• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 2012

During the manufacturing process of chestnut, 50% of biomass is produced as chestnut shell (CS) or chestnut hull (CH), a forestry by-product. Due to its high fiber content and economic benefit, there is a possibility of using chestnut hull as a supplement for a ruminant diet. Few studies, however, have been conducted on evaluating nutritive value of chestnut hull for ruminant animals. The objective of this study were thus to analyze chemical composition of CS, a by-product after the first processing of chestnut, and CH, a by-product after the second processing, and access in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of them. For the in vitro fermentation using strained rumen fluid obtained from a fistulated Hanwoo steer, commercial total mixed ration (TMR) for dairy goat was used as a basal diet and was replaced with different proportions of chestnut shell and hull. A total number of 13 treatments were carried out in this study: 100% TMR, 100% CS, 100% CH, a mix with 50% CS and 50% of CH (MIX), TMR replaced with 5%, 10%, or 15% of CS, CH, or MIX, respectively. For each treatment, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and pH after 48 hours of rumen fermentation were measured. Gas production at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours of incubation was also analyzed. Compared to CH, CS contains higher level of fiber (NDF, ADF, lignin) and consequently has a lower amount of non-fiber carbohydrate, but no difference was observed in the other nutrients (i.e. crude protein, crude fat, and ash). IVDMD was significantly (p<0.05) the highest in 100% CH (71.97%) and the lowest in 100% CS (42.80%). Addition of CH by replacing TMR did not affect IVDMD, while an increase in the proportion of CS tended to decrease IVDMD. The total gas production after 48 hours of incubation and the rate of gas production were also the highest in 100% CH and the lowest in 100% CS (P<0.05). Likewise, the pH after 48 hours of fermentation was significantly (p<0.05) the lowest in 100% CH (6.33) and the highest in 100% CS (6.50), and no significant difference in gas production was observed when TMR was replaced with CS or CH up to 15% (P>0.05). In conclusion, CH may successfully be used for a supplement in a ruminant diet. The nutritive value of CS is relative low, but can replace, if not 100%, low quality forage. This study provides valuable information about the nutritive value of CS and CH. An in vivo trials, however, is needed for conclusively accessing the nutritive value of CS and CH.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.401-414
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• 2006

Twenty eight Holstein steers 12 months old and weighing about 300kg were andomly allotted into one of four groups being fed ammoniated rice straw(ARS) and substituted 30%, 40% and 50% crushed bamboo chip for ARS to determine the effects of different levels of bamboo chip on performance, digestibility and carcass characteristics. Daily weight gain was reduced as the substitution levels of bamboo chip for ARS as a roughage source increased but there were no differences in daily weight gain between steers fed ARS alone and 30% bamboo chip for ARS. Concentrates intakes were not different between treatments by the substitution levels of bamboo chip for the whole fattening period. Roughage intake tended to increase as the substitution levels of bamboo chip increased. Total feed intake was not affected by the substitution levels of bamboo chip. However, feed efficiency got worse with increasing levels of bamboo chip. Animals fed the roughage substituting 30% bamboo chip for ARS were higher in profit by 13% than animals fed ARS alone as a roughage source. Digestibilities of Dry matter(DDM) and crude fiber(DCF) were highest in animals fed ARS alone as a roughage source. DDM's were lower in higher substitution levels of crushed bamboo chip but there were no differences in DCF among animals fed different levels of bamboo chip as a roughage source. Crude protein digestibility was not affected by ammoniated rice straw or by the different levels of bamboo chip. Dressing percentage and backfat thickness were not affected by ammoniated rice straw or by the levels of bamboo chip but ribeye area was narrowed as the levels of bamboo chip increased. Beef color, fat color, texture, maturity and marbling score were not affected by feeding of ammoniated rice straw or by the levels of bamboo chip. According to these results, it may be concluded that profit can increase when Holstein bulls are castrated and roughage containing ammoniated rice straw plus 30% bamboo chip is offered.