Low-quality roughages in high-concentrate pelleted diets for sheep: digestion and metabolism characteristics as affected by corncob and(or) rice hull additions

Two trials were conducted to determine effects of feeding corncobs, rice hulls or a combination of both on nutrient digestion and flow of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract of multiple-cannulated sheep (55-kg Rambouillet X Dorset rams; trial 1; 4 X 4 Latin square) as well as ruminal, digestive and metabolic characteristics of early-weaned lambs (24.1-kg crossbred rams; trial 2; randomized complete block design; 3 periods) fed pelleted 75% concentrate-25% roughage diets. In trial 1, apparent total tract dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities decreased and N digestibility increased as percentage of dietary corncobs decreased and percentage of rice hulls increased. Site of NDF digestion appeared to shift from the upper to the lower digestive tract as percentage of corncobs decreased and percentage of rice hulls increased. In trial 2, apparent DM digestibility decreased as corncobs were replaced with rice hulls in the diet. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was not affected by diet except in larger lambs at higher intakes, with NDF digestibility generally decreasing as percentage of dietary rice hulls increased. Nitrogen digestibility was not affected by replacing corncobs with rice hulls in the diet. Ruminal pH decreased as rice hulls replaced corncobs in the diet. These data are interpreted to indicate that rice hulls can be effectively substituted for corncobs in sheep diets when added at levels up to 25% of the total diet.     

Effects of roughage particle size on site of nutrient digestion and digesta flow through the gastrointestinal tract of sheep fed corncob-concentrate diets

An experiment examining nutritional effects of dietary corncob particle size was conducted using ruminal-, duodenal- and ileal-cannulated sheep in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Site of nutrient digestion and digesta flow were the principal criteria evaluated. Analyses of dry matter (DM), N, starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were performed on feed, feces and digesta samples. Chromic oxide-impregnated paper was used as an external marker to estimate digestibilities at different sites along the gastrointestinal tract. Ruminal pH and volatile fatty acid molar proportions were also determined. All diets (74.9% concentrates: 25.1% corncobs) were pelleted and were similar in ingredient composition but varied in corncob particle size (corncob mean particle sizes were 6.5, 5.4, 1.4 or .8 mm). Dietary crude protein levels differed little among treatments. Starch concentration was higher in diets containing the larger corncob particles while NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations were lower in diets containing larger particles, suggesting a reaction between starch and fiber moieties during the pelleting process. Starch flow past the duodenum decreased (P less than .05) as dietary corncob particle size decreased. Apparent NDF digestion before the duodenum was highest for sheep fed diets containing 1.4-mm corncobs (P less than .05). Apparent starch digestion in the small intestine decreased (P less than .05) as dietary corncob particle size decreased. A considerable amount of NDF was apparently digested in the small intestine of sheep consuming diets containing 5.4- and .8-mm corncobs. Likewise, a substantial amount of NDF was apparently digested in the large intestine. Few differences in apparent total tract digestibilities were noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of salinomycin level on nutrient digestibility and ruminal characteristics of sheep and feedlot performance of cattle

A sheep digestion trial and two feedlot trials with cattle were conducted to study effects of an ionophore, salinomycin, on nutrient digestibility, ruminal metabolism and cattle performance. In trial 1, addition of salinomycin at 5.5, 11 or 22 ppm to 60% concentrate diets fed to ruminal-cannulated rams had no effect (P greater than .05) on apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) or starch in comparison with control diets. Apparent nitrogen (N) digestibility was increased (P less than .05) in animals fed salinomycin. Salinomycin did not affect total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the rumen, but resulted in a linear (P less than .05) increase in molar proportion of propionate and a linear (P less than .05) decrease in molar proportions of acetate and butyrate and in acetate:propionate ratios. Shifts in VFA proportions were fully expressed within 4 d after salinomycin was added to the diet. In trial 2, salinomycin was added at 5.5, 11, 22 or 33 ppm to 85% concentrate diets fed to finishing steers. Salinomycin level had a quadratic effect (P less than .05) on daily weight gain and resulted in a quadratic (P less than .05) decrease in feed intake with a resultant average improvement of 10.3% in feed efficiency. Salinomycin (5.5, 11, 16.5 or 22 ppm) and monensin (22 ppm) were added to 90% concentrate diets in trial 3 and produced increased rates of gain without affecting feed intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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)     

Effect of diet composition and feed intake level on diet digestibility and ruminal metabolism in growing lambs.

Lambs (29 +/- 2.5 kg) were fed three diets at various intakes to determine whether diet composition or level of intake was reflected in changes in diet digestibility or ruminal fluid characteristics. In Exp. 1, a 90% concentrated, pelleted diet or a whole shelled corn diet with a pelleted protein supplement was fed at three levels of intake: ad libitum and 92.5 and 85% of ad libitum (n = 15). Exp. 2 compared the 90% concentrate diet with diets in which the energy density was diluted to 55 or 72.5% concentrate by including alfalfa hay as a possible method of restricting energy intake (n = 6). Lambs were adapted to diets for 13 d; feces were collected for 6 d and ruminal fluid was collected 0, 3, and 6 h after feeding on the day following fecal collection. Restricting intake in Exp. 1 did not affect DM digestibility or digestibility of CP or starch. Digestibility of ADF was increased (P less than .10) by restricting intake. Ruminal fluid pH, ammonia concentration and VFA concentrations were affected little by either restricted intake level. Digestibility of DM was 4% higher (P less than .001) and starch 5% higher (P less than .001) for the whole shelled corn diet than for the pelleted, high-concentrate diet. Ruminal pH of lambs fed the whole shelled corn diet was higher and fluctuated less than the ruminal pH of lambs fed the high-concentrate, pelleted diet. In Exp. 2, diet digestibility was reduced (P less than .01) and ruminal pH was increased (P less than .002) by addition of hay. Restricted feeding of lambs did not seem to increase diet digestibility or alter ruminal conditions.     

Evaluation of corn fiber, cottonseed hulls, oat hulls and soybean hulls as roughage sources for ruminants

An in situ trial (randomized complete block design) using cows, and a site and extent of digestion trial (Latin square design) using sheep were conducted to study the potential of corn fiber (CF), cottonseed hulls (CSH), oat hulls (OH) and soybean hulls (SH) as roughage sources for ruminants. Two feedlot trials with steers and one with lambs (completely randomized design with factorial arrangements of treatments) were conducted to study the potential of CF and SH as energy supplements relative to corn. In situ rate of ruminal dry matter (DM) disappearance (3 to 36 h) and extent of DM disappearance (36 h) indicated that CF and SH were more fermentable in the rumen compared with OH or CSH, with SH being the most fermentable. Total tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were above 70% for sheep fed CF and SH diets, and were 50% or less for sheep fed OH and CSH diets. A ranking of by-products in terms of nutritive value followed the trend: CF greater than SH greater than OH greater than CSH. Lamb feedlot trial data showed that CF was of similar nutritive value to corn and of higher nutritive value than SH at the 50% level of supplementation. Corn-fed lambs responded better than CF- or SH-fed lambs at the 70% level of supplementation. Data from steer feedlot trials showed that CF was of similar quality to corn and of higher quality than SH. Dramatic differences exist in by-product feed utilization by ruminants. All by-products tested appeared to have some usefulness as dietary components.     

Influence of limestone level in high concentrate and high roughage diets on site and extent of digestion in lambs

Two digestion and slaughter trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of limestone level on site and extent of digestion and rumen fermentation in lambs. In trial 1, 11 wether lambs (avg wt 40.7 kg) were fed 75% concentrate diets supplemented with .6, 1.5 or 3.0% limestone (.6,1.2,1.7% dietary Ca, respectively) in a completely randomized design. Dry matter intake increased linearly (P less than .10) with limestone level; therefore, other data were analyzed with dry matter intake as a covariate. Total tract organic matter digestion decreased linearly (P less than .05) with increasing limestone but dry matter and fiber digestion were not affected by limestone. Ruminal digestion of dry matter and organic matter declined linearly (P less than .05) with increasing limestone. Ruminal neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestion was higher with the 1.5 than the .6 and 3.0% limestone diets (quadratic effect, P less than .05) but ruminal digestion of other fiber components was not affected by limestone. Ruminal volatile fatty acids were not affected by limestone level; however, rumen ammonia concentrations decreased linearly (P less than .05) with increasing limestone level. In trial 2, 12 wether lambs (avg wt 43.3 kg) were fed a 35% concentrate diet with .1, 1.5 or 3.0% limestone (.5, 1.2 and 1.6% dietary Ca, respectively) in a completely randomized design. Dry matter intake was not affected by limestone level, but digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and starch (P less than .10), energy, crude protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose (P less than .05) responded quadratically to limestone level, with increases at the 1.5% limestone level. Ruminal dry and organic matter (P less than .05), NDF (P less than .10), ADF (P less than .01), cellulose (P less than .05) and starch (P less than .05) digestion responded quadratically to limestone level with higher values at the 1.5% limestone level. Proportions of ruminal propionate increased linearly (P less than .01) with increasing limestone level and acetate: propionate ratio declined linearly (P less than .01) with limestone level.     

A comparative study of feeding behavior and digestive function in dairy goats, wool sheep and hair sheep

An intake and digestibility study was conducted with three groups (six animals per group) of yearling wether dairy goats (four Toggenburg, two Alpine), wool sheep (Targhee X Dorset) and hair sheep (St. Croix). Body weight (BW) ranged from 42 to 52 kg, averaging 47 kg. All animals were penned individually and given ad libitum access to a mixture of alfalfa-smooth bromegrass hay in pelleted, chopped or long form. Each group contained three ruminally cannulated animals. There were no apparent differences in the composition of feed consumed among goats, wool sheep and hair sheep, and no significant animal type X forage form interactions for any of the variables evaluated. Significant differences were observed in dry matter intake (DMI) between wool sheep, hair sheep and goats: 3.17%, 2.66% and 2.23% of BW, respectively (P less than .05). Daily water intake (WI) was greatest for wool sheep (P less than .05), but not different between hair sheep and goats. Total digestibility of dry matter (DM) and all fiber fractions were similar among animal types. For the cannulated animals, ruminal content weight and total ruminal volume were greatest for wool sheep (P less than .05). Ruminal acid detergent lignin (ADL) turnover was greater in wool and hair sheep than goats (P less than .05), but no differences were apparent for dry matter or neutral detergent fiber (NDF) turnover. For all animals, DMI, DMI/BW, digestible DMI and WI were greater for pelleted than chopped and long hay (P less than .05). Total ruminal volume, contents weight (on an absolute or BW basis) and fluid volume were lower in the cannulated animals consuming pelleted hay (P less than .05). Ruminal DM turnover rate was faster on pelleted than long hay, while DM turnover rate on chopped hay was intermediate. Turnover of ADL was faster on pelleted than chopped or long hay (P less than .05), but there were no differences among forage forms in NDF turnover rate. Fluid turnover rate was faster on pelleted and chopped than on long hay (P less than .05). Under the conditions of this study, no apparent differences were observed among animal types in the nutrient composition of feed consumed, ruminal or total tract digestibilities or rate of passage for dry matter. However, feeding behavior or selectivity differences under natural grazing conditions may deviate from what has been observed in confinement.     

Rumen fermentation characteristics, nitrogen balance and growth in lambs fed methane digester effluent

A laboratory silo trial, two lamb metabolism trials and a lamb growth trial were conducted to compare the nitrogen (N) value of swine methane digester effluent (MDE) to that of urea. Using laboratory silos (four/treatment), fermentation characteristics were measured for silages containing cracked corn, ground wheat straw and MDE added at levels of 0, 4, 8 or 12% of silage dry matter (DM). Lactic acid concentration increased linearly with up to 8% MDE addition, but then decreased (P less than .05; quadratic) with 12% MDE. Butyric acid was highest (P less than .05; linear) with 12% MDE, indicating an undesirable fermentation. In a metabolism study, DM, organic matter and N digestibilities and N balance were similar (P greater than .10) between urea and MDE, but DM digestibility was lower (P less than .05) for ensiled diets (52%) than diets fed fresh daily (59.4%). Mean ruminal volatile fatty acid, ruminal ammonia-N and plasma urea-N concentrations were similar (P greater than .10) between urea- and MDE-fed lambs. Plasma urea-N was higher (P less than .05) and ruminal isovaleric acid lower (P less than .05) in animals fed ensiled than fresh diets. In the second metabolism trial, digestibility of N was lowest (P less than .05) for MDE (51.2%) and highest for soybean meal (SBM; 71.8%), but N balance was similar among all diets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of calcium soaps of long-chain fatty acids on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and ruminal metabolism of steers

Two trials were conducted to determine the effects of calcium soaps of long-chain fatty acids (calcium soap) on feedlot performance, diet digestibility, carcass characteristics and ruminal metabolism of steers fed diets (85% concentrate:15% corn silage) containing 0, 2, 4 or 6% calcium soap. In Trial 1, increasing calcium soap decreased (P less than .05) DM, CP and gross energy intake but increased total fatty acid intake. Feed to gain ratio tended to improve with increased calcium soap; gross energy conversion was not affected (P greater than .05) by diet. Average daily gain and hot carcass weight decreased (P less than .05) with addition of calcium soap; other carcass characteristics were not affected (P greater than .05). Apparent digestibilities of DM, N, energy and ash were not affected (P greater than .05) by calcium soap. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility increased linearly (P less than .08) with increasing calcium soap, whereas digestibility of total fatty acids was affected quadratically (P less than .05); fatty acid digestibility was similar among 0, 2 and 4% calcium soap diets but decreased for the 6% calcium soap diet. In Trial 2, increased calcium soap did not affect (P greater than .05) ruminal VFA concentrations, pH or in sacco NDF disappearance of orchardgrass following 12, 24 and 48 h of incubation. Calcium soap increased (P less than .07) ruminal concentrations of calcium soap fatty acids at 1, 2, 4 and 8 h postfeeding. Calcium soap did not improve performance of feedlot cattle fed high-concentrate diets. Further, calcium soap did not affect ruminal fermentation and did not dissociate significantly even when ruminal pH was below 6 for extended periods of time.     

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme on ruminal fermentation and digestibility of alfalfa and rye-grass hay fed to lambs

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of a directly fed exogenous fibrolytic enzyme on intake and digestion of DM, OM, protein, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose of alfalfa and ryegrass hay by sheep. Four diets were randomly assigned to four ruminally cannulated lambs using a 4 x 4 Latin square design, repeated in time, with a factorial arrangement (2 x 2) of diets: 1) alfalfa hay; 2) alfalfa hay + exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (enzyme); 3) ryegrass hay; and 4) ryegrass hay + enzyme. Lambs consumed more DM and OM from alfalfa than from ryegrass hay (P < 0.001). The ADF intake was not different between the hays, but NDF intake was lower for alfalfa (P < 0.001). For both hays, the enzyme increased intake of DM (P < 0.01), as well as OM and CP (P < 0.05); however, NDF and ADF intake were not changed. Alfalfa hay had higher apparent digestibility of DM, OM, and CP (P < 0.001), but lower digestibility for NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. The enzyme increased apparent digestibility of CP, hemicellulose (P < 0.05), and NDF (P < 0.10) for alfalfa. Also, for both hays, the enzyme improved N balance because lambs retained more N (P < 0.05). The enzyme increased (P < 0.05) total VFA concentration (3 and 6 h) for both hays. Results from this trial indicate that directly fed exogenous fibrolytic enzymes may change ruminal fermentation, intake, and digestibility of forages with different nutritive value.     

Fiber digestibility by black lemurs (Eulemur macaco macaco).

Black lemurs, Eulemur macaco, are classified as generalist feeders, consuming a proportion of fruits and leaves that varies with seasonal availability. It is hypothesized that black lemurs are capable of using neutral detergent fiber (NDF) as a source of energy through fiber fermentation in the cecum and large intestine. In captivity, they are typically fed a diet of commercially available primate biscuits and readily available produce, both of which are limited in NDE Digestibility trials were conducted on 14 black lemurs; 12 were housed in groups (four, three, three, and two) and 2 were individually housed. The lemurs were fed four manufactured feeds differing in fiber form and content. A commercially available primate biscuit, containing approximately 27% NDF, served as the control diet. The second diet contained the same primate biscuits, which were ground and then incorporated into a fiber-based gel matrix. The third and fourth diets were formulated using soybean hulls or ground corncobs as the fiber source, resulting in 53% and 47% NDF, respectively. Produce was added to the diet at 36% (dry matter basis). Dry matter digestibility differed significantly among all diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was highest for the ground biscuit in gel and lowest for the two high-fiber gel diets, with biscuit digestibility values falling between the two extremes. The high-fiber gel diets were successful in increasing the NDF concentrations of the primate diets; however, black lemurs were capable of only limited fiber digestion.     

Effects of source and level of dietary neutral detergent fiber on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, ruminal digestion in situ, and total tract digestion in beef cattle fed pelleted concentrates with or without supplemental roughage.

The effects of source and level of dietary NDF on intake, ruminal digestion in situ, ruminal fermentation, and total tract digestion were evaluated in Hereford steers using a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square design. Diets contained 62 to 64% TDN and included 1) 80% control concentrate (contained pelleted ground grains) and 20% timothy hay (traditional diet), 2) 80% control concentrate and 20% alfalfa cubes, 3) 90% control concentrate and 10% cubes, 4) a completely pelleted diet using corn cobs as the primary NDF source, and 5) 80% textured (rolled instead of ground grains) concentrate and 20% hay. Dry matter intake differed (P less than .05) between the traditional and cube diets due to limited acceptance of alfalfa cubes. Increased (P less than .05) ruminal osmolality, total VFA, and NH3 N and lower (P less than .01) ruminal pH in steers fed corn cob and cube diets relative to steers fed the traditional diet were due to preferential consumption of concentrate over supplemental roughage and the resultant rapid fermentation of concentrates. Potentially degradable DM in the traditional diet exceeded (P less than .06) all other diets, resulting in the increased (P less than .10) extent of DM disappearance despite a slower (P less than .05) rate of DM disappearance. Rate of NDF disappearance and all in situ starch disappearance parameters were similar between the traditional, corn cob, and cube diets. All ruminal digestion parameters involving NDF disappearance were similar between hay diets and between cube diets, whereas rate and extent of starch disappearance differed (P less than .05) between hay diets. Although formulation of diets with different sources of dietary NDF did not affect total tract digestion of nutrients, nutrient availability and ruminal fermentation were altered due to dietary differences in sources of dietary NDF and preferential selection of feedstuffs by steers.     

Fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of ruminal contents and blood ensiled with untreated or sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straw.

Bovine ruminal contents and blood were ensiled with wheat straw, either untreated or treated with 4% NaOH (DM basis), with and without addition of 5% dry molasses. Proportions of ruminal contents, blood, and straw were 45:15:40, wet basis, respectively. Wheat straw also was ensiled alone, and water was added to attain 43% DM. After 60 d, all silages had a desirable aroma. The pH of the ensiled mixtures of ruminal contents, blood, and untreated straw was 4.43 and 4.56, with and without molasses, respectively. Values for silages containing treated straw, with and without molasses, were 5.95 and 7.37, respectively. All silages had substantial levels of lactic acid (2.4 to 4.9%, DM basis). Addition of molasses increased (P less than .01) lactic acid concentrations. In a metabolism trial, 36 wethers were fed a 50% orchardgrass hay basal diet alone or supplemented with ensiled materials (1:1 ratio, DM basis) such that final diets had about 7 and 4% of their DM from ruminal contents and blood, respectively. Among the diets containing the ensiled mixtures, digestibilities of DM, OM, energy, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were 6 to 20 percentage units higher (P less than .01) for silages containing treated vs untreated straw. Addition of molasses increased apparent digestibility only of CP and only in sheep fed ensiled mixtures with treated straw (interaction of straw treatment x molasses addition, P less than .05). Nitrogen balance was increased (P less than .05) from 1.6 g/d to 2.9 g/d by NaOH treatment of straw. Metabolizable energy was higher (P less than .05) for diets containing silages with NaOH-treated straw.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of ammoniation of tall fescue on phenolic composition, feed intake, site and extent of nutrient digestion and ruminal dilution rates of steers

Tall fescue hay (H) supplemented with corn and urea (HU) or corn gluten meal (HCGM) and ammoniated tall fescue hay supplemented with corn (AH) or corn gluten meal (AHCGM) were fed to steers in two 4 X 4 Latin-square trials. Diets were fed to four Angus-Hereford steers (550 kg) at equal intakes in trial 1 and to four Hereford steers (350 kg) at ad libitum intakes in trial 2. Ammoniation reduced cell wall concentrations of p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid by 48 and 67%, respectively. Concentrations of other phenolics were also reduced. Apparent total tract digestibilities of vanillin, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were lower (P less than .05, .001 and .01, respectively) when nontreated hay was fed in trial 1, but were not different between hay types in trial 2. In trial 1, greater negative intestinal digestibilities of p-coumaric acid (P less than .001) and vanillin (P less than .05) occurred for steers fed HU and HCGM vs AH and AHCGM diets. Digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were greater (P less than .001) for steers fed ammoniated hay diets in both trials and greater (P less than .05) for HCGM vs HU in trial 1. More than 96% of the NDF and ADF digested by steers in trial 1 was digested in the stomach. Intakes of digestible NDF and ADF, but not indigestible NDF or ADF, were higher (P less than .001) for steers fed AH and AHCGM in trial 2. In situ dry matter disappearance rate of ammoniated hay was greater (P less than .05) than that of nontreated hay, but rate of cotton thread disappearance from bags suspended in the rumen of steers fed the various diets was similar among treatments. In both trials, feeding ammoniated hay resulted in higher (P less than .05) ruminal concentrations of acetate and higher (P less than 0.05) acetate:propionate ratios. Ruminal liquid dilution rates were lower (P less than .05) for steers fed AH and AHCGM in trial 1, but were not different in trial 2. Ruminal dry matter concentration and solids dilution rate were not affected by diet in either trial. The results are interpreted to indicate that increased intake of ammoniated hay is a result of increased rate and extent of fiber digestion.     

Comparative utilization of warm- and cool-season forages by cattle, sheep and goats

The quality of different classes of forage hay (C3, C4 grasses and legumes) was determined in intake and digestibility trials with mature cattle, sheep and goats. For all nine hays, DM and NDF digestibility by cattle and goats was higher (P less than .05) than by sheep, with no differences due to forage class. Cattle had a higher (P less than .01) DM intake than sheep or goats averaged across forage (92.6 vs 65.8 and 68.6 g/kg BW.75); hay intake was highest on legume, with no difference between C3 and C4 grasses. Mean NDF intake by cattle was greater than by sheep or goats (58.7 vs 39.6 and 42.6 g/kg BW.75); NDF intake for all animal species decreased in the order C4 grass greater than C3 grass greater than legume. Particle passage rates did not differ (P greater than .05) with forage class but were higher (P less than .02) for sheep and goats than for cattle. Prefeeding ruminal DM fill values, determined by emptying, were 10.6, 15.0 and 19.9 g/kg BW1.0 for alfalfa, orchardgrass and switchgrass hays fed to cattle, and 11.2, 11.3 and 16.5 g/kg BW1.0 for the same hays fed to sheep. Estimated turnover times for DM and NDF were shorter (P less than .05) for sheep than for cattle; DM turnover was longer for switchgrass than for alfalfa and orchardgrass, with no forage differences in NDF turnover between these two animal species. Results show that goats were superior to sheep in NDF digestion.     

Effects of corn processing and dietary fiber source on feedlot performance, visceral organ weight, diet digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism in lambs

In Exp. 1, early-weaned Targhee and Polypay crossbred lambs (60 ewes and 66 rams; initial BW 24 +/- 1.0 kg) were used in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment to determine the effects of corn processing (whole shelled corn [WSC] or ground and pelleted corn [GC]) in combination with supplemental fiber (none [control]; soybean hulls, SBH [highly digestible]; or peanut hulls, PH [highly indigestible]) on DMI, ADG, feed efficiency, and visceral organ weight. For the total trial, WSC resulted in a 4% increase (P < .01) in ADG vs GC, and supplemental fiber resulted in increased (P < .01) DMI and ADG vs the control diet. Experiment 2 was conducted using 12 Targhee and Polypay crossbred wether lambs (initial BW 25 +/- 7 kg) to determine the effects of corn processing and fiber source in high-concentrate diets on diet digestibility and N retention using the same diets as in Exp. 1. Lambs fed WSC had greater (P < .001) apparent N digestion, true N digestion, and N retention (P < .01) than those fed GC. The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and NDF were greater (P < .001) for WSC than for GC diets. Peanut hulls resulted in decreased (P < .01) DM, OM, and NDF apparent digestibilities compared with the control and SBH diets. Starch digestion was not affected (P > .10) by diet. Whole corn resulted in improved DM, OM, NDF, and N digestibility compared with GC. Overall, both the SBH and PH diets resulted in greater DMI and ADG than the control diet, which lacked supplemental fiber.     

Evaluation of alfalfa-corn cob associative action. III. The effect of mechanically separated alfalfa fractions on intake, digestibility and ruminal characteristics of ammonia-treated corn cob diets fed to sheep

The influence of mechanically separated alfalfa fractions on intake, digestibility and rate of ruminal passage was investigated using 48 lambs (32 kg) in a digestion trial. Whole plant pre-bloom alfalfa (25% crude protein) or fractions (presscake, dehydrated presscake, protein coagulum, dehydrated protein coagulum, whole juice or deproteinized juice) were added to a 3% ammonia (NH3)-treated corn cob negative control diet at levels equal to 20% wholeplant alfalfa dry matter (DM); eight treatments, six lambs/treatment. Ad libitum intake was greater (P less than .05) for alfalfa fiber (presscake) or juice supplemented diets compared with 20% direct cut alfalfa. Dry matter intake, digestibility of DM and cell walls, and rate of passage were highly correlated when diets were fed ad libitum. At equal DM intakes, dehydrated vs wet presscake increased (P less than .05) DM and cell wall digestibility. Heating of the protein may have reduced degradation rate and consequently a slower release of nutrients for microorganisms in the rumen. Whole vs deproteinized juice increased digestibility of cob DM (P = .11) and cell walls (P = .13), suggesting a response to level of degradable alpha-amino N. Whole and deproteinized juice increased cell wall digestibility compared with the negative control by 23.0 and 18.5 percentage units, respectively, suggesting that degradable alpha amino-N and cell solubles or other nutrients interacted to maximize microbial fiber digestion. Total and branch-chain volatile fatty acids measured at 6, 12 and 18 h post-feeding were highly correlated with nutrient digestibility. Ruminal NH3-N measured at 18 h was negatively correlated with dry matter (r = -.74) and cell wall (r = -.72) digestibility, showing that alfalfa supplies nutrients required by ruminal microorganisms for NH3 assimilation and fiber digestion. The mode of alfalfa associative action in high fiber diets is in supplying ruminal microorganisms with degradable protein and (or) other nutrients, rather than altering ruminal retention time.     

Effect of sodium hydroxide treatment on rate of passage and rate of ruminal fiber digestion

Ruminally fistulated lambs were used to measure the effect of sodium hydroxide treatment on rate of passage and rate of ruminal fiber digestion. Corncobs were raised to 60% moisture and treated to a final concentration of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% NaOH on a dry matter basis. The diets fed contained 80% cobs and 20% supplement, giving a complete mixed diet containing 0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0% NaOH (dry basis). Chromic oxide was used as an external marker, and rumen samples were collected at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hr post-dosing. As level of NaOH treatment increased, rate of passage increased linearly (P less than .05). Mean ruminal retention time decreased from 32.4 hr for the control diet to 20.7 hr for the 8% NaOH diet. When rate of passage was regressed against NaOH level, the slope of the line was .142%/hr per unit NaOH, with r2 = .733. In another trial, sodium concentrations equal to the 4% NaOH diet were obtained by the addition of 7.3% NaCl to the basal diet. Rates of passage for lambs fed the diet containing NaCl were faster (P less than .05) than for lambs fed the control diet but slower (P less than .05) than for lambs on the 4% NaOH diet. These data suggest that both sodium intake and NaOH treatment affect rate of passage and are additive. Nylon bags containing .15 g cotton were used to measure the rate of ruminal fiber digestion in lambs fed the five NaOH-treated diets. Bags were removed from the rumen after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hr, and the loss in weight were used to estimate ruminal digestion. As level of NaOH increased, the rate of ruminal cotton digestion decreased linearly (P less than .05). When rate of cotton digestion was regressed against NaOH level, the slope of the line was -.488%/hr per unit NaOH, with r2 = .934.     

不同中性洗涤纤维与非纤维性碳水化合物比值饲粮对肉用绵羊甲烷排放的影响

本试验旨在研究不同中性洗涤纤维(NDF)与非纤维性碳水化合物(NFC)比值(NDF/NFC)饲粮对肉用绵羊甲烷排放的影响。试验采用4×4完全拉丁方试验设计,将16只杜泊×小尾寒羊杂交羯羊随机分成4组,每组4只,按维持水平饲喂NDF/NFC分别为3.02(饲粮1)、2.32(饲粮2)、1.58(饲粮3)、1.04(饲粮4)的全混合颗粒饲粮(玉米秸秆为粗饲料来源)。试验共进行4期,每期18 d,包括3 d的调整期、7 d的预试期和8 d的正试期,在正试期内测定甲烷产量、饲粮总能和营养物质表观消化率。结果表明:饲粮2的甲烷日排放量显著高于饲粮3和4(43.43 L/d vs.38.88和35.98 L/d;P0.05)。与饲粮1相比,饲粮2和3的每千克干物质采食量(DMI)甲烷排放量显著增加(38.00 L/kg DMI vs.42.24、41.69 L/kg DMI;P0.05),但是饲粮2、3和4之间差异不显著(P0.05)。随着NDF/NFC的降低,每千克可消化有机物(DOM)的甲烷排放量逐渐降低,饲粮4的每千克DOM的甲烷排放量显著低于饲粮1、2和3(58.78 L/kg DOM vs.75.00、73.35和64.11 L/kg DOM;P0.05)。随着NDF/NFC的降低,每千克中性洗涤纤维采食量(NDFI)或酸性洗涤纤维采食量(ADFI)的甲烷排放量逐渐增加,且各饲粮之间差异显著(P0.05)。综上所述,结合各营养物质表观消化率和甲烷排放效率,在维持水平下,采用NDF/NFC为1.04的玉米秸秆饲粮作为肉用绵羊甲烷减排的饲粮最合适。