scholarly journals Nutritional studies on East African herbivores

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Arman ◽  
D. Hopcraft

1. A series of digestibility trials was done using four animals of each of the following species: Friesian cattle (Bos taurus), Boran zebu cattle (Bos indicus), Corriedale sheep, fattailed sheep, eland (Taurotragus oryx Pallas), Coke's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei Günther), Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii Günther) and bush duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia L.)2. Two batches of pelleted food were prepared from ground maize cobs, cassava, wheat bran, maize bran and decorticated cottonseed cake. For each batch, five diets (A–E) were prepared containing 65 (A)–135 (E) g crude protein (nitrogen × 6·25)/kg dry matter. The crude-fibre contents of all the diets were similar (120–138 g/kg dry matter)3. The animals were given the high-protein diet (E), then given diets with decreasing protein contents finishing with the low-protein diet (A). The antelope and half the sheep were given diets from the first batch of pelleted food, the other four sheep and all the cattle were given diets from the second batch of food4. In sheep, there were significant differences in digestibility between the two batches of food5. There were no significant differences in the over-all mean digestibilities of all diets when given to cattle (both species) and sheep. However, with diet E, dry-matter digestibility was higher in sheep than in cattle (P < 0·05): the reverse was true with diet A (P < 0·001). Crude-fibre and crude-protein digestibilities followed a similar pattern. The differences between Corriedale and fat-tailed sheep were not significant. The only significant difference between the two species of cattle was the higher digestibility of crude protein in Borans given diet E (P < 0·05)6. The over-all mean digestibility of the dry matter was higher (P < 0·001) in hartebeest and duiker than in sheep; in Thomson's gazelle (P < 0·01) and eland (P < 0·001) it was lower than in sheep. The values for crude-fibre digestibilities varied in a similar way7. The mean apparent digestibility of crude protein was higher (P < 0·001) in eland, hartebeest and duiker than in sheep and gazelle8. The results are discussed in relation to the feeding habits and digestive physiology of the various species.

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Arman ◽  
D. Hopcraft ◽  
I. McDonald

1. A series of nitrogen-balance trials was done using groups of four animals of various species of wild and domesticated ruminants using pelleted diets (Arman & Hopcraft, 1975)2. Various herbivores were given grass or grass hays, legumes, herbs and shrubs. Food and faecal samples were analysed for N3. With the pelleted diets, the N content of the faecal dry matter (DM) was low for eland (Taurotragus oryx Pallas), high for sheep and cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) and intermediate for the three small antelope species (hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei Günther), Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii Günther) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia L.)). With the natural fodders, similar relationships were found, together with variations associated with the type of diet4. Three forms of equation were used to express the relationship between faecal N and food N. One of the forms, the linear regression of g faecal N/kg DM intake v. g food N/kg DM intake, fitted the results less well than did the other two and was not used to estimate metabolic faecal N (MFN) losses5. MFN was calculated by extrapolation of linear regressions of g faecal N/kg faecal DM v. g N intake/kg faecal DM for the pelleted diets. The range of values was (g N/kg faecal DM): Friesians 7·6, eland 8·1, zebu cattle 11·0 and small antelope and sheep 11·5–12·6. There were significant differences (P < 0·001) between species in slopes and intercepts6. MFN was calculated from linear regressions of g faecal N/kg faecal DM v. g food N/kg food DM for all diets. This method gave the best fit for the pelleted diets. Values for these diets were (g N/kg faecal DM): eland 8·3, cattle and sheep 9·3–11·0 and small antelope 11·6–12·3. Species differences were significant (P < 0·001). With grasses, values ranged from 5·9 for non-ruminants (rabbit (domesticated), warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus Pallas) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius L.)) plus eland and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Burchell), to 8·4 for the other ruminants (sheep, goat, hartebeest, gazelle, duiker, buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman)), kob (Adenota kob thomasi Sclater), reedbuck (Redunca redunca Pallas) and topi (Damaliscus korrigum Ogilby). For ruminants (sheep, hartebeest, duiker and kob), excluding eland, given legumes the value was 8·6, and for sheep and duiker given herbs the value was 14·7. With shrubs, faecal-N losses were variable and sometimes high7. With the pelleted diets, true digestibilities of crude protein (N×6·25) varied from 0·84 to 0·918. The results are discussed in relation to the digestive physiology and feeding habits of the various species, and there is an examination of the feasibility of using linear regressions of crude protein in the diet v. N in the faecal DM for evaluating the quality of the diets selected by free-ranging East African herbivores.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-145
Author(s):  
G. A. Ibhaze ◽  
O. J. Babayemi ◽  
O. A. Olorunnisomo

A total of twelve West African Dwarf goats of an average liveweight of 9.5 ± 0.5 kg in a completely randomized design were allocated to three dietary treatments to determine the intake, acceptability and digestibility of ensiled mixtures of corncobs (CC), cassava peels (CSP) and brewers' grain (WBG). The ensiled dietary treatments were: CC/CSP, CC/WBG and CC/CSP/WB. The goats were offered the diets in a cafeteria system for the evaluation of their preferences. The Results show that the combination of corncobs with brewers' grain recorded the highest crude protein (22.06%) and least crude fibre (18.11%) values. Although, the Coefficient of Preference (CoP) was not up to unity, the highest acceptability value (0.93) was obtained for CC/CSP/WB. Significant differences were observed in dry matter intake among the treatments with goat fed diet CC/WBG having the highest value (247.49g/hd/d). Dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were significantly (p<0.05) different among the treatments. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in crude protein digestibility values. The results of this study showed that ensiling CC with CSP or WBG or with the combination of CSP and WBG can enhance the utilization of corncobs as feed for goat.


1985 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Stanley Price

SummaryDigestibility trials were carried out with five individuals each of domesticated oryx, sheep and cattle, using three diets ranging from 12·5 to 7·4% crude protein. Feed intake, water consumption and urine production were measured.Intakes of dry matter (as g/day or g/kg W0·75/day) did not differ between diets for any species. On a metabolic weight basis the sheep and oryx ate the same amount. The cattle ate more than the sheep of all three diets, and more than the oryx in two of the three.For all three species, digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre was lower when the lower quality food was given. On any single diet, significant differences in digestive efficiency for any diet component between species were few and small.Total daily intakes of water (ml/kg W0·85/day) were lower for each species when eating the diet with the lowest protein content. On each diet total intakes were significantly different in the decreasing order cattle > sheep > oryx, in the mean ratio 3·3:l·7:10.Urine production (ml/kg W0·85/day) varied slightly between diets for each species. On each diet the cattle produced significantly more urine than the sheep or oryx. The ratio of urine produced to water drunk decreased in the order oryx > cow > sheep, in the mean ratios 0·63, 0·34 and 0·27. Despite some interspecific differences in nitrogen concentration, there were few differences in the proportion of total excreted nitrogen that was lost through the urine.Calculations of evaporative water loss showed that loss of water by this avenue was significantly less in oryx than in sheep or cattle, which did not differ significantly.In the absence of any evidence of a more efficient digestion, the low metabolic intake of food by oryx suggests a low metabolic rate. The oryx's low water consumption and small evaporative loss are obvious adaptations to its desert habitat.


1973 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Ahmed ◽  
J. H. Topps ◽  
D. G. Dempster

SUMMARY1. The digestibility of dry barley and acid-treated moist barley was studied with eight Friesian steers in two consecutive trials each of a duplicated, 2x2 factorial design. In the first trial the diet consisted of either dry or moist (30%) acid-treated barley in the rolled or whole form together with chopped hay; in the second trial rolled or whole, moist (24%) acid-treated barley was given with either chopped hay or silage.2. No significant difference between the diets in dry-matter intake was observed in the first trial, but in the second trial there was a significantly greater (P< 0·001) intake of dry matter with the hay than with the silage diets.3. For diets containing either of the moist barleys the digestibility of crude protein was higher when the grain was rolled than when it was whole, the differences being significant (P<0·05) for diets with the 24%-moisture barley. Dry-matter digestibility also was higher for diets containing rolled rather than whole, moist (24%) barley, the difference being significant (P < 0·05) for diets based on silage.4. Digestibility of starch was significantly greater (P<0·05) when acid-treated moist (24 or 30%) barley was given in the rolled rather than the whole form. Differences in starch digestibility between whole and rolled dry barley were not significant.5. For all diets the digestibility of crude fibre was greater when the barley was whole than when it was rolled, the difference being significant (P < 0·05) for diets containing hay.


1966 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
G. L. Mabey ◽  
R. Rose Innes

SummaryDigestibility of the palatable indigenous shrub Grewia carpinifolia was investigated. Digestion coefficients (%) were—organic matter 70, dry matter 70, crude protein 78, crude fibre 54, nitrogenfree extract 81, ether extract 13 and ash 52. Calculated nutritive values were—starch equivalent 27.3 and digestible crude protein 5.0, giving a nutritive ratio of about 1 : 5. The material used was moderately young.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-643
Author(s):  
M.M. Ogunbambo

Smoke-drying Clarias gariepinus (catfish) provides animal protein and a source of livelihood in Lagos, Nigeria. Changes occurring to seasonal and mineral compositions of smoke-dried catfish using local Traditional Drum Kiln (TDK) and a newly constructed Eco-Friendly Kiln (EFK) fitted with a flame, drying and electronic components was carried out in this study. The smoke-drying process was carried out in both wet and dry seasons and smoke-dried catfish samples stored at ambient and adjusted refrigerated temperatures of 28 and 4 0C. The smoke-drying procedure was  standardized at 60 - 80 0C and kiln lasted 24 ± 3 hours. Moisture content results showed a significant difference when the catfish samples were smoke-dried using TDK and EFK and stored in ambient and controlled temperatures in both wet and dry seasons while crude protein, lipid, ash and crude fibre values were significantly different when stored only in dry season. Mineral elements phosphorus, sodium, copper, magnesium and iron showed a significant difference when stored at both temperatures and seasons using both kilns. Mineral elements were found to be most stable in smoke-dried catfish samples when stored at controlled temperatures. This work proved that standardizing smoke-drying process using both kilns resulted in good quality smoke-dried catfish but showed that higher biochemical values were obtained when EFK is used. Key words: Nigeria, Smoke-drying Kilns, Seasons, Ambient, Controlled Temperatures


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 226
Author(s):  
Dheynne Alves Vieira ◽  
Andréia Santos Cezário ◽  
Wallacy Barbacena Rosa dos Santos ◽  
Jeferson Corrêa Ribeiro ◽  
Tiago Neves Pereira Valente ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu steers fed on the diets containing sugarcane in natura or ensiled with two levels of concentrate (30% and 70%). A total of 32 males of 394 kg of body weight were used in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and seven repetitions. The animals reported a high dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.05) when fed on the high concentrate levels. The increase in concentrate levels resulted in an approximately 25% to 60% higher DMI as compared to the lowest level offered by silage-based diets and sugarcane in natura. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter were observed in the diets based on sugarcane in natura (P < 0.05). The sugarcane based diets also affected (P > 0.05) the digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fiber carbohydrates. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the diets for average daily weight gain, carcass dressing, carcass gain, and feed conversion. The diets based on sugarcane in nature or ensiled with 30% and 70% concentrates do not influence the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu cattle.


1959 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. C. Jones

1. Four varieties of marrow stem kale, three of thousand headed kales, Hungry Gap Kale and Rape-Kale were grown at three centres in mid-Wales. They were sampled in the early winter period and separate leaf and stem samples analysed for the proximate constituents and minerals.2. Leaf to stem ratios were measured on both a green and dry matter basis and the latter values used to calculate whole plant values for the chemical constituents.3. The leaves of the marrow stem kales were higher in dry matter than the stems, except in the case of the Purple Stem Kale. This variety resembled the thousand headed and rape-type kales in having a higher dry matter in the stems. On a dry matter basis, the leaves of all the varieties were richer than the stems in ether extract, crude protein, total ash and all the minerals except potassium and sodium. These elements occurred to a greater extent in the stems of the fleshy stemmed marrow stem kales than in the leaves. The stems were higher in crude fibre and nitrogen-free extractives.4. The leaves of the rape-type kales were higher than those of the other varieties in silica, phosphorus and potassium. They were the best source of phosphorus on a whole plant basis. The marrow stem kales had considerably higher leaf and stem values for sodium and were markedly superior to the other varieties as a source of the element.


1970 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilknur Akgun ◽  
Metin Tosun ◽  
Suleyman Sengul

Prior {Lolium perenne × Festuca pratensis) and Elmet (Lolium multiflorum × Festuca pratensis) cultivars were compared with Festuca pratensis Huds. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. genotypes for some agronomical characteristics (green and dry matter yields, crude protein, seed yield, crude ash content) under Erzurum ecological conditions. Analysis of variance and mean separation were performed using the SPSS 11.0 computer program. There was a significant difference among genotypes in every character tested except for green and dry matter yield and crude ash content. Hybrid genotypes had higher plant height, dry and green matter yield, seed yield per plant and crude protein yield except 1000-seed weight. Elmet performed better than Prior except for seed yield per plant.   Key words: Festulolium, Lolium, Festuca, Yield, Crude protein, Crude ash doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1556 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 1-6, 2008 (June)


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
T. N. Mandal ◽  
T. P. Gautam

Altogether 19 fodder climbers were collected with local information for their quality, feeding season and preference by livestock from Sunsari district, Nepal. Fodder climbers were distributed under 15 angiospermic families. Among them, 6 climber species were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, N-free extract, total ash and mineral contents (K, Ca, and P). Dry matter content ranged from 24.12 to 45.43%. Crude protein content showed slight variation. Ether extract ranged from 2.13- 4.23%, while Crude fiber content ranged between 18.62 and 22.52%. N-free extract showed narrow variation in the content while Total ash content exhibited a wide variation ranging from 5.67 to 11.52%. Among the minerals, Phosphorus showed distinct variation in the content from 0.19 to 0.46%. Fodder quality assessed by local people was compared with the result of chemical composition. On the basis of local information and chemical composition, Hedera nepalensis and Hedyotis scandens were considered as very good fodder climbers.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document