scholarly journals Evaluation of a-amylase and protease on diet nutrient intake and digestibility, and physiological parameters in lambs

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78
Author(s):  
Abner A. Rodríguez-Carías ◽  
Beatriz A. Quintana ◽  
Luis C. Solorzano ◽  
Paul F. Randel
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Insulin Level ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Exogenous Enzymes

The effects of adding exogenous enzymes on the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and on nutrients, and several blood parameters were determined in lambs fed a basal diet of 34% ground corn, 40% tropical grass hay, and 26% soybean meal providing 21% dietary starch. Twelve crossbred lambs (22 kg) were assigned to one of four diets: no additives (1); diets containing α-amylase (2); protease (3); or their combination (4). Diets (DM basis) were offered daily at 4% of animal BW in four 28-day experimental periods each consisting of 21 d of adaptation to the diet followed by 7 d of complete fecal collection. In each period, feed offered, orts and feces were collected, quantified and analyzed for contents of DM, starch, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to determine intake and digestibility. At the end of each experimental period, blood samples were collected from the individual lambs to determine the concentration of glucose, beta-hidroxy butyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and insulin. Data were analyzed according to a 4 x 4 Latin Square experimental design. Dietary treatment contrasts were performed using least square means adjustment for multiple comparisons (Tukey-Kramer) as follows: enzymes versus no enzymes, amylase versus no amylase and protease versus no protease. Dry matter intake was similar across treatments (1,106; 1,088; 1,105 and 1,088 g/d for control, and diets containing α-amylase, experimental protease or their combination, respectively). Adding protease to the diet decreased (P<0.05) starch consumption (248 vs. 255 g/d) and increased, but not significantly, NDF digestibility (48.6 vs. 46.8%) as compared to that of lambs fed without the experimental enzyme. Adding enzymes to the diet tended (P<0.10) to decrease blood BHB concentration below the control level (4.26 vs. 4.68 mg/dL). Blood NEFA concentration tended to increase (P<0.10) in lambs fed α-amylase compared to those fed without α-amylase (0.17 vs. 0.14 mEq/L). The insulin level tended (P<0.10) to increase in lambs fed protease versus lambs not receiving the enzyme (80.3 vs. 71.8 pmol/L). Glucose levels were similar for all treatments. Both exogenous enzymes influenced blood metabolites; however, a greater effect was observed in lambs fed the protease.

scholarly journals Milk production and dry matter intake of lactating Holstein cows fed low fiber diets in the tropics

1969 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
Teodoro M. Ruiz ◽  
Jaime Moyá ◽  
Luis Viera
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Diet Intake

Three stargrass silage (SGS)-based diets formulated to contain 20, 26 and 32% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were compared as to their effect on dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production. Twelve lactating Holstein cows averaging 110 days in milk were arranged in four replications of a 3 x 3 Latin Square design. Treatments did not affect DMI or DMI as percentage of body weight (BW); mean values for these parameters were 15.4 kg/cow/day and 3.06%, respectively. However, cows consuming 32% NDF diet had a tendency toward lower (8.6%) intake of organic matter (OM) as percentage of BW than cows on the 20% NDF diet. Intake of NDF as a percentage of BW increased (P < 0.01) linearly (0.62 to 0.93%) as dietary NDF concentration increased. Milk production averaged 21.0 kg/cow/day and was not affected by dietary treatment. Reducing dietary NDF from 32 to 20% resulted in a reduction (P < 0.01) in milk fat from 3.09 to 2.66%.This reduction resulted in a 1.3 kg/cow/day increase (P < 0.05) in 3.25% fat-corrected milk (3.25% FCM) as the percentage of dietary NDF increased. Gross efficiency of energy (NEL) use for milk production and 3.25% FCM increased linearly with dietary NDF by 9.7 and 17.3%, respectively. Results point out that for mid-lactation cows at the observed level of production, diets lower than 32% NDF will not result in higher DMI and milk production, and will be less efficient in the use of energy for milk production.

scholarly journals Effect of zinc sources and experimental conditions on zinc balance in growing wethers

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Lee ◽  
J E Copelin ◽  
M T Socha
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Zinc Balance

Abstract Three experiments were conducted with growing wethers to evaluate apparent excretion and retention of Zn from various sources. In Exp. 1 and 2, Zn-ethylene diamine (ZE), Zn hydroxychloride (ZHYD), Zn-lysine/glutamate (ZAA), and Zn-glycinate (ZG) were used and ZnSO4 (ZS), Zn hydroxychloride (ZHYD), Zn-lysine/glutamate (ZAA), and Zn-glycinate (ZG) were used in Exp. 3. In Exp. 1, 8 wethers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design. In Exp. 2 and 3, 40 wethers were used in a randomized block design. In Exp. 1, each period (total 4 periods) consisted of 14-day diet adaptation and 4 days of total collection of feces and urine. In Exp. 2 and 3, wethers received a basal diet for 14 days and received experimental diets for 9 days (diet adaptation), followed by 4 days of total collection of feces and urine. Total collection was conducted in wooden metabolic cages. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS as a Latin square design for Exp. 1 and a completed randomized block design for Exp. 2 and 3. In all experiments, dry matter intake did not differ among treatments except that it tended to be different in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, no difference in Zn excretion (88%) and retention (11%) as proportion of Zn intake was observed among Zn sources. In Exp. 2, total tract digestibility of crude protein was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for ZAA than ZE and ZG (82.0 vs. 79.1 and 77.8%, respectively) and greater (P &lt; 0.01) for ZHYD than ZG (80.2 vs. 77.8%). However, total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was low (on average 16%) for all treatments with no difference among treatments in Exp. 2. Apparent excretion and retention of Zn as proportion of Zn intake did not differ among treatments, and Zn retention (~1.4% of Zn intake) was very low for all treatments. In Exp. 3, ZHYD and ZAA had greater retention of Zn (17.8 vs. 1.5%; P = 0.01) than ZG. Fecal Zn excretion was greater (97.3 vs. 81.2%; P = 0.01) for ZG vs. ZHYD and ZAA, and Zn retention for ZG was only 1.5% of Zn intake. In conclusion, potential increases in Zn absorption and retention were observed for ZHYD and ZAA compared with ZS and ZG in Exp. 3 and these differences were not found in Exp. 1 and 2. Experiment 1 used a Latin square design and Exp. 2 used a diet containing largely undigestible fiber. These experimental conditions may have affected Zn metabolism in wethers. Inconsistent results on Zn balance for ZG among the experiments warrant further studies regarding its bioavailability.

scholarly journals Effects of Dietary Stevioside Supplementation on Feed Intake, Digestion, Ruminal Fermentation, and Blood Metabolites of Goats

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuefeng Han ◽  
Chaoxi Chen ◽  
Xiaoli Zhang ◽  
Yuqing Wei ◽  
Shaoxun Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Eating Time ◽  
Total Diet ◽  
Serum Biochemical

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of tevioside on feed intake, feeding behavior, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and serum biochemical parameters in goats. Nine male Xiangdong black goats (21.8 ± 1.5 kg of body weight) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. All goats were fed a basal diet including concentrate and forage (chopped rice traw). The three treatments were 0, 400, or 800 mg stevioside per kg chopped rice traw on a dry matter (DM) basis. Dry matter intake of forage and total diet linearly increased (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04) with increasing stevioside in the diet. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of stevioside inclusion in the diets on eating time, rumination time, or total mastication time for the goats. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the rumen responded quadratically (p < 0.01), decreasing from 0 to 400 mg/kg stevioside inclusion and increasing thereafter. The inclusion of steviosid in the diets promoted a quadratic increase in the apparent total tract digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.02) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.01). Based on the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that supplementing goat diets with stevioside at 400 mg/kg to 800 mg/kg forage (about 270 to 541 mg/kg diet) resulted in increased dry intake of forage and total diet, suggesting that stevioside has positive potential as a feed additive to improve feed intake.

PSX-B-10 Effect of undigested neutral detergent fiber concentration and forage inclusion rate on ruminal pH, reticular motility, and total tract permeability for finishing beef heifers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 457-458
Author(s):  
Murillo C Pereira ◽  
Karen A Beauchemin ◽  
Tim A McAllister ◽  
Wenzhu Yang ◽  
Joyce Van Donkersgoed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Eating Time ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Contraction Duration ◽  
Gastrointestinal Permeability

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentration and forage inclusion (FI) rate on dry matter (DM) intake, ruminal pH, reticular contractions, and gastrointestinal permeability for finishing beef cattle. Five ruminally cannulated Hereford′Simmental heifers (699±69.1 kg) were used in an incomplete 6×6 Latin square (26-d periods) with a 2×3 factorial treatment arrangement. Barley grain-based diets were formulated using barley silage or wheat straw to provide low or high uNDF (7.1 vs. 8.5% DM) with forage proportions of 5, 10, or 15% of dietary DM. Dry matter intake (P ≥ 0.10) and eating time (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by uNDF, FI, or uNDF′FI. With low uNDF diets, increasing FI numerically (P = 0.02) increased rumination time (min/d); while, with high uNDF diets, rumination time increased with 5 to 10% FI, but not thereafter (P = 0.03). Mean ruminal pH was not affected by uNDF (6.17 vs. 6.19; P = 0.08), but increased with increasing FI (6.04b, 6.23a, and 6.28a; P = 0.02). Duration of ruminal pH &lt; 5.5 was not affected by uNDF but tended (P = 0.07) to be reduced with increasing FI. High uNDF diet tended to increase the frequency of reticular contractions (1.43 vs. 1.51 contractions/min; P = 0.07) but decreased the contraction duration (13.2 vs. 14.1 sec; P = 0.04). Increasing FI increased contraction frequency (1.39b, 1.50a, and 1.53a contractions/min; P = 0.03) and tended to reduce contraction duration as forage increased from 5 to 10 and 15% (14.3, 13.1, and 13.6 sec; P = 0.07). Feeding high uNDF decreased (P = 0.05) permeability of the gastrointestinal tract based on the appearance of Cr-EDTA in urine following an intra-ruminal dose. Increasing FI tended to reduce gastrointestinal tract permeability (P = 0.06). Limited interactions indicate that uNDF and FI act independently suggesting that increasing dietary uNDF, without increasing FI rate, can stimulate frequency of reticulo-ruminal contractions and reduce gastrointestinal permeability for finishing cattle.

scholarly journals Dietary rambutan peel powder as a rumen modifier in beef cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 763-769
Author(s):  
Thiwakorn Ampapon ◽  
Metha Wanapat
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Napier Grass ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Negative Effect

Objective: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation dynamics and microbial population in Thai breed cattle.Methods: Four, 2-year old (250±15 kg) beef bull crossbreds (75% Brahman×25% local breed) were allotted to experimental treatments using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four dietary supplementation treatments were imposed; non-supplementation (control, T1); supplementation of RP fed at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (low, T2); supplementation of RP fed at 4% of DMI (medium, T3) and supplementation of RP fed at 6% of DMI (high, T4). All cattle were given a concentrate supplement at 1% of body weight while Napier grass was provided as a free choice.Results: The findings revealed that RP supplementation did not negatively affect (p>0.05) DMI of Napier grass, while RP intake and total DMI were the greatest in the RP supplementation at 4% and 6% DMI. Nevertheless, the nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) digestibilities were not changed in the RP supplementation groups. Rumen fermentation parameters especially those of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate were not significantly changed. However, the propionate concentration was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the RP supplementation. Notably, the ratio of acetate to propionate, the number of protozoa, as well as the methane estimation were significantly reduced in the RP supplemented groups (4% and 6% of DMI), while the counts of bacteria was not altered.Conclusion: Supplementation of RP (4% of DMI) improved rumen propionate production, reduced protozoal population and methane estimation (p<0.05) without a negative effect on feed consumption and nutrients total tract digestibilities in beef cattle. Using dietary rambutan fruit peel powder has potential promise as a rumen regulator.

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 PSIV-13 Supplemental phytase increases phosphorus digestibility in pigs regardless of phytase source or feed pelleting

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 229-229
Author(s):  
Bokyung Hong ◽  
Beob G Kim
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Different Doses ◽  
Fecal Collection

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of phytase source and feed pelleting on digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, organic matter (OM), and phosphorus (P) with different doses of phytase in pigs. In Exp. 1, ten barrows (31.4 ± 3.5 kg of BW) were individually housed in metabolic crates and allotted to a replicated 5 × 6 Latin square design with 5 diets and 6 periods. In Exp. 2, ten barrows (28.2 ± 3.2 kg of BW) were individually housed in metabolic crates and allotted to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 5 diets and 5 periods. Each period lasted 10 d consisted of a 5-d adaptation and a 5-d collection periods and the marker to marker method was used for fecal collection. In both experiments, a basal diet was prepared based on corn and soybean meal without phytase or inorganic P. Four additional diets were prepared in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 phytase sources (Buttiauxella spp. or Escherichia coli) and 2 feed forms (mash or pellet). Both experiments employed the same treatments but had different supplemental phytase doses (500 and 1,500 FTU/kg in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). In Exp. 1, supplemental phytase increased standardized total tract digestibility of P (66.1 vs. 51.7%; P &lt; 0.001) with no effects of phytase source or feed pelleting. Feed pelleting increased digestibility of DM, crude protein, and OM (P &lt; 0.001). In Exp. 2, supplemental phytase increased standardized total tract digestibility of P (72.8 vs. 44.8%; P &lt; 0.001) with no effects of phytase source or feed pelleting. Feed pelleting increased digestibility of DM and OM (P &lt; 0.001). Taken together, supplemental phytase at 500 and 1,500 FTU/kg increases P digestibility regardless of phytase source or feed pelleting.

Effects of processing on rumen degradabilities and intestinal digestibilities of soyabean meal, and low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals in cattle

1992 ◽  
Vol 1992 ◽  
pp. 220-220
Author(s):  
A.M. Subuh ◽  
T.G. Rowan
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Soyabean Meal

In an experiment of 3 x 3 Latin Square design, 3 heifers each fitted with rumen and simple T-piece duodenal cannulae were used to determine the effects of method of processing soyabean meal (SBM), and low (LRSM) and high (HRSM) glucosinolate rapeseed meals on rumen degradabilities (RD) and intestinal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and organic matter (0M) using a mobile nylon bag technique.Heifers were given a basal diet of hay (0.55 of DM intake) and mineralized barley with LRSM (0.45 of DM intake) to provide a ME intake of > 2 x maintenance. The diet was offered twice a day and a period of four weeks was allowed before the experiment. Methods of processing were formaldehyde (FT, 0.8 HCH0/l6g N), heat (HT, 110°C for 2 h) and untreated (UT). After processing the feedstuffs were ground and 1g samples were placed in sealed nylon bags (3-5 x 5.5 cm). The bags were placed in a plastic mesh cylinder and incubated in the rumen for 0, 12, and 24 hours.

Increasing magnesium intakes in relation to magnesium absorption in dry cows

2004 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surasak Jittakhot ◽  
J Thomas Schonewille ◽  
Hugo Wouterse ◽  
Anton WJ Uijttewaal ◽  
Chalermpon Yuangklang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Apparent Absorption ◽  
Post Feeding ◽  
Saturation Kinetics ◽  
Kinetics Of

Earlier studies with temporarily isolated rumen of heifers show saturation kinetics of Mg efflux across the rumen wall. Therefore, we hypothesized that high Mg intakes would not further increase the rate of Mg absorption in cows. To test our hypothesis, six ruminally fistulated non-pregnant dry cows were given diets with different Mg concentrations in a 6×6 Latin square design. Desired concentrations of Mg were attained by adding MgO to the basal diet and the Mg concentrations in the total rations were 3·8, 6·4, 9·1, 11·8, 14·1 and 17·3 g Mg/kg dry matter, which provided Mg intakes of 27·1, 44·6, 64·6, 83·5, 100·4 and 124·3 g/d, respectively. Increasing Mg intakes were associated with increased (P<0·001) faecal Mg excretion. However, apparent Mg absorption expressed as g/d was not significantly different for Mg intakes from 100·4 to 124·3 g/d while Mg absorption expressed as a proportion of intake was not significantly different for Mg intakes ranging from 64·6 to 124·3 g/d. Mg concentrations in rumen fluid after feeding increased (P<0·001) with increasing Mg intakes. Apparent absorption of Mg appeared to become saturated at a ruminal Mg concentration of 17·5 mM (Mg intake of 83·5 g/d). Group-mean post-feeding concentrations of Mg and Na in rumen fluid were significantly correlated (Pearson's r=−0·96; P=0·003, n=6). This study showed that under conditions of practical dairy cow feeding, Mg absorption was maximal at Mg intakes [ges ]84 g/d.

UTILIZATION OF LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) MUKA (FOLIAGE) BY SHEEP

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-471
Author(s):  
R. M. TAIT ◽  
C. GASTON ◽  
J. R. HUNT ◽  
G. M. BARTON
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Alfalfa Meal

Eight sheep were used in two 4 × 4 latin square digestion trials substituting alfalfa meal with unsteamed or steamed muka (foliage) at levels of 20, 40 or 60%. Including muka at all levels depressed (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and acid detergent fiber compared with the control alfalfa meal diet. When calculated by difference, the digestibility of muka dry matter and organic matter was not affected (P < 0.05) by either the level of its inclusion in the diets or by steaming. The mean dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of muka were 29.2 and 30.4%, respectively. The protein content of muka was 5.0% and the estimated protein digestibility at the 60% level of inclusion was only 6.6%. With unsteamed muka, the digestibility of acid detergent fiber calculated by difference averaged −11.9%, suggesting the presence of factors which depressed the digestibility of fiber in the basal diet. Steaming appeared to reduce this depression. A growth trial was conducted with lambs where alfalfa meal, as the sole roughage source, was compared to the same diet with 20% of the alfalfa replaced by steamed muka. Growth rates were not different (P > 0.05) being 142 and 138 g/day, respectively. A taste panel evaluation of the carcasses found no adverse effects on flavor due to the inclusion of steamed muka in the diet. Key words: Lodgepole pine muka, nutritive value, sheep

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document