• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.63-74
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• 1999

This experiment was carried out to determine voluntary intake according to growth stage of sorghum $\times$ sudangrass hybrid in mono and intercropping. The results obtained from these experiments are as follows; Crude protein content of intercropping cultivation(sorghum $\times$ sudangrass hybrid + soybean) was higher than monocropping(sorghum $\times$ sudangrass hybrid), while ADF content was not different. Intake rates of leaf and stem showed highly at the intercropping comparing with monocropping(180cm~milk stage), but there was no difference at dough and yellow stage. Also, voluntary intake of fresh and dry matter showed same tendency. Voluntary intake of dry matter was the highest value of $98.4g/kg^{0.75}$ at milk stage treatment of intercropping. The intakes of crude protein were 9.6, 8.5, 7.2 and $7.2g/kg^{0.75}$ at 180cm, 250cm, boot stage and milk stage of intercropping treatment, respectively. These were higher than those for monocropping treatment. As mentioned above the results, intercropping cultivation could be recommended as increasing method of sorghum $\times$ sudangrass hybrid utilization when intake of dry matter and crude protein were considered.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.416-420
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• 2009

An experiment of one-year duration was conducted on sixteen adult male German Angora rabbits under sub-temperate Himalayan conditions, to assess the effect of seasons on their body weight, wool production and quality, plane of nutrition and the digestibilities of nutrients. The daily meteorological attribute viz. minimum and maximum temperature; relative humidity and rainfall were recorded during winter (October to March), summer (April to June) and rainy (July to September) seasons. Biological parameters viz. body weight at the time of shearing, wool yield of individual rabbit, quality attributes of wool, fortnightly dry matter intake, chemical composition of feed and fodder and digestibilities of nutrients were recorded. Average minimum and maximum ambient temperature during winter, summer and rainy seasons were 4.6${\pm}$1.9 and 21.4${\pm}$2.8; 13.6${\pm}$2 and 30.3${\pm}$2; and 20.0${\pm}$1.4 and $31.0{\pm}1.8^{\circ}C$, respectively. The average relative humidity and total rainfall during winter, summer and rainy season were 69.5${\pm}$2.9% and 74.7${\pm}$21.8 mm; 58.6${\pm}$2.2% and 38.1${\pm}$18.1 mm; and 69${\pm}$4.2% and 104.0${\pm}$43.7 mm, respectively. The body weight of rabbits increased during all seasons, however, the maximum average daily weight gain of 3.47${\pm}$0.1 g was observed during the rainy season. The wool yield differed significantly (p$\leq$0.05) among different seasons with highest (140.4${\pm}$10 g) and lowest (108.5${\pm}$6.9 g) during winter and summer, respectively. The wool yield during the rainy season was 123.3${\pm}$5.2 g. The wool quality attributes revealed non-significant differences for staple length, fiber diameter, medulation percent, percent pure fibers and percent guard hairs. Plane of nutrition revealed significant (p$\leq$0.05) differences for concentrate intake. The concentrate intake was highest during winter (124.4${\pm}$2.6 g) followed by summer (86.8${\pm}$8.9 g) and rainy (80.7${\pm}$11.8 g) seasons. The reverse trend was observed in roughage intake with significantly (p${\leq}$0.05) lower intake during winter and highest during summer months. As a result total dry matter intake during different seasons was similar. Significant differences (p${\leq}$0.05) were observed for digestibilities of crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, acid detergent fiber and cellulose. Digestibility of crude protein was highest during winter whereas the digestibilities of crude fiber, ether extract, acid detergent fiber and cellulose remained higher during the rainy season. During the winter season, the dry matter used for producing 100 g of wool was substantially lower than during other seasons and was concluded to be the best season for production of Angora wool under subtemperate Himalayan conditions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.872-879
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• 2007

A study was conducted to investigate the seasonal changes in nutrient composition of pasture, voluntary intake and digestibility of sheep grazing an introduced Leymus chinensis pasture located in western Jilin Province, China. The whole-plant of L. chinensis and the samples simulating ingestion by sheep (simulating sample) were collected in spring (May, 2004), summer (July, 2004), autumn (September, 2004) and the end of winter (April, 2005). The contents of gross energy (GE), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and alkanes were determined. Voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of the nutrients in each season were also examined using 6 mature Chinese Northeast Merino ewes (differed among the seasons) grazing on a paddock of 1 ha size. The apparent digestibilities of GE, dry matter (DM), OM, CP, NDF and ADF of L. chinensis were significantly greater (p<0.05) in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. Metabolizable energy (ME) content was 12.13, 11.62, 8.66 and 10.40 MJ/kg DM for L. chinensis in spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively, and the corresponding voluntary feed intakes were 91, 119, 59 and 58 g/d per kg metabolic weight ($LW^{0.75}$). The ME contents and DM intakes in autumn and winter were significantly lower than in spring and summer (p<0.05). The intake of L. chinensis pasture was sufficient to provide ME requirements for maintenance by the dry ewes in all the seasons, but inadequate for maintenance protein requirement in winter. (Supported by funds from National Basic Research Program of China, Grant No. 2007CB106800).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.516-521
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to compare two varieties of Napier grass (Bana Napier grass vs French Cameroon Napier grass) and to determine whether feed intake, digestibility, average daily gain (ADG) and milk yield of lactating Friesian cows from fresh cut Bana Napier grass was greater than from French Cameroon Napier grass, using a completely randomized design. Results show that Bana Napier grass had similar percent dry matter (DM), ash and gross energy (GE) to French Cameroon. Bana grass had higher percent crude protein (CP) and lower fiber fractions, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin compared to French Cameroon. Overall the forage quality was marginally higher in Bana Napier grass compared to French Cameroon. The DM and NDF intake expressed as a percentage of body weight (BW) were similar in both Napier grass types. Both grasses had similar digestible DM and energy. Bana had higher digestible CP but lower digestible ADF and NDF than French Cameroon. Bana Napier was not different from French Cameroon when fed as a sole diet to lactating cows in terms of low DM intake, milk yield and a loss of BW and condition. To improve the efficient utilization of both Napier grass varieties, a supplement capable of supplying 1085-1227 g CP/d and 17.0-18.0 Mcal ME/d is required for cows to support moderate gains 0.22 kg/d and 15 kg 4% fat corrected milk/d.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.245-253
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• 2020

Objective: To develop the fermentation quality and chemical composition of alfalfa (Medicago sativa Lam.) silage, plants were inoculated with different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains at field 24 hours before harvest. Methods: The treatment groups were as follow: silage without additive as a control and inoculated with each strains of Lactobacillus brevis (LS-55-2-2), Leuconostoc citerum (L. citerum; L-70-6-1), Lactobacillus bifermentans (L. bifermentans; LS-65-2-1), Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum; LS-3-3) and L. plantarum (LS-72-2). All the silages were stored at 25℃. Parameters such as pH, microorganism and volatile fatty acid contents, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, net gas, metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility, dry matter intake and relative feed value were measured to determine fermentation quality, chemical compositions and relative feed value of alfalfa silages. Results: Significant differences were found among the control and treated groups in terms of pH and microorganism contents at all opening times and crude protein, net gas, metabolizable energy and organic matter digestibility of final silage. The pH values ranged from 4.70 to 5.52 for all treatments and control silage had the highest value of overall treatments at T₇₅d silages. Volatile fatty acid of silages was not influenced significantly by inoculations. However, lactic acid content of L. bifermentans (LS-65-2-1) was higher than the other treatments. The highest metabolizable energy and organic matter digestibility were recorded from L. citerum (L-70-6-1) inoculation. In addition, no significant differences were found among treatments in terms of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, dry matter intake and relative feed value. Conclusion: Among the treated LAB isolates, L. bifermentans came into prominence especially in terms of organic acid composition and quality characters of silages.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1405-1409
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• 2017

Objective: This experiment was to determine proper physical traits in the diet for goats by investigating the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content on dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, and chewing activity in black goats fed with total mixed ration (TMR). Methods: Six growing wethers of Korean native black goats (Capra hircus coreanae) aged 8 months and weighing between 26.9 kg and 27.1 kg ($27.03{\pm}5.05kg$) were used in this experiment. Three diets of varying peNDF content were obtained by original TMR (T1), 12,000 rpm grinding (T2), and 15,500 rpm grinding (T3) of the same TMR diet. The $peNDF_{1.18}$ content of the experimental diets was 23.85%, 21.71%, and 16.22% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Results: Average daily gain (ADG) was higher in T2 group compared to those of the control and T3 groups, but ADG and DMI were not affected by the dietary particle size and peNDF content. Also, there was no difference between apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Although there was no significant difference, rumination and total chewing time were associated with decreased peNDF content. Conclusion: The feeding of peNDF-based TMR showed no impact on apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Further studies are required with a wider range of dietary peNDF level and particle size to better identify the effect of dietary peNDF and particle size on chewing activity and performance in goats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.1094-1101
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• 2000

Thirty-six crossbred (70% Holstein Friesian) cows in mid-lactation were assigned to one of four treatments. The dietary treatments were concentrate based, containing 13.5, 27.0, 40.5 and 54.0% of cassava in concentrate replacing ground maize (16.0% CP). There were curvilinear responses to intake of organic matter, non-structural carbohydrate and metabolisable energy. Cassava and corn fed in a ratio of 50:50 maximised organic matter, metabolisable energy intake; milk yield, milk protein and lactose yield. Milk fat yield was not affected by levels of inclusion. Dietary treatment did not influence ruminal pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations or plasma glucose. The low market price for cassava resulted in a lower concentrate feed cost. The optimal level of cassava in a dairy cow diet is suggested as being between 20.0 and 30.0% of cassava in dry matter intake when fed with rice straw.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.363-368
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• 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of fermented spent coffee ground (FSCG) on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep. Methods: Fermentation of spent coffee ground (SCG) was conducted using Lactobacillus plantrum. Fermentation was performed at moisture content of 70% and temperature of $39^{\circ}C$ with anaerobic air tension for 48 h. Four adult rams (initial body weight = $56.8{\pm}0.4kg$) were housed in a respiration-metabolism chamber and the treatments were: i) control (Basal diet; 0% SCG or FSCG), ii) 10% level of SCG, iii) 10% level of FSCG, and iv) 20% level of FSCG in $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Each dietary experiment period lasted for 18-d with a 14-d of adaptation period and a 4-d of sample collection period. Results: In SCG fermentation experimental result, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) concentration of FSCG (64.5% of total N) was lower than that of non-fermented SCG (78.8% of total N). Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter was similar among treatment groups. Although crude protein (CP) digestibility of the control was greater than FSCG groups (p<0.05), the 10% FSCG group showed greater CP digestibility and nitrogen retention than non-fermented 10% SCG group (p<0.05). Body weight gain and average daily gain were linearly decreased with increasing FSCG feeding level (p<0.05). When the feeding level of FSCG was increased, water intake was linearly increased (p<0.05). With an increasing FSCG level, dry matter intake did not differ among groups, although the gain to feed ratio tended to decrease with increasing level of FSCG (p<0.10). Conclusion: Microbial fermentation of SCG can improve protein digestibility, thereby increasing CP digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep. Fermentation using microorganisms in feed ingredients with low digestibility could have a positive effect on improving the quality of raw feed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1738-1746
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of the experiment was to assess the effect of increasing amounts of Leucaena leucocephala forage on dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), enteric methane production, rumen fermentation pattern and protozoa population in cattle fed Pennisetum purpureum and housed in respiration chambers. Methods: Five crossbred heifers (Bos taurus${\times}$Bos indicus) (BW: $295{\pm}6kg$) were fed chopped P. purpureum grass and increasing levels of L. leucocephala (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of dry matter [DM]) in a $5{\times}5$ Latin square design. Results: The voluntary intake and methane production were measured for 23 h per day in respiration chambers; molar proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were determined at 6 h postprandial period. Molar concentration of VFAs in rumen liquor were similar (p>0.05) between treatments. However, methane production decreased linearly (p<0.005), recording a maximum reduction of up to ~61% with 80% of DM incorporation of L. leucocephala in the ration and no changes (p>0.05) in rumen protozoa population were found. Conclusion: Inclusion of 80% of L. leucocephala in the diet of heifers fed low-quality tropical forages has the capacity to reduce up to 61.3% enteric methane emission without affecting DMI, OMI, and protozoa population in rumen liquor.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 1990

In the present experiment, the relationship between rumination and the amount of roughage eaten by sheep was investigated in detail. Daily time spent eating was obviously changed along with an increase or decrease in daily hay intake. Daily time spent ruminating and daily number of boli regurgitated was also linearly increased or decreased with an increase or decrease of daily hay intake, and there were regression lines between daily amount of hay eaten and daily ruminating time or daily number of boli with statistical significant coefficients. Cyclic rate (total rumination time(s)/number of boli regurgitated) and daily number of rumination periods did not change in an outline along with the changes in daily hay intake. From these results, it can be suggested that daily dry matter intake by sheep could be presumed by measuring daily time spent ruminating when they were fed only roughage feed.