirty-six crossbred wethers (average BW = 34 kg) were fed 1) a basal diet (hay and concentrate) alone, or a 1:1 ratio (DM basis) of basal and 2) ensiled fish waste plus straw (70:30, wet basis), 3) ensiled fish waste and straw (51:49), 4) ensiled crab waste plus straw (60:40), 5) ensiled crab waste plus straw (40:60), or 6) ensiled wheat straw (50% moisture). Dry molasses (5%) was included in all ensiled mixtures, and glacial acetic acid (16% vol/wt) was added to the crab waste mixtures. Among diets containing ensiled fish waste, DM digestibility was greater (P less than .01) for the diet containing silate with 70% fish waste than the diet containing 51% fish waste. There was no difference (P greater than .05) in DM digestibility between the two crab waste silages. Apparent digestibility of CP was greater (P less than .01) for diets containing fish than for those containing crab waste. Nitrogen retention (g/d) was positive for sheep receiving all diets but not different among treatments. Apparent absorption of P (g/d) was greater (P less than .01) by sheep fed fish waste silage diets than by those fed crab waste silage diets. Among seafood silages, DMI was greater (P less than .01) for sheep consuming the 60:40 than for those consuming the 40:60 crab waste silage diet and less (P less than .01) for sheep fed the 70:30 than for those fed the 51:49 fish waste silage diet. Seafood processing wastes potentially are valuable to ensile with crop residues for use as ruminant feedstuffs.     

Performance,carcass characteristics and chemical composition of beef affected by lupine seed,rapeseed meal and soybean meal

To test the effects of different protein sources and levels on performance, carcass characteristics and beef chemical composition, concentrates with three protein sources [Lupine seed (L), Rapeseed meal (R) and Soybean meal (S)] and two protein levels [‘normal protein’ (NP) or ‘high protein’ (HP)] were fed to 36 Simmental calves. Calves initially weighed 276 ± 3.9 kg and averaged 6 months of age and were randomly allocated to the six treatments. Maize silage was offered ad libitum and supplemented with increasing amounts of concentrates (wheat, maize grain, protein sources, vitamin–mineral mix). Normal protein and HP diets were formulated to contain 12.4% and 14.0% crude protein (CP) dry matter (DM) respectively. At the end of the fattening period of 278 days, the final live weight averaged 683 ± 14.7 kg. Neither level of protein nor its interaction with protein sources had any effects on most of the traits studied. Feeding the R diet significantly increased final weight, average daily gain (ADG), DM intake and CP intake in relation to the L diet; no differences were observed between the L and S diets for these measures. No differences were observed between the R and S groups in final weight or ADG, but the calves fed the R diet consumed more DM and CP than the calves fed the S diet. Bulls fed R diet had higher carcass weight and dressing percentage than the L groups, and no significant differences were detected between the S and L groups. Chemical composition of the Musculus longissimus dorsi was not significantly affected by source of protein. Also, the major saturated fatty acid (SFA) (C16:0 and C18:0) did not significantly differ among the three treatments. Samples from R group had significantly higher proportions of C16:1 t9, C18:1 c11, C18:2 c9 t11, C18:3 c9, 12, 15 and ΣC18:1 t fatty acids in relation to L and S groups. Although polyunsaturated fatty acid/SFA ratio was similar for the three dietary groups, n‐6/n‐3 ratio and Σn‐3 fatty acids content were significantly greater for bulls fed R diet in relation to those fed L and S diets.