Effect of moist heat treatment on in-vitro degradability and ruminal escape protein and amino acids of mustard meal

A study was conducted to determine the effects of moist heat treatment (127°C, 117 kPa steam pressure) for 10 min on protein fractions and in-vitro crude protein (CP) degradability of mustard meal. Rumen undegraded protein (RUP) and amino acid disappearance of unheated, and heated, mustard meal were measured following 12 h of rumen incubation using two ruminally fistulated cows. Intestinal availability of RUP was estimated using an enzymatic (pepsin–pancreatin) procedure. Heat treatment reduced (p<0.05) protein solubility and increased (p<0.05) neutral detergent insoluble CP without affecting acid detergent insoluble CP of mustard meal. Relative to the control, heated mustard meal had a lower (p<0.05) effective in-vitro CP degradability (445.2 vs. 746.8 g kg⁻¹ of CP) and a higher (p<0.05) ruminal escape CP (615.1 vs. 120.2 g kg⁻¹ of CP) value. Amino acid composition was not affected by heat treatment except for the concentration of arginine and lysine which was lower (p<0.05) in heated than in unheated mustard meal. Disappearance of all amino acids following 12 h of rumen incubation was lower (p<0.05) in unheated than in heated mustard meal. Heat treatment increased (p<0.05) the amount of protein available for digestion in the small intestine from 75.7 to 518.1 g kg⁻¹ of CP. It was concluded that moist heating of mustard meal for 10 min will reduce ruminal CP and amino acid degradability without compromising the intestinal availability of ruminal undegraded protein.     

Nutrient composition,digestion and rumen fermentation in sheep of wheat straw treated with calcium oxide,sodium hydroxide and alkaline hydrogen peroxide

This study tested the effect of calcium oxide (CaO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and NaOH plus hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂; AHP) on cell wall composition, digestion and fermentation of wheat straw (straw) in sheep. Treated straws were prepared by mixing straw either with water followed by dusting with CaO at 160 g kg⁻¹ DM or with a NaOH solution alone at 3 l kg⁻¹ DM to supply 80 g NaOH kg⁻¹ DM (Na) or pre-soaked with Na exactly as in the previous treatment for 27 h followed by mixing with 130 g H₂O₂ kg⁻¹ DM (AHP) for 6 h. After 14 days of storage, the treated straws and an untreated straw (U) were fed automatically every 2 h to four individually housed sheep together with a supplement in a 4×4 latin square experiment. Each kilogram supplement DM contained 422 g CP and 10.8 MJ ME. NDF (p<0.001) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) contents were significantly reduced whereas cellulose was increased (p<0.001) in treated compared to untreated straw. ADL was reduced in Ca (p<0.05) but increased (p<0.05) in Na and AHP compared with U. The rumen and total tract digestibility were significantly (p<0.001) greater in sheep fed treated compared with untreated straw. Significant differences (p<0.05) between treatments for pH, NH₃ and VFA were also observed. All treatments improved the nutritive value of straws compared with untreated through modification of cell wall with a subsequent increase in digestibility by sheep. Although the digestibility for Ca was lower than that for Na despite reduction in cell wall, its use to treat straws may be more safe and cost effective than Na. AHP was the most effective and could also improve the energy value of other low quality forages for ruminants. However, the need of AHP for a large amount of NaOH to achieve highly alkaline pH limits its farm scale application. Therefore, further studies should either consider reducing the amount of NaOH or finding alternative alkalis that are cost effective and user-friendly.     

Influence of undegraded intake protein on intake,digestion, serum hormones and metabolites,and nitrogen balance in sheep

In Exp. 1, 20 ewes of mixed breeding were fed grass hay : straw mixtures, assigned to one of four supplemental treatments and evaluated during six collection periods. Supplemental treatments were control (no supplement), and low, medium, and high levels (5.2%, 22.1%, and 41.3% of DM, respectively) of undegraded intake protein (UIP). Supplements were formulated to be similar in degraded intake protein (DIP; 21%). Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation and in medium and high compared with low UIP supplemented ewes. Digestibility of CP also was increased (P < 0.10) in ewes on high compared with medium treatments. Serum insulin was not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment, except in collection period four. In contrast, serum glucose and growth hormone were not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment. In Exp. 2, four wether lambs fed the same treatments as in Exp. 1, were used in two 4 × 4 Latin squares trials. In trial 1 lambs received a grass hay diet (6.7% CP) and in trial 2 lambs were fed 40 : 60 blend (6.6% CP) of grass hay and spring wheat straw. In both trials, N intake, urinary N, N digestion, apparent N absorption, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. In addition, in trial 1, urinary N, N digestion, and apparent N absorption were increased (P < 0.10) in medium and high compared with low UIP and also in high compared with medium UIP treatments. In trial 2 of Exp. 2, total feed intake (g/kg BW), digestibility of DM and OM, BW, and fecal N were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. Organic matter digestion, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased by medium and high compared with low UIP. Fecal N, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) in high compared with medium UIP. These data indicate that increasing levels of UIP supplementation increases DM, OM, and CP (N) digestibility, serum urea N concentration, and N retention in sheep fed low quality forage.     

Effects of dietary whole cottonseed and crude protein level on rumen protozoal population and fermentation parameters

In this investigation in vitro and in vivo trials were performed to determine the efficacy of a cottonseed to limit protozoal population and fermentation parameters. The composition of diets given to the different treatments were as follow: (1) control (without whole cottonseed), 16% crude protein (CP), 3.2% ether extract (E.E.); (2) 20% whole cottonseed, 16% CP, 6.5% E.E.; (3) 20% whole cottonseed, 13% CP, 6.4% E.E. and (4) 20% crushed whole cottonseed, 13% CP, 6.4% E.E. DM disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics of the treatments were determined by in vitro incubation studies. In the in vivo trial, ruminal fluid was taken by rumenocentesis (3 h after feeding) on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 21 and 28 from four sheep fed about treatment diets. The pH and protozoal counts were determined in each sample, while ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were determined in samples taken on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The in vitro DMD after 24 h incubation decreased (p < 0.01) with the addition of cottonseed in diets 3 and 4 and DMD after 72 h incubation was highest (p < 0.01) for the control diet. The fractional rate of gas production (c) for the control and diet 2 was higher (p < 0.05) than for the diets 3 and 4. Feeding crushed whole cottonseed decreased molar proportion of propionate (p < 0.05) and increased molar proportion of butyrate (p < 0.01). Low crude protein level increased the molar proportion of propionate (p < 0.05) and decreased molar proportion of butyrate (p < 0.05) and cellolytic protozoa population (p < 0.05). Feeding cottonseed decreased (p < 0.05) the total protozoa population from approximately 500,000 to 250,000 ml⁻¹ and Holotrich and cellulolytic protozoa disappeared from the rumen of sheep and only Entodinium sp., remained. This was associated with lower concentration of ammonia nitrogen in rumen fluid of sheep fed diets 4 (p < 0.05) and 2 (p < 0.01). It was concluded that cottonseed reduced rumen fauna and ammonia nitrogen, but had no effect on ruminal VFA while the crushed whole cottonseed decreased molar proportion of isovalerate only. In vivo molar proportion of propionate and butyrate and valerate were increase and decrease, respectively, by decreasing CP percentage in treatment diets.     

Evaluation of a two-stage in vitro technique for estimating digestibility of equine feeds using horse faeces as the source of microbial inoculum

To develop a two-stage in vitro technique that simulates both pre-caecal and hind gut digestion processes, four enzymatic pre-digestion treatments by pepsin and α-amylase (ET0 = control, ET1 = 2 h pepsin + 2 h amylase, ET2 = 2 h pepsin + 4 h amylase, ET3 = 8 h pepsin + 16 h amylase) were tested on oat hay (OH), barley grain (BG) and soybean meal (SBM). Investigated parameters were enzymatic organic matter digestibility (OMDe), and gas production (G48h, G72h) and OM digestibility (OMD) using horse faeces as a source of microbial inoculum.Enzymatic pre-digestion treatments affected (P<0.05) investigated parameters and their ranking differed among feeds. Only OMD of BG and SBM were higher after the pre-digestion treatment. OMD prior to (ET0) and after ET3 application were, successively, 0.357 versus 0.351 (OH), 0.71 versus 0.79 (BG) and 0.70 versus 0.78 (SBM). Net gas production overestimated fermentation potential of non-pre-digested feeds. G72h (ml/g DM) prior to (ET0) and after ET3 application were, successively, 80.3 versus 58.0 (OH), 151.7 versus 30.4 (BG) and 110.6 versus 37.7 (SBM).It was concluded that the enzymatic pre-digestion treatments effects varied among tested feeds, and that the suggested procedure be extended and validated with a large array of feeds of known digestibility values.     

Effect of dietary cobalt supplementation on plasma and rumen metabolites in Mehraban lambs

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of different levels of dietary cobalt on performance, plasma and rumen metabolites and nutrient digestibility in Mehraban male lambs. Experiment 1: 28, 8–9-month-old lambs were randomly divided into four groups. Animals were fed a basal diet containing 0.088 mg Co/kg DM and were supplied with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mg Co/kg DM as reagent grade CoSO₄·7H₂O. The experiment lasted for 70 days. Experiment 2: four lambs from each group in Experiment 1 were randomly allocated to the individual metabolic crates to measure the effects of dietary Co on nutrient digestibility. Final body weight, average daily gain and gain efficiency were higher (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented with 0.50 mg Co/kg DM compared to other groups. Plasma glucose and vitamin B₁₂ concentrations increased (p < 0.05) at all levels of Co supplementation on day 68 of the experiment and for vitamin B₁₂ were higher (p < 0.05) at 0.50 and 1.00 mg Co/kg DM compared to 0.25 mg Co/kg DM. There was no significant difference among treatments for TVFA and ruminal fluid pH. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber increased (p < 0.05) by Co supplementation, but did not differ among Co supplied treatments. The obtained results showed that lambs fed the control diet containing 0.088 mg Co/kg DM had a reduced appetite and gained less than the supplemented animals, suggesting that the level of 0.088 mg Co/kg DM was inadequate for normal growth of Mehraban male lambs, and a total level of 0.58 mg Co/kg DM might be optimum level for enhancing performance.     

Efficiency of energy use for maintenance and gain by growing crossbred Boer and Spanish Goats consuming diets differing in forage level

Eight Boer (75%) × Spanish (BS) and eight Spanish (S) wether goats (155 ± 8 days of age and 19.2 ± 2.3 kg BW, initial) were used in a replicated crossover design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of genotype and diet quality on heat production with ad libitum, near maintenance and fasting levels of feed intake. Diets were 65% concentrate (CON 15% CP, DM basis) and coarsely ground alfalfa hay (FOR 23% CP). There were no significant interactions between genotype and diet. ME intake was similar between genotypes and greater (P < 0.05) for CON versus FOR both when intake was ad libitum (7.60 versus 5.43 MJ/day) and near maintenance (4.31 versus 4.09 MJ/day). DE concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR with ad libitum (74.4 versus 55.5%) and restricted intake (77.0 versus 59.6%). Energy expenditure (EE), determined by respiration calorimetry, at all levels of intake was similar between genotypes. EE was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR at each of the three levels of intake, ad libitum (573 and 521 kJ/kg BW^0.75 while fasting), near maintenance (426 and 400 kJ/kg BW^0.75) and fasting (280 and 255 kJ/kg BW^0.75). Efficiencies of ME utilization for maintenance (k_m) and gain (k_g) and the ME requirement for maintenance (ME_m) were similar between genotypes. k_m was similar between diets (0.705 and 0.690 for CON and FOR, respectively), although k_g was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR (0.603 versus 0.387). ME_m was numerically greater (P < 0.17) for CON than for FOR (407 versus 379 kJ/kg BW^0.75), which may have involved higher ME intake with CON. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment energy requirements and efficiency of utilization were not different between growing Boer crossbred and Spanish goats regardless of diet quality.     

Nutrient digestibility in Atlantic salmon and broiler chickens related to viscosity and non-starch polysaccharide content in different soyabean products

Total tract digestibility in Atlantic salmon and ileal digestibility in chicken were assessed from diets with different soyabean products (hulled, toasted, extracted, SBM; reduced oligosaccharide content, ROM; ethanol-extracted protein concentrate, SPC; isolated protein, ISP). The concentration of dietary fibre was highest in SBM and ROM, while it was low in ISP. In vitro viscosity was also higher in SBM than in the other soyabean products. The diets for the salmon and chickens were based on the same feed ingredients, with the exception that fish meal provided half the crude protein in the salmon diets. For each species, the diets were isonitrogenous, contained similar amounts of fat (fish oil), and were balanced with dextrin, thus substituting soyabean non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and other non-proteinous components by dextrin.In the salmon, total tract digestibility of nitrogen and dry matter were lower (p < 0.05) with the SBM and ROM diets than with the ISP diet. In the chickens, ileal digestibility of dry matter differed among all treatments (p < 0.05). Digestibility of nitrogen, starch, phosphorus and calcium in the chickens was lower (p < 0.05) with the SBM diet than with the ISP and SPC diets, and fat digestibility was lower (p < 0.05) with the SBM and ROM diets than with the SPC diet. Also, the SBM diet gave lower (p < 0.05) digestibility of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium than the ROM diet, while the ROM diets gave lower (p < 0.05) digestibilities of nitrogen, fat and starch than the ISP and SPC diets. Intestinal viscosity was higher (p < 0.05) and cholesterol content in the blood was lower (p < 0.05) for the chickens fed the SBM-based diet than those fed the other diets. There was a similar response to the different soy products in salmon and chickens with regard to digestibility of nitrogen and fat (p < 0.05). The negative effects of soyabean meals with a low protein content could indicate antinutritive effects of NSP fractions in soyabean meal, as indicated by the elevated viscosity and the decrease in blood cholesterol content.     

Feed digestion,rumen fermentation and blood biochemical constituents in Malpura rams fed a complete feed-block diet with the inclusion of tree leaves

This experiment assayed the influence of the inclusion of dried Azardirachta indica, Albizzia lebbek or Ailanthus excelsa leaves in pearl millet stover-based complete feed block diets on feed intake, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, ciliate protozoa population and blood biochemical constituents in adult Malpura sheep. Complete feed blocks were formulated to have roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30. Pearl millet stover (PMS) was used as basal roughage; 30 parts of pearl millet stover was replaced with dried leaves either of Azardirachta indica (NL), Albizzia lebbek (SL) or Ailanthus excelsa (AL). Twelve hogget Malpura rams, divided into four equal groups, were offered one of the four dietary treatments. A feeding-cum-metabolic trial was conducted to assess nutrient utilization. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h post-feeding to assess rumen fermentation pattern and ciliate protozoa population. Inclusion of dried leaves in PMS-based diets improved CP and DCP content. Dietary DCP was low (P < 0.01) in PMS (8.52%) compared to tree leaves (9.77–11.59%) diets. AL and NL diets had higher (P < 0.05) DCP than the SL diet. The inclusion of tree leaves did not influence organic matter, crude protein or cellulose digestibility, but depressed dry matter, NDF, ADF and energy digestibility. DE content was also lower in tree leave diets. Inclusion of tree leaves improved CP and DCP intake, but DE intake and nitrogen utilization did not change. The pH of rumen liquor (SRL) was low (6.99, P < 0.05), but total nitrogen (52.9 mg/dl SRL) and NH₃-nitrogen (9.34 mg/dl SRL) concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) in the AL diet. TVFA concentrations and ciliate protozoa population were similar on the four diets. Animals in the four groups had the desired concentration of rumen metabolites required for fibrous diets. Complete feed-block feeding provided a constant nutrient supply to rumen microbes that optimise rumen fermentation. Blood biochemical constituents did not change due to the inclusion of tree leaves. Therefore, tree leaves can be included with roughage-based feeding to improve the protein nutrition status of ruminants. Further studies are required to assess the negative influence of tree leaves on digestibility.     

Rumen enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in sheep as affected by treatment with sodium lauryl sulfate as defaunating agent and presence of ciliate protozoa

The efficiency of sodium lauryl sulfate as a defaunating agent and effect of rumen protozoa on nutrient utilization, fermentation characteristics and enzyme profile were evaluated in adult sheep maintained on a mixed ration containing 65:35% Pala (Ziziphus numularia) leaf: concentrate. Twenty-one adult Malpura sheep divided into three equal groups (DF, RF and F) were either defaunated by oral administration of sodium lauryl sulfate at the rate of 8 g/100 kg body weight (DF), or defaunated and again refaunated (RF), or maintained faunated (F). Daily dry matter intake was similar in defaunated, refaunated and faunated sheep. However, digestibility of cell wall and cell wall contents (NDF, ADF and cellulose) were lower (P < 0.01) in defaunated than refaunated and faunated sheep. Irrespective of the presence or absence of rumen protozoa, daily intake of DCP and DE were similar in the three experimental groups. Even with similar DM, DCP and DE intake, N-retention, blood glucose level, ruminal concentration of total VFA and total-N were higher (P < 0.01), while rumen pH and NH₃-N concentration were lower (P < 0.01) in defaunated sheep. Ruminal activity of amylase, xylanase, protease and urease enzymes were not influenced by presence or absence of ciliate protozoa. However, carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme activity was lower (P < 0.01) in the rumen of defaunated sheep. The total and differential counts of rumen protozoa were similar in refaunated and faunated sheep indicating lack of residual toxic effect of sodium lauryl sulfate. It is concluded that absence of ciliate protozoa increased ruminal TVFA, total-N with lower NH₃-N concentration and fibre digestibility in sheep. Moreover, sodium lauryl sulfate was fully effective for complete removal of rumen ciliate protozoa and successfully defaunated the sheep.     

Identifying Risk Factors for Severe Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes

ObjectiveSome of the deleterious effects of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients include increased rates of mortality and longer length of stay. Our primary objective was to identify the risk factors associated with severe hypoglycemia to identify those patients at highest risk.MethodsThe medical records of 5,026 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) admitted in 2010 were reviewed to identify those patients that developed severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose [BG] < 40 mg/dL). We performed c2 tests to assess statistical significance. Adjusted logical regression was used to determine the risk factors for hypoglycemia in the hospital.ResultsOut of 5,026 DM patients included in our review, 81 experienced severe hypoglycemia (1.6%). Statistically higher proportions of chronic kidney disease (CKD; 69.1% vs. 46.9%, P < .001), congestive heart failure (CHF; 48.1% vs. 28.5%, P < .001), sepsis (49.4% vs. 12.5%, P < .001), insulin use (45.7% vs. 26.04%, P = .000), type 1 DM (21% vs. 5.1%, P = .000), and cirrhosis (14.8% vs. 7.2%, P = .009) were seen in the severe hypoglycemic group compared to the nonsevere hypoglycemic group. Overall, 84% of patients who experienced an episode of severe hypoglycemia in the hospital (BG < 40 mg/dL) had a previous episode of hypoglycemia (BG < 70 mg/dL). The odds ratios (ORs) for type 1 DM, sepsis, previous hypoglycemia, and insulin use were 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81, 6.49), 2.64 (95% CI 1.6, 4.35), 46.1 (95% CI 24.76, 85.74), and 1.66 (95% CI 1.02, 2.69), respectively.ConclusionPrior episodes of hypoglycemia in the hospital, the presence of type 1 DM, insulin use, and sepsis were identified as independent risk factors for the development of severe hypoglycemia in the hospital. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:1051-1056)     

Effect of the supplementation of a high-concentrate diet with sunflower and fish oils on ruminal fermentation in sheep

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the supplementation of a high-concentrate diet with lipids, reportedly a good strategy for improving the nutritional value of ruminant-derived products, may not necessarily be associated with detrimental effects on ruminal fermentation in sheep. Four ruminally cannulated adult ewes were fed a high-concentrate diet, with no oil (Control diet), for a 14-day adaptation period. Afterwards, they were fed the same basal diet but supplemented with sunflower oil [20 g/kg fresh matter (FM)] and fish oil (10 g/kg FM) (SOFO diet) for a further 11 days, to investigate the impact of the addition of oils on the ruminal fermentation of the diet. On days 0 (Control), 3 and 10 of the experimental period rumen fluid was sampled at 0, 1.5, 3, 6 and 9 h after the morning feeding, for analysis of pH, and ammonia, lactate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Alfalfa hay was incubated in situ, using the nylon bag technique, for 12 and 24 h to examine the effect of oil supplementation on ruminal disappearance of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF). On days 0 and 11, rumen fluid was collected just before the morning feeding and used to incubate alfalfa hay and the Control and SOFO diets by means of the in vitro gas production technique. The mean concentrations of acetate (87.8 mmol/L vs. 73.7 mmol/L) and butyrate (21.2 mmol/L vs. 17.7 mmol/L) were reduced by oil supplementation (P < 0.05) and the total VFA showed a tendency (P = 0.098) to be lower with the SOFO diet (139.0 mmol/L vs. 122.1 mmol/L). However, none of the other in vivo ruminal fermentation parameters were affected by the treatment (P > 0.10). The oil supplementation affected neither in situ rumen disappearance of DM, CP and NDF of alfalfa hay, nor rates of gas production (P > 0.10). On the other hand, a little, but significant reduction in cumulative gas production was observed when the experimental diets were incubated with rumen fluid derived from animals fed the oil-rich diet (P < 0.05).Overall, the results suggest that the supplementation of high-concentrate diets with sunflower oil (20 g/kg FM) plus fish oil (10 g/kg FM) had little effect on ruminal fermentation and therefore its use to improve the nutritional value of ruminant-derived products cannot be precluded.     

Effects of non-enzymatic browning reaction intensity on in vitro ruminal protein degradation and intestinal protein digestion of soybean and cottonseed meals

The effects of non-enzymatic browning reactions on in vitro ruminal gas production and in vitro ruminal and intestinal crude protein (CP) digestibilities of soybean (SBM) and cottonseed (CSM) meals were investigated. Non-enzymatically browned SBM and CSM samples were prepared using two xylose levels (10 or 30 g/kg dry matter), two heating lengths (30 or 60 min) and two heating temperatures (120 or 150 °C) for a total of one untreated (commercially solvent-extracted, Control) and eight treated samples for each protein source. The control SBM had higher (P<0.001) in vitro ruminal CP degradability values than the treated samples. Intestinal protein digestibility and total-tract CP digestibility of CSM and SBM were affected by the treatment (P<0.01). The results of the study indicate that not only ruminal CP degradability is reduced but also intestinal and total-tract CP digestibilities may be lowered depending on protein source and intensity of the non-enzymatic browning reaction.     

Intake,digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Robinia pseudoacacia foliage fed to growing goat wethers

Black locust (BL; Robinia pseudoacacia L.), a native tree of southeastern USA known to contain substantial levels of condensed tannins (CT), was fed to 32, 4 month old (20.4 kg BW) Boer cross wether goats in two randomized complete block design trials. The objectives were to examine the effects of feeding hay diets containing several levels of fresh BL foliage on intake, digestibility, and N metabolism. First year (1999) diets were H_E (100% Eastern gamagrass [EGH; Tripsacum dactyloides L.] hay), H_EG (70% EGH and a 30% mixture of 59% ground corn [GC; Zea mays L.], 36% soybean meal [SBM; Glycine max L.], and 5% minerals), 25BL99 (75% EGH and 25% BL leaves), and 50BL99 (50% EGH and 50% BL leaves). Second year (2000) diets were H_O (100% orchardgrass [OGH; Dactylis glomerata L.] hay), H_OG (70% OGH and a 30% mixture of 63% GC, 37% SBM, and 5% minerals), 50BL00 (50% OGH and 50% BL leaves), and 75BL00 (25% OGH and 75% BL leaves). In 1999, apparent digestibilities of the diets in the order listed above were 62.4, 68.2, 58.0, and 60.6% (P = 0.001) for DM and 62.8, 72.5, 56.0, and 59.1% (P = 0.001) for crude protein (CP). Acid detergent lignin digestibilities were negative for diets 25BL99 (−56.7%) and 50BL99 (−49.3%), apparently due to the formation of insoluble tannin and lignin complexes during passage through the digestive tract. Intakes of DM were similar across diets. In 2000, apparent digestibilities of diet DM (64.4, 71.7, 64.8 and 65.4%) and CP (70.0, 76.0, 66.6, and 66.5%) did not differ. Lignin digestibilities were positive for diets 50BL00 (9.4%) and 75BL00 (29.6%) unlike those for year 1999. Overall, BL contained 10% CT and 18–34% hydrolyzable tannins. In 1999, N intake, urinary N (UN) excretion and N retained were higher for diet H_EG (P = 0.01) than diet H_E whereas fecal N excretion (FN) was similar for diets H_EG, 25BL99 and 50BL99. In 1999, FN excretion as a percentage of N intake was higher (P < 0.02) in the BL diets, although UN as a percentage of N intake did not differ among diets. In 2000, N intake and FN output were higher for BL diets compared to diets H_O (P = 0.01) and H_OG (P = 0.02). Fecal N as a percentage of N intake was lower (P = 0.01) for diet H_OG (24.0%) than for diets 50BL00 (33.4%) and 75BL00 (33.5%). Conversely, urinary N as a percentage of N intake was higher for diets H_O and H_OG compared to the BL diets (P = 0.02). Increased levels of dietary BL increased FN, suggesting that tannins formed insoluble protein complexes thus hindering digestibility.     

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 3. Effect of replacing soybean meal with Mucuna on intake,digestibility, N balance and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

Mucuna pruriens seeds have relatively high crude protein (CP) concentrations, but little is known about their potential to replace commonly used CP supplements in ruminant rations. The aim of this experiment was to determine effects of replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna on the performance of lambs. Forty Rambouillet lambs (33.2 ± 5.73 kg) fed a basal diet of maize grain, cottonseed hulls and urea were randomly assigned to one of four supplements formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or 1000 g/kg (Hi) of soybean meal with rolled Mucuna seeds. Lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates and allowed ad libitum access to isocaloric (metabolizable energy=11.7 MJ/kg dry matter, DM) and isonitrogenous (CP = 146 g/kg, DM) diets for 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of total fecal collection. Fecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst scores were determined on d 14. Dry matter intake (1.7 kg/d versus 1.5 kg/d; P<0.05), CP digestibility (774 g/kg versus 714 g/kg DM; P<0.05) and N retention (28.0 g/d versus 20.4 g/d; P<0.01) were higher and amylase-pretreated neutral detergent fiber digestibility (617 g/kg versus 686 g/kg DM) was lower (P<0.05) in sheep fed SB versus Mucuna diets. However, supplementary protein source did not affect rumen pH, blood urea N or glucose concentration, or fecal egg counts. Increasing the level of Mucuna supplementation increased (P<0.05) level and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fluid acidity, total volatile fatty acid concentration, decreased (P<0.05) coccidian oocyst scores, and tended (P<0.10) to increase N retention. Therefore, SB is a better supplement than Mucuna to support performance of lambs. Nevertheless, Mucuna seeds are a promising CP supplement for situations where cost or availability precludes use of SB in ruminant rations.     

Peas (Pisum sativum L.) as an alternative protein source in lamb diets: growth performances,and carcass and meat quality

Thirty weaned Barbaresca lambs were divided into three groups and fed diets that differed in their protein supplement source; the main protein source was soybean meal in SBM diet treatment, totally or partially replaced by peas in P39 and P18 diet treatments, respectively. Soybean meal and peas were present in the diets in the following proportions (on as fed basis): 16:0% (SBM), 0:39% (P39), 9:18% (P18).The diets were of different crude protein content: higher in SBM diet (16.96% DM) than in P39 (14.27% DM) and P18 (15.37% DM). Soluble protein was higher in P39 diet than in the other treatments (36.2, 27.4 and 23.14% CP in P39, P18 and SBM treatments, respectively) while the B₂-protein fraction was lower. The NDF-bound nitrogen was 17.36, 16.87 and 15.06% of crude protein in P39, P18 and SBM diet, respectively. The NDF content was similar among the diets. Growth and slaughter performances were similar among groups (250 g per day versus 219 and 218 g per day respectively in P18, P39 and SBM groups). Carcass fatness was comparable among treatments. Meat pH, colour parameters and cooking losses were comparable among groups. Drip losses were significantly higher (P<0.001) in meat from P39 and P18 than from SBM group. In the present trial, the replacement of soybean meal with peas did not significantly affect growth and slaughter performances and preserved meat quality.     

Growth and cashmere production by Spanish goats consuming ad libitum diets differing in protein and energy levels

Thirty-six Spanish goat wethers (196 ± 12.9 days of age and 17.5 ± 4.60 kg BW at experiment initiation) from a herd previously selected for cashmere growth were used to determine effects and interactions of ad libitum consumption of diets differing in concentrations of CP (10% and 15%) and ME (2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal/kg; DM basis) on growth and cashmere fiber production in an 84-day, fall-season experiment. DM intake was greater (P < 0.05) for diets with 15% vs. 10% CP (736 vs. 655 g/day) but similar among ME concentrations (P > 0.10). ADG was greater (P < 0.02) for 15% vs. 10% CP (79 vs. 53 g/day) and increased linearly (P < 0.10) as dietary ME level increased (58, 62 and 78 g/day for 2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal/kg ME, respectively). Total fleece weight at the end of the experiment was similar (P > 0.10) between CP levels but increased linearly (P < 0.03) as ME concentration in the diet increased (197, 239 and 227 g/day). Guard hair weight was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.10); cashmere length was similar among treatments (P > 0.10); and cashmere fiber diameter was not altered by dietary ME level (P > 0.10) but was greater (P < 0.05) for 15% vs. 10% CP (16.92 vs. 16.06 μm). Cashmere weight was influenced by an interaction between CP and ME levels (P < 0.05); cashmere fiber weight with 10% CP was 92, 82 and 95 g, and with 15% CP was 63, 115 and 99 g for 2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal ME/kg diets, respectively (SE = 10.2). However, the ranking of treatment means for initial cashmere fiber weight was similar to that at the end of the experiment, although differences at the beginning were non-significant and of lesser magnitude than at the end. In conclusion, further research with influences of concentrations of CP and ME in diets consumed ad libitum on cashmere fiber growth of growing US Spanish wether goats is required, and animal numbers and allocation to treatments deserve careful consideration in studies of cashmere fiber production.     

Effect of different levels of concentrate allowances on rumen fluid pH,nutrient digestion,nitrogen retention and growth performance of weaner lambs

This experiment was conducted for 90 d to assess the effect of feeding graded levels of concentrate allowance on rumen fermentation characteristics, performance and nutrient utilisation of weaner lambs on restricted or high concentrate allowance using 60 weaner lambs of initial average live weight of 13.90 kg BW in a randomized design. The experimental treatments were 15 or 25 g kg⁻¹ BW or ad libitum concentrate allowance. Roughage source which contained Khejri (Prosopis cineratia) and Siris (Albizia lebback) leaves in 50:50 ratio was offered ad libitum to all the animals. Lambs supplemented with 15 g or ad libitum concentrate had similar dry matter intake (4.2 kg/100 kg BW) but significantly (p < 0.01) lower than 25 g concentrate supplemented group (4.9 kg/100 kg BW). Organic matter and CP intakes increased with increasing concentrate supplementation. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, CP, NDF, ADF and cellulose were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in ad libitum concentrate supplemented than 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs. Daily ME intake was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 25 g and ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs while ME intake kg⁻¹ gain was lower in ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs (57 MJ kg⁻¹ gain) than those supplemented with 15 or 25 g concentrate (91 MJ kg⁻¹ gain). Generally, average daily gain increased with increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs had significantly (p < 0.01) higher daily gains (151 g) than 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs (77 and 98 g, respectively). Feed efficiency was similar for 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs but significantly (p < 0.01) lower than the ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs. All animals were in positive N-balance and the N-balance increased with increasing concentrate supplementation. Mean rumen fluid pH was significantly (6.6, p < 0.01) lower in ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs compared to 15 or 25 g concentrate fed lambs (6.9). Rumen NH₃-N and total-N-concentrations peaked at 3 h post-feeding. Optimum rumen fluid pH, better nutrient digestibilities, higher N-retention improved growth by 49% of ad libitum concentrate fed lambs.     

Effect of supplemental palm oil on nutrient utilization,feeding economics and carcass characteristics in post-weaned Muzafarnagari lambs under feedlot condition

Thirty male post-weaned Muzafarnagari lambs, of about 3 months of age and similar body weight (18.47 ± 1.31 kg), were divided into 5 similar groups in order to observe the effect of graded levels of palm oil supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization, cost of feeding, carcass characteristics and meat quality under feedlot regimen. Lambs in different treatment groups were fed with concentrate mash supplemented with 0% (T₁), 2.5% (T₂), 5.0% (T₃), 7.5% (T₄) and 10% (T₅) palm oil and gram straw (Cicer arietinum) ad libitum. The growth trial was continued for 12 weeks. A metabolism trial of 6 days collection was conducted after 60 days of experimental feeding. After 90 days of feeding, randomly selected three animals from each group were slaughtered according to standard procedure for assessment of carcass traits and meat quality. Separated thoracic portion of Longissimus thoracis muscle from each carcass was collected for analysis of moisture, protein and fat. Accelerated growth in lambs under T₃ (P < 0.05) was observed as compared to other treatments with similar DM intake. Similarly, DM intake (kg)/kg gain was found most efficient (P < 0.01) in T₃ and least efficient in 10% palm oil supplemented T₅. Due to this, feed cost (rupees)/kg weight gain was calculated less (44.23) in T₃ than other palm oil supplemented treatments. DM, CP, Ca and P intakes were similar in all treatment groups during metabolism trial. Intake ratio of Ca and P was recorded 3.68:1.00, 3.42:1.00, 3.37:1.00, 3.69:1.00 and 3.44:1.00 in T₁ to T₅ treatments, respectively. Water intake and water intake/kg DM intake was also similar in different treatment groups. OM digestibility was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in 2.5% palm oil supplemented T₂ ration as compared to other treatments. DM, CP, EE, CF, NFE and P digestibilities were found similar among different treatment groups. TDN percentage in the feed increased from 60.16 (T₁) to 66.17 (T₅), which was mainly due gradual increase of palm oil in the diet, although the difference was non-significant. Whereas, DCP percentage in feed gradually depressed (P < 0.05) due to higher level of palm oil supplementation. Nitrogen retention (%) as percentage of N-absorbed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in palm oil supplemented groups than control T₁, being highest in T₃ and T₄. This could be the reason for higher body weight gain in T₃ and T_4. Dressing and meat percentages (empty weight basis) ranged from 52.00 (T₄) to 55.06 (T₂) and 58.10 (T₂) to 62.27 (T₅), respectively, however, the differences were similar. Muscle fat% (DM basis) increased (P < 0.01) from 19.84 (T₁) to 28.94 (T₅) due to palm oil addition. Meat protein% (DM basis) remained unaffected due to these treatments, which ranged from 59.95 (T₁) to 70.47 (T₂). Result indicates that addition of 5% palm oil in concentrate mixture improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of weaned Muzafarnagari lambs keeping the quality of meat unaffected.     

Production efficiency and feeding behavior of Awassi lambs and Baladi kids fed on a high concentrate diet

Fifteen Awassi lambs and 15 Baladi kids (males, averaging 14.3 kg) were used to study the differences in feeding behavior and performance of sheep and goats fed a concentrate finishing diet (CP = 16 kg/100 kg DM, ME = 2.85 Mcal/kg DM) in a complete randomized design experiment lasting 60 days. Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intakes were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs. Kids had higher (P < 0.05) apparent OM, crude protein (CP) and gross energy digestibilities. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in apparent neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, eating, chewing and ruminating times. However, eating and ruminating times (as min/kg NDF intake) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in kids. Final body weight and average daily weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs while kids had significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed to gain ratio. Feed cost per kilogram weight gain for kids was better than that for lambs. Results demonstrated that Awassi lambs consumed more feed and grew faster than Baladi kids. However, kids were more efficient feed converters than lambs.