Effect of fertilizer nitrogen on digestibility and voluntary intake of Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens and Pennisetum clandestinum

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (61) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Minson
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Deficiency ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Pennisetum Clandestinum ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
High Level

On five occasions during the growing season Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens and Pennisetum clandestinum were fertilized with urea at 125 or 500 kg ha-1 and cut after one month's regrowth. The minimum nitrogen level in herbage was 0.96 per cent and hence voluntary intake of these feeds was not limited by a nitrogen deficiency per se. Fertilizing at the high level increased dry matter yield (P < 0.01) and depressed the leaf percentage significantly in C. gayana. Each cut was fed to ten wethers to determine digestibility and voluntary intake. The higher rate of nitrogen fertilizer increased the overall mean dry matter digestibility 2.2 per cent, organic matter digestibility 1.3 per cent and voluntary intake of dry matter 2.3 gWkg0.75 (P > 0.05). Within the harvests significant increases and decreases in digestibility and voluntary intake were found. The direction and magnitude of these changes in feeding value were not correlated with differences in yield, leaf percentage or nitrogen content.

The digestibility and voluntary intake by sheep of six tropical grasses

1972 ◽  
Vol 12 (54) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Minson
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Stages Of Growth ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
The Difference

The digestibility and voluntary intake of Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens, Panicimum maximum var tricboglume, Paspalm dilatatum, Pennisetm Clanhtinum, and Setaria splendih were measured with sheep in metabolism pens. All grasses were grown under the same conditions and cut at the same time. Each grass was cut after growing for 28, 70, and 98 days in the summer and then again (except for P. dilatatum) after 42, 70, and 105 days in the following autumn. Four successive 28-day regrowths of each grass (two cuts only for P. dilatatum) were also harvested during the summer. All 55 cuts were artificially dried and fed at the same time, each cut being fed to eight sheep. Differences in dry matter and organic matter digestibility between grass species were relatively small with a maximum mean difference of six digestibility units between S. splendida and P. clandestinzrm. For the 28-day regrowths S. splendida was 5.1 digestibility units higher but with the more mature regrowths the difference was 6.8 digestibility units. The mean voluntary intake of dry matter of S. splendida and P. clandestinum was 9 and 11 per cent lower than that of D. decmbens (P<0.01) with the largest differences in voluntary intake between grasses occurring at the mature stages of growth. Large differences were found between grass species in both the slope and intercept of regressions relating voluntary intake to dry matter digestibility.

The digestibility and intake of six varieties of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)

1968 ◽  
Vol 8 (33) ◽  
pp. 413 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Milford ◽  
DJ Minson
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Maximum Difference ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Voluntary Intake

The dry matter digestibility and voluntary intake of six varieties of Rhodes grass cut on eight occasions were measured with sheep in metabolism cages. The maximum difference between varieties in digestibility percentage was 2.6 (P<0.01) for monthly regrowths and 1.1 (P<0.05) for older regrowths. The corresponding maximum differences for voluntary dry matter intake (g/W0.75/day) were 2.2 (P<0.05) and 3.5 (P<0.01). The differences in feeding value were therefore small and it was concluded that the chances are not good of selecting Rhodes grass varieties that have a superior feeding value.

The voluntary intake, digestibility, and retention time by sheep of leaf and stem fractions of five grasses

1973 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 875 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Laredo ◽  
DJ Minson
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Retention Time ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Bacterial Degradation ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Voluntary Intake

Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens, Panicum maximum, Pennisetum clandestinum, and Setaria splendida were each cut at three stages of growth, dried, chaffed, and separated into "leaf" and "stem" fractions using a gravity separator. The mean purity of the leaf and stem fractions were 78 and 93%. Each fraction was fed to eight sheep to determine voluntary intake and dry matter digestibility. Mean voluntary intake of leaf was 46% higher than that of stem (57.7 v. 39.6 g/kg0.75), despite a slightly lower dry matter digestibility of the leaf fraction (52.6 v. 55.8%). The higher intake of the leaf fraction was associated (r =0.74, P< 0.01) with a shorter retention time of dry matter in the reticulo-rumen (mean 23.8 v. 31.8 hr), which appeared to be caused by the large surface of the leaf fraction initially available to bacterial degradation (mean 128 v. 41 sq cm/g). Ground leaf and stem samples showed no difference in rate of digestion in vitro since structural differences had been destroyed. The energy required to grind 1 g sample in a laboratory mill was less for leaf than stem (mean 234 v. 411 J/g) with a significant correlation between voluntary intake and grinding energy (r = –0.81). In the past a high voluntary intake has been attributed to a high bulk density, but in this study bulk density of the stem fraction was three times that of the leaf fraction and negatively correlated with voluntary intake (r = –0.70, P< 0,001). It was concluded that different plant fractions may be eaten in different quantities, despite similar dry matter digestibilities, and that in any study of the voluntary intake of roughages it is necessary to determine physical properties of the feed in addition to chemical composition.

The voluntary intake and digestibility of diets containing different proportions of legume and mature Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens)

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (29) ◽  
pp. 546 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Minson ◽  
R Milford
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Protein Deficiency ◽  
Direct Proportion ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Direct Replacement ◽  
Voluntary Intake

Three experiments were conducted with sheep fed ad lib. Digitaria decumbens Stent. (Pangola grass) containing 4.4 per cent crude protein (C.P.) (experiment I), and 3.7 per cent C.P. (experiments 2, 3) and supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400 g/day lucerne (experiments 1 and 2) and white clover (experiment 3). Both legumes were also fed ad lib. with no grass. 546 The voluntary intake of the grass in experiment 1 decreased at all levels of legume feeding. In experiment 2 the voluntary intake of the grass was increased from 607 to 844 when 200 g of legume was fed, and in experiment 3 from 653 to 843 when 100 g of legume was fed, When the voluntary intake of the grass was not limited by a crude protein deficiency, the legume had a direct replacement effect causing a depression in the voluntary intake of the Pangola grass. The dry matter digestibility increased in direct proportion to the legume percentage of the ration.

scholarly journals The effect of pelleting on the voluntary intake and digestibility of leaf and stem fractions of three grasses

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Laredo ◽  
D. J. Minson
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Retention Time ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Chemical Factors ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
Lower Bulk Density

1. Leaf is eaten in greater quantities than stem of similar digestibility. To determine whether this difference is caused by physical or chemical factors, leaf and stem fractions from Digitaria decumbens, Chloris gayana and Setaria splendida were fed ad lib. to sheep in the chopped and pelleted forms. Pellets were made from leaf and stem which had been ground through a screen with 3 mm holes. All sheep received a protein and mineral supplement2. Voluntary intake of chopped leaf was 34% higher than that of the chopped stem fraction (40·3 and 30·0 g/kg body-weight0·75 respectively, P < 0·01) although dry matter digestibility ratios were similar (0·478 and 0·450 respectively, P > 0·05). The higher intake of leaf was associated with a larger surface area (13400 and 5200 mm2/g for chopped leaf and stem respectively), lower bulk density (60 and 180 kg/m3 respectively) and lower neutral-detergent fibre (706 and 724 g/kg respectively), acid-detergent fibre (383 and 413 g/kg respectively) and lignin (42 and 59 g/kg respectively) contents. Chopped leaf was retained in the reticulo-rumen for a shorter time than the stem fraction (19·9 and 26·4 h respectively)3. Grinding and pelleting increased the voluntary intake of the leaf fraction by 88% and the stem fraction by 60%. This increased voluntary intake caused by grinding and pelleting was not accompanied by any significant changes in the chemical composition of the diet. Grinding and pelleting reduced the time that the food was retained in the reticulo-rumen and this change appeared sufficient to account for the observed increases in voluntary intake4. It was concluded that the higher intake of the leaf fraction of grasses is caused by differences in retention time of food in the reticulo-rumen. These differences in retention time are caused by differences in physical properties and not chemical composition.

Studies of cattle and sheep eating leaf and stem fractions of grasses. 1. The voluntary intake, digestibility and retention time in the reticulo-rumen

1981 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
DP Poppi ◽  
DJ Minson ◽  
JH Ternouth
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Retention Time ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Digestive Efficiency ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Digitaria Decumbens ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were cut as 6 and 12 week regrowths, dried, chopped, and separated into leaf and stem fractions by using a gravity separator. Each of the eight diets was offered to four cattle and eight sheep fitted with a ruminal cannula to measure voluntary intake and digestibility of the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Possible deficiencies of protein and minerals were minimized in this study by feeding casein and a mineral supplement. The total DM, OM and NDF contents of the rumeno-reticulum (rumen) were measured by manually emptying the rumen and the values used to estimate retention times of DM, OM and NDF. Cattle consumed 35% more leaf than stem fraction. Sheep consumed 21 % more leaf. When the daily voluntary intake was expressed as g/kg0.9 the intake was similar for cattle and sheep. The higher intake of the leaf fraction was associated with the shorter time that it was retained in the rumen of both cattle and sheep. Leaf and stem fractions were digested to the same extent by cattle. There was also no difference in the digestibility of leaf and stem fed to sheep. The digestive efficiency of sheep was 0.033 lower than that of cattle for both DM and NDF. Cattle retained all diets for longer periods in the rumen than did sheep. This difference was associated with the higher digestive efficiency of the cattle. It was concluded that both cattle and sheep consumed more leaf than stem fractions of grasses, and that the higher intake of leaf was associated with the shorter time that it was retained in the rumen and not by differences in digestibility as such.

EVALUATION OF TIMOTHY CULTIVARS FOR VOLUNTARY INTAKE AND NUTRIENT COMPONENTS

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1121-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. N. MASON ◽  
P. M. FLIPOT
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Flower Stage ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
Phleum Pratense L

Five timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivars, Clair, Champ, Milton, Climax and Bounty, were harvested at first flower stage during 2 consecutive years and in the regrowth for 1 yr. The forages were each offered as hay to 15 young rams to evaluate voluntary intake. Five animals were used to determine initial harvest dry matter digestibility. The cultivars varied significantly in voluntary intake at first flower stage. The highest intake (g kg−0.75 d−1) averaged for the years was obtained in the early cultivar Champ (65.9), which was 10% more than that of the medium-late cultivar Climax. The cultivars did not differ significantly in dry matter digestibility. In the regrowth, the relative intakes of the cultivars were essentially reversed from that of the initial harvest. The voluntary intake was substantially higher but the differences among forages were less marked. Climax regrowth voluntary intake was higher (P < 0.05) than all cultivars, except Bounty. A 15% range in digestible dry matter intake was present among cultivars. The ranking of the culivars for digestible dry matter was different than for dry matter yield. Key words: Timothy, Phleum pratense L., voluntary intake, dry matter digestibility

scholarly journals NUTRITIVE VALUE OF FRESH AND DRIED MARROW-STEM KALE HARVESTED AT TWO DIFFERENT PERIODS

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. PELLETIER ◽  
E. DONEFER
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Oleracea ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Chemical Analyses ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Plant Constituents ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Voluntary Intake

Three yearling Cheviot × Suffolk ewes and three Columbia wethers were confined in metabolic cages and fed ad libitum fresh and dried marrow-stem kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C.) harvested in mid- and late October. Chemical analyses of the forages indicated no marked effects on any of the plant constituents due to drying or advancing maturity. Digestibility measurements demonstrated that marrow-stem kale (MSK) was a highly digestible material with an average dry matter digestibility of 78%. The fresh forages had higher (P < 0.05) dry matter and gross energy digestibility values than the dried form. Dry matter digestibility coefficients were higher (P < 0.05) for late October as compared with the earlier harvest. A trend toward higher (P > 0.05) voluntary intake values due to drying maturity was observed with an average relative intake of 80%. The nutritive value index averaged 65, thus indicating a digestible energy intake similar to a high-quality (legume) forage.

scholarly journals Valorisation of Ensiled Fodder Beets

1970 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas LAUWERS ◽  
Jo VICCA ◽  
Joos LATRE ◽  
Didier HUYGENS ◽  
Dirk LIPS
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Harvest Time ◽  
Point Of Interest ◽  
Optimal Harvest ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
High Level ◽  
Matter Basis ◽  
The Ideal

Fodder beets (Beta vulgaris L.) are especially respected for their high feeding value and high netto-energy yield per hectare. The price per nutritive value is lowest as compared to other forages. Preservation of fodders beets demands thorough cleaning without damaging and regularly occurs as a whole in well closed piles. In addition, feeding them to the animals is labour demanding. These disadvantages enforce the research towards other preservation methods which may be able to valorise this valuable type of roughage. The preservation of fodder beets in silages using silo bags, either separately or in combination with maize was investigated. Fodder beets were harvested and ensilaged at the ideal moment of maize harvest (October) or fodder beets were harvested at the ideal moment for fodder beet harvest (November) and consequently ensilaged with previously ensilaged maize. Highest energy yields of the silages were recorded at optimal harvest time for fodder beets. Ensilaging fodder beets separately resulted in large energy losses due to effluent and dry matter losses. Using lab scale silage, possible solutions for these large losses were investigated. Addition of 10% maize did reduce the effluent losses but dry matter losses remained at a high level. Addition of 4,5 l propionic acid per ton beets reduced effluent and dry matter losses sufficiently. Ensilaging foliage was another point of interest. This appeared to result in a lowered energy yield at organic and dry matter basis, an increased amount of ashes and doubling of the iron (Fe) concentration

scholarly journals Feed Value of Barn-Dried Hays from Permanent Grassland: A Comparison with Fresh Forage

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Andueza ◽  
Fabienne Picard ◽  
Philippe Pradel ◽  
Katerina Theodoridou
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Feeding Method ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Feed Value ◽  
Voluntary Intake ◽  
Winter Diets

In mountain areas, hays are the main forage in winter diets for livestock. Barn-dried hays can be an alternative to traditional hays, which are generally characterized by a low feed value. The aim of this study was to compare the feed value of barn-dried hays with that of the fresh forage from a permanent meadow. The study was carried out over three periods during the first growth cycle of the meadow’s vegetation (from 30 May to 3 June, from 13 to 17 June, and from 27 June to 1 July). Fresh forage and barn-dried hays of the same fresh forages were tested for dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and voluntary intake (VI). Both types of forage obtained each period were tested with an interval of 15 days. Chemical composition and OMD of forages did not change (p > 0.05) according to the feeding method. However, the DMD values for barn-dried hays were higher (p < 0.05) than for fresh forages at the end of the cycle. VI and digestible organic matter intake of barn-dried hays were higher (p < 0.05) than that of fresh forages. In conclusion, barn-dried hays obtained from permanent grasslands presented a higher feed value than fresh forages.

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