• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.475-482
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• 2010

Thirty-six Najdi ram lambs, weighing an average of 24 kg and circa 3 months old, were utilized in this trial to evaluate the effects of various alfalfa hay particle lengths in the diet on growth performance, digestion coefficients, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics. Lambs were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments: 9.5 and 14 mm diets, where alfalfa hay was processed to 9.5 and 14 mm particle lengths, respectively, mixed with 3 parts of concentrate and pelleted as a total mixed ration (TMR), and long hay diet, where one part of loose alfalfa hay (17.8${\pm}$2.4 cm) was offered in combination with 3 parts of only-concentrate pellet. All dietary treatments were homogeneous in their ingredient composition. All lambs were slaughtered after a 14-week feeding trial. Although the results showed no significant effect of hay particle length on DMI, TDN and DCP, lambs fed the 9.5 mm pelleted diet had higher (p<0.05) final body weight, ADG, gain efficiency and nitrogen retention than lambs fed the 14 mm and long hay diets. Altering the particle length of alfalfa hay in diets did not affect the digestibility of DM or CP, whereas digestibilities of ADF and NDF were 3.7% and 5.4% higher (p<0.05), respectively, for the long hay diet versus the 9.5 mm pelleted diet. Hot carcass weight, percentage of separable lean from the $9-11^{th}$ rib joint, and percentages of protein and EE in the separable lean increased (p<0.05) as the particle length of alfalfa hay in the diet decreased. Under the conditions of this study, the reduction of particle length in the TMR played an important role in enhancing performance without altering DM consumption, and this may lead to more efficient productivity of lamb fattening compared with longer chopping lengths.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1279-1284
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• 2005

The effects of 3 different strains of Japanese koji (Aspergillus oryzae, A. sojae and A. awamori) in the solid-state fermentation (SSF) of sugarcane bagasse mixed with wheat bran on chemical composition, energy, in vivo digestibility and preference of the fermented bagasse feeds (FBF) in goats were investigated. Diets consisted of lucerne hay cube (basal diet) and unfermented bagasse feed (control), FBF with A. oryzae (O), FBF with A. sojae (S) or FBF with A. awamori (A), which were mixed in a total ration of 7:3 (w/w DM). Three Nubian does were fed each of the diets, i.e. control, O, S and A in the 4 consecutive periods for digestion trials (21-day each). The goats were also used for preference trials (30-min each) of O, S and A. The O was significantly higher in CP content than others (p<0.05). The crude fiber (CF), ADF and cellulose contents of control were significantly lower than those of other diets (p<0.05). The S had significantly higher CF digestibility than control (p<0.05), and it revealed the largest value of all. Digestibilities of NDF, ADF and cellulose in S were significantly higher than those of control (about 10, 18 and 18%, respectively, p<0.05). The DE of S was significantly higher than that of others (p<0.05), though there were no significant differences in DCP and TDN between control and S. The results of preference trials demonstrated that the average intake rate was not significantly different among diets, but O and S are likely to be preferable to A (p<0.1). It was concluded that the SSF of bagasse feeds by Japanese koji can improve the fiber digestion, especially NDF, ADF or cellulose in goats, and there is a marked effect in the feed containing A. sojae, which may lead to the improvement of DE.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.8
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• pp.1234-1240
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• 1999

The nutritive value of rumen contents and barley mixture (4:1 w/w; RCB) was evaluated and the effect of their feeding on growth performances in Najdi lambs was studied. A metabolism trial was conducted with 16 rams divided into four dietary groups. The diets were: a whole-mixed control diet and three diets where RCB was incorporated at the rates of 25, 50 and 100%, replacing an equal amount of control diet. The results showed that there was a depression (p<0.05) in DM digestibility for the 100% RCB diet in comparison with other diets. The digestibility of CP was higher(p<0.05) for the 25% RCB diet as compared to the control diet; there was a trend for a small (p>0.05) decrease in digestibility as level of RCB increased. Lambs in all studied diets were in positive nitrogen balance; the differences between diets were not significant. A total of 45 lambs were allotted into three groups and used to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of RCB (0, 25 and 50%) on growth performance and carcass traits. Daily DM intake, final body weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were not different among treatments. Average weight gain and ether extract (EE) in 9-11th control joint were higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed control diet than those fed RCB diets. The substitution of RCB for 50% of control diet exhibited 11.8% reduction in feeding cost for each kg of body weight gain.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2002

A metabolism trial with four castrated male Brahman cattle, average body weight 320 kg, was conducted in order to determine the nutritive value of chopped sugarcane stalk (CSS) for the establishment of feeding strategy in the dry season in Northeast Thailand. Animals were subjected to the following four dietary treatments: Treatment 1; 100% of CSS, Treatment 2; 70% of CSS and 30% of commercial complete feed (TMR), Treatment 3; 40% of CSS and 60% of TMR, and Treatment 4; 100% of TMR. The average CP, ether extracts, nitrogen free extracts, crude fiber and ash contents of CSS were 2.0, 0.9, 79.0, 16.1 and 2.2%, respectively. Although the amount of feed given was approximately at maintenance level, animals in treatments 1 and 2 refused a part of feed. The metabolism trial revealed that total digestible nutrient and metabolizable energy contents of CSS were 61.5% and 9.04 MJ/kgDM, respectively, when it was properly supplemented with protein sources. Nutritive value of CSS was lowered when animals were given CSS solely. This was due to the large loss of energy into urine and methane. Voluntary intake of CSS in cattle was not enough to satisfy energy requirement for maintenance. The CSS can be used as a roughage for feeding cattle in the dry season with proper supplementation of protein and energy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.419-425
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• 1995

Twenty growing female Damascus (Shami) goats and twenty growing Chios ewes of two mating ages (10 and 12 months) were used to study the effect of mating age (MA) on reproductive performance (RP). In addition to (RP), The growth, milk production and nutrient requirements were also evaluated. A complete random design in a $2{\times}2$ factorial was used, with (MA) and species as the main factors. (MA) had no effects on (RP), milk production and mortality. No significant difference (p > 0.05) were observed between (MA) or between species, for age at kidding/lambing (K/L). Sheep reached puberty earlier than goats. Average age (months) at conception and at (K/L) was 15.8; 20.8 and l7.0; 22.0 for sheep and goats respectively. Body weight (BW), rather than age was the most important factor determining puberty. Both goats and ewes conceived when they reached about 67% of their mature (BW) for goats and 85% for ewes. Sheep grew faster than goats, but the latter had higher twinning (67.8% versus 25%). Chios sheep were suitable for meat and Shami goats for dairying or dual purpose systems. Nutrient requirements for growth of goats and ewes were similar with an average DM-intake of about 4% (BW); 12-13% CP and 65-69% TDN (DM-basis) of the total ration. It is recommended to breed Chios ewes at a (BW) of at least 50 kg and Shami does at 38 kg, irrespective of their age.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.243-254
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• 2000

The effect of supplemental microbial phytase and non - phytate phosphorus(NPP) levels on layer productivity and nutrient digestibility were conducted in 640 21 weeks - old HyLine brown layer for 12 weeks. Supplemented phytase levels were 0, 300, 500 and 1,000 DPU/kg diet. NPP levels were adjusted with tricalcium phosphate(TCP), which were 0(0.11% NPP), 0.5(0.20), 1.0(0.29) and 1.5%(0.38). ME, CP and Ca levels were maintained at 2,800㎉/kg diet, 16% and 3.5%, respectively. Egg production was increased with phytase compared to without phytase(P〈0.05). Increasement of egg production was higher latter of experimental period. Egg production was not different to phytase levels. Egg production in TCP levels were increased in above 0.5% compared to 0% TCP. Difference of egg production by TCP was higher after 6 week. Especially, egg production to supplemental phytase was higher in 0% TCP. Egg weight was not different to phytase and TCP levels. Egg mass was increased with phytase compared to without phytase, but not difference significantly. There was similar to phytase levels. Egg mass in TCP group was increased in TCP supplementation(P〈0.05). Feed intake was not different in phytase levels, and greater with increasing TCP levels(P〈0.05). Feed conversion was improved with phytase(P〈0.05), and not difference in TCP levels. All of nutrients digestibility tended to improve with phytase, P(P〈0.05), especially. There were not different among phytase levels. The effect of adding phytase was higher in low phosphorus diets compared normal levels. Eggshell breaking strength and eggshell thickness also improved in added phytase(P〈0.05). Tibial ash and P content were slightly increased with phytase, and Ca content also was higher(P〈0.05) compared without phytase. We concluded that supplemental phytase in low phosphorus diet was showed to increase laying performance, feed efficiency, nutrients digestibility, egg quality, and bone development. Phytase supplementation was able to compensate for low NPP diet. We also thought optimum phytase level is 300 DPU, and can decrease NPP supplementation adding phytase in later diet.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.235-242
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• 2000

A feeding trial was carried out effect of supplemental Lactobacillus on productivity, egg quality and intestinal microflora in 320 21 weeks - old laying hens for 12 week. Supplemented Lactobacillus strains were Lactobacillus amylovorus LLA7(LA), Lactobacillus crispatus LLA9(LC) and Lactobacillus vaginalis LLA11(LV). Three strains mixed to basal diet which containing 2,800㎉/kg ME, 16% CP with none, LA, LC, LV, LA+LC, LA+LV, LC+LV and LC+LC+LV. Supplemental level was 10(sup)7 cfu/g diet. Egg production was tended to increase with adding Lactobacilus, but not difference significantly. Average egg weight was heavier in adding Lactobacillrs compared to the none, and heaviest in LA+LV, LC+LV(P〈0.05). In periodic observation, the gap of egg weight with adding Lactobacillus or not was severe persisting laying periods. The diet containg MC or LV was better than LA, which means the difference by Lactobacillus strains for egg weight. Daily egg mass also increased in adding Lactobacillus about 1.1 to 2.3 g/hen, but not difference significantly. Feed intake and feed conversion were not difference regardless Lactobacillus strains and laying periods. Haugh unit improved with adding Lactobacillus. Cecal Lactobacillus spp. was increased with adding Lactobacillus(P〈0.05), didn't observed E. coli depression. In summary, supplemental Lactobacillus could improve for egg production, egg weight, egg mass and egg white. And those of effect expect much beneficial with mixing Lactobacillus which established well as single strain.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.688-692
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• 2004

Fifty four crossbred gilts of 26.38${\pm}$0.85 kg body weight and 25 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups, having six replicates of three animals each and were assigned to one of the three dietary treatments containing corn, wheat bran and rice bran (RB) at 35, 47 and 0% in $R_1$; 17.5, 23.5 and 41% in $R_2$ and 0, 0 and 82% in $R_3$. Soybean meal and fishmeal were used as source of protein at 10 and 6%, respectively, in all the rations. Average daily CP, DCP, DE and ME intake per kg $W^{0.75}$ and body weight gains were lowest (p<0.01) in gilts fed 82% RB ($R_3$), followed by $R_2$ and R1. Utilization of protein with respect to nitrogen balance and DCP conversion efficiency did not differ (p>0.05) between the treatment groups. All the gilts were in positive nitrogen balance. However, the excretion of dietary nitrogen and energy through faeces was higher (p<0.01) in gilts fed RB. However, the DE and ME conversion efficiency were higher (p<0.01) in gilts fed RB. Therefore, it can be concluded that the digestibility of energy and protein in diets containing rice bran goes on decreasing with the increasing level of fat and fibre, but the metabolizability of the energy and protein was better in pigs fed RB in the diet.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.273-277
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• 1994

A $3{\times}3$ latin square design experiment was conducted to study eating and rumination behavior in sheep fed rice straw (RS) supplemented with soybean meal (SBM) and barley at three different levels of crude protein: low (40 g CP/d, LCP), medium (67 g/d, MCP) and high (94 g/d, HCP). In addition, all the supplements were formulated to contain the same amount of total digestible nutrients (TDN; 275 g). Daily time spent eating and eating rate of RS were not affected by any supplementation. However, time spent ruminating in sheep fed HCP diet was markedly shorter (p<0.05) than in those fed LCP and MCP diets. Rumination index (ruminating time/100 g DM intake) was also significantly reduced (p<0.05) by increasing level of protein supplementation. Although no significant differences were observed, the daily number of rumination periods tended to be lower, while daily number of boli regurgitated was considerably higher in sheep fed HCP diet than in those fed LCP and MCP diets. Increasing level of protein supplementation did not affect the number of chews per bolus, bolus time and rate of chewing during rumination. It is suggested that increasing level of protein supplementation was associated with more effective microbial reduction of rumen digesta particle size and consequently reduced the time spent ruminating.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.342-348
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• 2014

This study was conducted to examine the effects of condensed tannins (CT) from Ficus bengalensis leaves on the feed utilization, milk production and health status of crossbred cows. Eighteen crossbred dairy cows at their second and mid lactation (avg. BW $351.6{\pm}10.6$ kg) were randomly divided into two groups of nine each in a completely randomized block design and fed two iso-nitrogenous supplements formulated to contain 0% and 1.5% CT through dried and ground leaves of Ficus bengalensis. The diets were designated as CON and FBLM, respectively and fed to cows with a basal diet of rice straw to meet requirements for maintenance and milk production. The daily milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) increased due to supplementation of FBLM diet. The 4% fat corrected milk yield was also significantly (p<0.01) higher due to increased (p<0.05) milk fat in cows under diet FBLM as compared to CON. The inclusion of CT at 1.5% in the supplement did not interfere with the feed intake or digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF by lactating cows. Digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) values of the composite diets were comparable between the groups. The blood biochemical parameters remained unaltered except significantly (p<0.05) lowered serum urea concentration in cows fed FBLM diet. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in cows supplemented with condensed tannins. The total thiol group (T-SH) was found to be higher with reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in cows of FBLM group. The cost of feeding per kg milk production was also reduced due to supplementation of Ficus bengalensis leaves. Therefore, a perceptible positive impact was evident on milk production and antioxidant status in crossbred cows during mid-lactation given supplement containing 1.5% CT through Ficus bengalensis leaves.