scholarly journals Effect of Lipid-Encapsulated Acacia Tannin Extract on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility and Methane Emission in Sheep

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Festus Adeyemi Adejoro ◽  
Abubeker Hassen ◽  
Abiodun Mayowa Akanmu
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Crude Extract ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Tannin Extract ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Wide Range

Tannins have become important phytochemicals in ruminant production, due to their wide range of biological activities. The use of a crude extract often comes with limitations, such as reduced feed intake and fibre digestibility, which could be overcome by the use of encapsulated tannin extract. In this study, four rumen-cannulated Merino wethers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of encapsulating Acacia mearnsii tannin extract on intake, nutrient digestibility, and methane emission. The animals were placed on one of the following diets: control diet only, diet + silvafeed (Silvafeed ByPro, 10 g/kg feed), diet + Acacia tannin extract (ATE), 40 g/kg feed), and, diet + lipid-encapsulated-ATE (palm oil encapsulated ATE, 50 g/kg feed) in 4 cycles. Wethers were offered an Eragrotis and Lucerne hay-based total mixed ration diet above maintenance requirement with forage: concentrate ratio 50:50. Silvafeed, a commercial tannin additive, was used as a positive control. Nutrient intake was not different across the treatments, but nutrient digestibility was affected by dietary additives (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, and unlike the crude extract, encapsulated-ATE and silvafeed did not reduce dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. While the overall N-retention and total N-excretion (g/d) were not affected by dietary additives, ATE and encapsulated-ATE diets reduced urine-N excretion (g/d) and only a slight reduction was observed in silvafeed diet. The faecal-N proportion was highest in the ATE diet (388 g/kg N-intake), followed by encapsulated-ATE (317 g/kg), and silvafeed (267 g/kg), with the control diet having the lowest proportion (230 g/kg). The acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio reduced as a result of the inclusion of dietary additives with crude ATE and silvafeed having lower A:P ratio compared to the control diet. Methane production expressed in g/kg dry matter (DM) intake was reduced by 12%, 30% and 19% in the silvafeed, crude ATE and encapsulated-ATE diets, respectively (p < 0.05). The reduced methane production with higher neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility in the encapsulated-ATE, compared to the crude-ATE, confirms that encapsulated-tannin can be used as an additive in ruminant diets.

Cassava root fermented with yeast improved feed digestibility in Brahman beef cattle

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 1613 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Promkot ◽  
P. Nitipot ◽  
N. Piamphon ◽  
N. Abdullah ◽  
A. Promkot
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Feed Digestibility ◽  
Cassava Root ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to enhance the protein level of low-protein feedstuffs such as cassava root. In the present study, fresh cassava root was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with S. cerevisiae to enhance the protein content. The fermentation process lasted for 21 days, followed by fermentation with yeast for 5 days. The fermented product was called yeast-fermented cassava root (YEFECAR). The YEFECAR was then evaluated as a feed ingredient at 10%, 20% and 30% dry matter in concentrate diet for dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility in non-pregnant female Brahman beef cattle (bodyweight 256 ± 11.5 kg). Four cattle were randomly given four treatments in 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21-day period, including a control diet (without fermented cassava root). Cattle were fed rice straw as roughage. The results showed that while dry matter intake was not significantly different among dietary treatments, average dairy gain tended to increase when fermented cassava root was fed at 20% in the concentrate diet. There were no significant differences in nutrient digestibility among the dietary treatments. However, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility showed an increasing trend when fermented cassava root was fed to the cattle. Likewise, fermented cassava root showed no effect on rumen microbial population, although rumen bacterial population and microbial protein tended to increase with YEFECAR addition. It was concluded that yeast-fermented cassava root at 20% in concentrate feed tended to enhance rumen bacteria population and neutral detergent fibre digestibility in cattle.

ACCEPTABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF GRADED LEVELS OF GMELINA ARBOREA AND CASSAVA PEELS CONCENTRATES IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-422
Author(s):  
Amoka Pius ◽  
Tawose O M
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Gmelina Arborea ◽  
Leaf Meal ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Cassava Peels

The nutritive value ,voluntary dry matter intake, and the nutrient digestibility of graded levels of Gmelina arborea and cassava peels concentrates in WAD sheep was investigated. Twelve WAD sheep aged 1-2 years old and weighting 14.00± 0.45 kg were used in a complete randomized design. Diets were formulated such that cassava peels was replaced with Gmelina arborea leaf meal at 0, 33.33, 66.67, 100% levels, designated as diets A, B, C, and D respectively. Diet without Gmelina arborea leaf meal was tagged the control diet. The concentrate feed was compounded to contain 16% CP. Diets with 33.33% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea had significantly (P<0.05) higher dry matter intake (DMI) 598.80g day-1, while the lowest DMI 425.00g day-1 was obtained in animals fed 100% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea. Crude protein intake (CPI) of animals fed diets with 33.33% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea were significantly (P<0.05) highest, followed by 66.67% inclusion level and the least was observed in 0% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) was significantly (P<0.05) different across the dietary treatments, animals placed on diets with 33.33% inclusion level had the highest DMD, followed by animals on diets with 66.67, 100 and 0% inclusion levels. CP digestibility (P<0.05) increased from 33.33% to 100% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea leaf meal, the lowest CP digestibility was observed at 0% inclusion level. CF digestibility (P<0.05) increased from 33.33% to 100% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea leaf meal, while the lowest CF digestibility was observed at 0% inclusion level. N intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in the level of Gmelina arborea inclusion from 33.33% to 100%. N retention was significantly (P<0.05) different, diets with 33.33% Gmelina arborea inclusion had the highest value (64.36g day-1) followed by 66.67%, 100% and the least (52.64g day-1) was at 0% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea.  N balance values also followed the same trend. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the inclusion of Gmelina arborea leaf meal in WAD rams diet was well tolerated without adverse effect on acceptability, intake and nutrient digestibility, and inclusion level of 33.33% is hereby recommended in ruminants diet for optimum performance and productivity.

Effects of Sericea Lespedeza on Feed Intake, Digestion, and Ruminal Methane Emission in Hair Sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 41-41
Author(s):  
Luana L Ribeiro ◽  
Ryszard Puchala ◽  
Arthur L Goetsch
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Lespedeza Cuneata ◽  
Hair Sheep ◽  
Initial Body Weight ◽  
Sericea Lespedeza

Abstract Eighteen Katahdin (initial body weight of 74 kg; SEM=1.8) and 18 St. Croix ewes (55 kg; SEM=1.3) were used in an experiment with four 6-wk periods to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) containing 5.8% condensed tannins (dry matter; DM) and other supplemental ingredients on feed intake, digestion, and ruminal methane emission. Diets were consumed ad libitum and included a concentrate supplement at 0.45% BW (DM). Alfalfa was the basal forage for control (CON), ionophore (ION; lasalocid at 33 mg/kg DM), coconut oil (3%; CCO), and soybean oil (3%; SBO) diets, and forage in moderate- and high-lespedeza diets was a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza and all lespedeza, respectively (MSL and HSL, respectively). Data were analyzed with a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement of treatments, period as a repeated measure, and a mixed effects model. Digestion and methane emission were determined in weeks 4, 10, 16, and 22. Total DM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.070) but numerically greatest for HSL (1,197, 1,297, 1,491, 1,203, 1,195, and 1,207 g/d; SEM=81.1), OM digestibility ranked (P &lt; 0.05) CON, ION, CCO, and SBO &gt; MSL &gt; HSL (69.2, 57.6, 50.3, 66.3, 66.0, and 68.7%; SEM=1.57), and digestible OM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.517; 697, 607, 589, 598, 635, and 690 g/d for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=50.4). There were no interactions involving time in ruminal methane emission, which was greatest among treatments for CON (P &lt; 0.05) in MJ/d (1.39, 0.93, 0.90, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.96; SEM=0.069) and relative to digestible energy intake (20.6, 15.7, 16.8, 16.1, 13.7, and 13.9% for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=1.223). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Sericea lespedeza may offer a natural and sustainable means of decreasing ruminal methane emission by hair sheep as previously shown in goats, with a magnitude of impact similar to that of some other supplemental dietary ingredients.

scholarly journals Performance and nutrient digestibility of crossbred weaned pigs fed raw pride of barbados (Caesalpina pulcherrima) seed meal

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-191
Author(s):  
A. A. Ogunbode ◽  
A. F. Baderinwa ◽  
I. O. Gbemisola
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Large White ◽  
Final Body Weight

Deficit of conventional feed resources in meeting increased demand has led to hike in their prices culminating in soaring cost of livestock feed. This has necessitated the search for cheap and easily available alternatives. Pride of barbados seed which constitute a waste has potential of becoming a cheap and easily available feed resource. Performance and nutrient digestibility of dietary inclusion of raw pride of barbados seed meal was evaluated in an eight week feeding trial. Atotal of sixteen crossbred (Large White x Landrace) weaned pigs of eight weeks of age were weighed and allotted to four dietary treatments with four pigs each being a replicate in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 (control) was without raw pride of barbados seed meal while 5%, 10% and 15% of virgin raw pride of barbados were included in diets 2,3 and 4 respectively. Weekly weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility of raw pride of barbados seed meal was also determined. Results revealed a significant average final body weight of 16.75kg (diet 3) to 24.50kg (diet 4).The pigs fed 15% raw pride of barbados had the highest feed intake of 137.20kg in diet 4 while the lowest feed intake was obtained in pigs fed 10% (diet 3) inclusion level of raw pride of barbados. Pigs maintained on the control diet had the best feed conversion (7.60kg) while the pigs fed diet 3 had the lowest feed conversion ratio (8.93kg). Crude protein, ether extract and dry matter digestibility was highest at T4 (84.15%, 80.21% and 86.70%) respectively while the least values (68.71%, 65.75% and 71.10% was obtained in T2 and T3 respectively. This study concluded that 15% inclusion of raw pride of barbados in the diets of crossbred weaned pigs had no deleterious effect on performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs.

330 3-nitrooxypropanol Supplementation of a Forage Diet Decreased Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle Without Affecting Apparent Total-tract Digestibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 186-187
Author(s):  
Aklilu Alemu ◽  
Xiu Min Zhang ◽  
Maik Kindermann ◽  
Karen A Beauchemin
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Enteric Methane ◽  
Ruminant Diets ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
High Forage

Abstract Supplementation of ruminant diets with the investigational methane (CH4) inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; DSM Nutritional Products, Switzerland) is as a promising mitigation strategy. However, most studies have examined high grain or mixed forage-concentrate diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a forage diet with 3-NOP on rumen fermentation, CH4 emissions and apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Eight ruminally cannulated beef heifers (BW = 514 kg) were randomly allocated to two treatments in a crossover design with 49-d periods. Dietary treatments were: control, high-forage diet (90% forage DM basis) without 3-NOP; and NOP, control diet supplemented with 150 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. After a 14-d diet adaption, dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) was recorded daily. Rumen contents were collected on days 17 and 28 for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis, whereas ruminal pH was continuously monitored from day 20 to 27. Diet digestibility was measured on day 38 to 41 by total collection of feces. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured on days 46 to 49 in chambers. Dry matter intake was lower (P = 0.001) for NOP (10.0 kg/d) as compared with control (10.2 kg/d). However, DM, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and crude protein digestibilities were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.29). Although total VFA concentration was not affected by treatment (P = 0.19), the reduction in acetate and increase in propionate proportion for NOP lowered (P &lt; 0.001) the acetate to propionate ratio by 18% as compared with control. Mean pH was lower (P = 0.03) for control (6.46) than NOP (6.57). Furthermore, CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) was 21.6% less (P &lt; 0.001) for NOP relative to control (25.5 g/kg DMI). Overall, the results indicate that enteric CH4 emissions were effectively decreased with 3-NOP supplementation of a forage diet without affecting apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients.

scholarly journals Effects of source and concentration of neutral detergent fiber from roughage in beef cattle diets on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo S Goulart ◽  
Ricardo A M Vieira ◽  
Joao L P Daniel ◽  
Rafael C Amaral ◽  
Vanessa P Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Ingestive Behavior ◽  
Rumen Content ◽  
Residence Times

Abstract The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of source and concentration of α-amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) from roughage on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics in beef cattle receiving high-concentrate diets. Six ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (408 ± 12 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six diets: 10% aNDF from corn silage (10CS); 20% aNDF from corn silage (20CS); or four diets containing 10% aNDF from corn silage and 10% aNDF from one of the following sources: sugarcane (SC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), soybean hulls (SH), or low oil cottonseed hulls (LOCH). The parameters of passage and degradation kinetics were estimated based on a two-compartmental model with gamma- and exponential-distributed residence times. The nonlinear models were fitted by nonlinear least squares, and a linear mixed-effects model was fitted to all variables measured from the Latin square design that were related to intake, digestibility, digestion kinetic parameters, and residence times. Mean particle size (MPS) between roughage sources (CS, SCB, and SC) and coproducts (SH and LOCH) was affected (P &lt; 0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by 20CS, SC, SH, or LOCH. Steers fed 20CS or LOCH diets had 16% and 20% greater DMI, respectively, (P &lt; 0.05) than steers fed 10CS diet. Steers fed SCB consumed the least dry matter (DM). The SH and LOCH diets had lower MPS values (about 8.77 mm) in comparison to 20CS, SCB, and SC diets (about 13.08 mm) and, consequently, affected (P &lt; 0.05) rumen content, ruminal in situ disappearance, nutrient digestibility, and solid fractional passage rate. Chewing time was affected (P &lt; 0.05) by roughage sources and concentration. Lower values of distance travel inside the rumen (min/cm) were observed (P &lt; 0.05) for the SCB and SC diets in comparison with any other diet. Except for SCB, there was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in rumen fill, among other treatments. Mean daily ruminal pH was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by 20CS, SCB, SC, and LOCH diets, and it ranged from 6.1 to 6.23. Total short-chain fatty acids concentration was affected (P &lt; 0.05) by roughage source and concentration. Based on our results, we recommend that under Brazilian finishing diets, replacing roughage sources, except for SCB, based on aNDF concentration of the roughage in high-concentrate diets containing finely ground flint corn does not affect DMI.

scholarly journals Effects of Geraniol and Camphene on in Vitro Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
M. Joch ◽  
V. Kudrna ◽  
B. Hučko
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of geraniol and camphene at three dosages (300, 600, and 900 mg l-1) on rumen microbial fermentation and methane emission in in vitro batch culture of rumen fluid supplied with a 60 : 40 forage : concentrate substrate (16.2% crude protein, 33.1% neutral detergent fibre). The ionophore antibiotic monensin (8 mg/l) was used as positive control. Compared to control, geraniol significantly (P < 0.05) reduced methane production with increasing doses, with reductions by 10.2, 66.9, and 97.9%. However, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and in vitro dry matter digestibility were also reduced (P < 0.05) by all doses of geraniol. Camphene demonstrated weak and unpromising effects on rumen fermentation. Camphene did not decrease (P > 0.05) methane production and slightly decreased (P < 0.05) VFA production. Due to the strong antimethanogenic effect of geraniol a careful selection of dose and combination with other antimethanogenic compounds may be effective in mitigating methane emission from ruminants. However, if a reduction in total VFA production and dry matter digestibility persisted in vivo, geraniol would have a negative effect on animal productivity.

Effect of added dietary nitrate and elemental sulfur on wool growth and methane emission of Merino lambs

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Li ◽  
C. I. Silveira ◽  
J. V. Nolan ◽  
I. R. Godwin ◽  
R. A. Leng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Elemental Sulfur ◽  
Methane Yield ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Dietary Nitrate ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Nutrient Utilisation

The effects of dietary nitrate (NO3) and elemental sulfur (S) on nutrient utilisation, productivity, and methane emission of Merino lambs were investigated. Forty-four lambs were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 11) fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. The basal feed was supplemented with 1% urea + 0.18% S (T1), 1.88% NO3 + 0% S (T2), 1.88% NO3 + 0.18% S (T3), or 1.88% NO3 + 0.40% S (T4). Retention of S was improved by increasing the content of elemental S in the NO3-containing diet (P < 0.001), yet the N retention (g/day) by the animal, and the N and S content of wool (%), were not altered by S supplementation (P > 0.05). Dry matter intake, liveweight gain, and feed conversion ratio did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Replacing urea with NO3 improved the rate of clean wool growth by 37% (P < 0.001, T1 vs T3). Clean wool growth increased by 26% (P < 0.001) when the S content of the NO3-containing diet was increased from 0 to 0.18% (T2 vs T3). Methane production (g/day) and methane yield (g/kg DM intake) were reduced (P < 0.05) by 24% when urea was replaced by NO3 (T1 vs T3). The addition of 0.4% S to a diet containing 1.88% NO3 also reduced methane production (P = 0.021) and methane yield (P = 0.028). In conclusion, the addition of 1.88% NO3 and 0.18% elemental S to a total mixed diet increased clean wool production and reduced methane production. However, there was no evidence of inter-relationships between NO3 and S.

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF VARYING RATIO OF COWPEA HUSK AND MAIZE MILLING WASTE ON THE FEED INTAKE, PROTEIN AND ENERGY UTILIZATION BY THE GOAT.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 108-112
Author(s):  
A. A. Adeloye
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

The acceptability and efficacy of. combinations of cowpea husk (CH) and maize milling waste (MMW) as feed for the goat were tested. The experiment, in a 4x4 Latin square design involved digestion trials with 4 West African dwarf grower goats weighing 8.2 to 9.6 kg. and about 4 months old. There were 3 experimental diets made up of CH and MMW in 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 ratio of mixture. The control diet was 60 percent chopped Pennisetum purpureum plus 40 percent concentrate ration. The animals were fed at 5 percent of body weight. All trials lasted 80 days. Parameters for assessment were dry matter intake, protein and energy intakes and utilization. Feed intake values (%of body weight) in all experiemental diets were higher than 3 percent and increased with increasing levels of cowpea husk, Only the intake of 4.38% of body weight from 75:25 CH-MMW supported weight gain. Increases in MMW in the experimental diets resulted in significant (P<0.05) increases in dry matter digestibility. The crude protein intake and digestion increased with increasing inclusion of cowpea husk, but intake and utilization were not adequate at CH-MMW 25:75 and 50:50. The energy intake and utilization increased (P<0.05) across the treatment. Increasing levels of cowpea husk enhanced dry matter, energy intakes and energy utilization, Decreasing levels of cowpea, consistent with increasing MMW improved dry matter digestibility but not dry matter intake. The high crude fibre of cowpea husk is implicated. The utilization of the available energy in the mixture is limited by protein intake.

scholarly journals Nutrient Intake and digestibility of Rabbit does fed varying levels of concentrate and lablab during pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-287
Author(s):  
G. T. Iyeghe-Erakpotobor ◽  
A. A. Sekoni ◽  
L. O. Esievo
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Ether Extract ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Nitrogen Free Extract ◽  
Growth Requirement

Nulliparous crossbred does were used to study the effects of concentrate:lablab ratio (CL) and stage of pregnancy on nutrient intake and digestibility. Treatments consisted of four concentrate and lablab combinations on a gram:gram basis: 20:130, 40: 110, 80:70 and 100:50 and two stages of pregnancy: second and fourth week of pregnancy Concentrate intake increased as level increased up to 80g/day offered while lablab intake increased from 50 to 130g/day offered. Doe weight and metabolic size were similar for all treatments. Total feed intake was not affected by concentrate and lablab levels. Dry matter intake was lower for 100:50 CL than other treatments. Ether extract and crude fibre intakes decreased with increase in concentrate levels. Dry matter and nitrogen free extract digestibility were higher for 80:70 CL than other combinations. Crude fibre digestibility was higher for 80:70 than 40:110 and 100:50 CL Crude protein retention was higher for 80:70 than 20:130 and 100:50 CL. Fetal growth requirement, total protein requirement and balance of protein were high at 80:70 and 100:50 CL. During pregnancy, dry matter and all nutrients intake were higher in the second than fourth week. Ether extract, crude protein and nitrogen free extract digestibilities were lower in the second than fourth week of pregnancy. Fetal growth requirement and balance of protein were higher in the second than fourth week of pregnancy relationship between feed intake (g DM/day) and nutrient digestibility was negative. The relationship between feed intake (g DM/kg body weight/day) and feed intake (g DM/kg LW0.75/day) was however, positive for all the nutrients except crude protein. For the small scale rabbit producer in developing countries, it is feasible to maintain rabbits on combinations of concentrate and lablab during pregnancy

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