• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권8호
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• pp.1092-1099
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• 2011

To evaluate the effects of replacing concentrate with urea molasses treated fermented wheat straw (FWS) ensiled with cattle manure (CM) on ruminal characteristics, in situ digestion kinetics and nitrogen (N) metabolism was studied in Nili Ravi cannulated buffalo bulls in a $4{\times}4$ Latin Square Design. Wheat straw treated with urea (4%) and molasses (6%) was ensiled with cattle manure (CM) (70:30) and fermented for 40 days. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated. In the FWS0, FWS10, FWS20 and FWS30 diets 0, 10, 20 and 30% of the concentrate was replaced with FWS, respectively. Daily intake by bulls was restricted to 1.5% dry matter (DM) of body weight. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration was greater (p<0.05) in bulls fed FWS diet than for those fed FWS0 diet at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h post-parandial. Bulls fed FWS 20 and FWS 30 diets had higher ruminal pH at 3 and 6 h post-parandial than bulls fed FWS10 and FWS0. Ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations 3 h post-parandial were greater (p<0.05) in bulls fed FWS0 than those fed FWS diets. However ruminal VFA tended to increase at 6, 9 and 12 h post-parandial as the level of FWS increased. In situ ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation, rates of disappearance and extent of digestion were higher (p<0.05) for bulls fed FWS30 diet than those fed FWS0. Ruminal DM and NDF lag time tended to decrease (p<0.05) as FWS concentration in the diet increased. Feed intake, nitrogen intake, N-balance and blood urea-N did not differ (p>0.05) in buffalo bulls fed different diets. Wheat straw treated with urea and molasses and ensiled with CM enhanced the nutritive value of wheat straw and improved nutrient utilization in buffalo bulls when up to 30% of the concentrate was replaced with FWS; no adverse effects on ruminal characteristics and nutrients digestibilities were detected.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권7호
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• pp.957-965
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• 2005

The effect of ammoniation with urea and with soybean meal (SBM) as a source of urease on the nutritive value of wheat straw was evaluated in sheep. Twenty-four male Najdi lambs were used in a 3${\times}$2 factorial design, in which the animals were allocated to three straw treatments: 0% urea-treated (NT), 6% urea-treated (UT) and 2.2% urea-supplemented (US) straws. Each straw treatment was either supplemented or non-supplemented with 70 g SBM $kg^{-1}$ straw during the treatment time with urea, giving a total of six straw treatments. Each of these treatments was individually fed ad libitum to 4 lambs, together with 300 g of barley grain/head/day. Total N content of UT and US straws increased significantly (p<0.001) as compared to NT straw. The degree of urea hydrolysis, either with or without SBM addition, was nearly similar. Lambs fed either UT or US straw based diets had significantly (p<0.01) and numerically (p>0.05) higher straw DM intake (g $d^{-1}$ $kg^{-1}$ $BW^{0.75}$), compared to those fed NT straw based diet. Apparent DM or OM digestibilities increased significantly (p = 0.014) in lambs fed UT diet, and numerically (p>0.05) in lambs fed US diet as compared to those fed NT diet. Fiber (CF, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose) digestibility increased to a similar magnitude, averaging 20.2 (p<0.001) and 7.8% (p<0.07); this corresponds to 35 (p<0.001) and 51% (p<0.001) in N digestibility and approximately 78 (p<0.017) and 105% (p<0.002) in N retention, for UT and US diets, respectively, as compared to NT diet. However, the UT diet had higher (p<0.01) fiber digestibility over the US diet. Addition of SBM tended to improve (p = 0.09) straw DM and digestible OM intakes, while significantly increasing (p<0.001) total and digestible CP intakes across all diets. Lambs fed on US diet had higher ruminal ammonia N than those fed on UT (p<0.05) or NT (p<0.001) diets. However, ruminal pH and molar proportion of the volatile fatty acids did not differ (p>0.05) among the treatment diets. This study suggests that US and UT treatments, particularly the latter, improved straw intake, digestibility and N utilization by lambs compared to NT treatment. On the other hand, addition of SBM as a source of urease had a negligible effect on urea hydrolysis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.682-686
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• 2002

Ten growing male buffalo calves (aged 6-8 months, average body weight $88.2{\pm}0.57$ kg were divided randomly into two groups. Animals in group I were fed on concentrate mixture A (CP 20.2%, TDN 77.4%) and urea- ammoniated wheat straw (UAWS) while the animals in group II were fed on concentrate mixture B (CP 17.9%, TDN 77.6%) and HCl plus urea treated wheat straw (HCl UAWS) to meet their nutrient requirement for 500 g gain/d as per Kearl (1982). This feeding practice lasted for 120 days, during which fortnightly body weight were recorded to assess their growth rate. A metabolism trial was conducted after 90 days of experimental feeding to compare the digestibility of nutrients, their balance, plane of nutrition and relative cost of feeding in two groups of animals. Results revealed a significant increase in the CP content of ammoniated wheat straw due to addition of HCl viz 12.1% from 7.5%. There was a decrease in the intake of DM (p<0.05), OM (p<0.05), EE (p<0.05), NDF (p<0.01), ADF (p<0.01), cellulose (p<0.01) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group II as compared to group I. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM and CP was significantly (p<0.01) more in group II, whereas the digestibility (%) was significantly more for NDF (p<0.05) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group I than group II. There was no significant difference in the N, Ca and P balance in two groups. Intake of total DM (g/d) or (g/kg $W^{0.75}$) was significantly (p<0.01) more in group I as compared to group II, whereas the intake of DCP and TDN (g/d or g/kg $W^{0.75}$) was alike in two groups. The total body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g/d) and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p<0.01) more in UAWS fed group as compared to HCl UAWS fed group. Feeding cost (Rs./kg. weight gain) was significantly (p<0.05) more in group II as compared to group I. It is concluded that HCl UAWS is not suitable for the feeding of growing buffalo calves as it reduced the growth rate in comparison to UAWS fed buffalo calves.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제14권11호
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• pp.1542-1548
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• 2001

Wheat straw was treated on laboratory scale with 4% urea at a moisture level of 50% along with different amount of HC1 to fix various levels of ammonia (30, 40, 50 and 60%) and stored for 4 weeks. Result, revealed a significant (p<0.01) increase in CP content of the samples where HC1 was added. The CP content of the straw was only 7.8%, which increased to 14.1, 16.0, 15.0 and 15.2% with the addition of acid. Similarly the concentrations of NDF, ADF and hemicellulose was significantly different due to HC1 addition. The level of HC1 recommended was to trap 30% ammonia as there was not significant difference in CP content of straw due to addition of 4 levels of acids. Results of in vivo experiment conducted on nine buffaloes divided randomly into three groups of three animals in each revealed no significant difference in the intake of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose in group I (ammoniated straw), group II (HC1 treated ammoniated straw) and group III (HC1 treated ammoniated straw + 1 kg barley grain), but the intake of CP was significantly (p<0.01) more in group III as compared to other 2 groups. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP was significantly (p<0.01) more in groups where HCI treated straw was fed as compared to only ammoniated straw fed group, whereas there was no significant difference in the digestibility of NDF, ADF and cellulose in 3 groups. Intake was significantly higher of nitrogen (p<0.05), calcium (p<0.01) and phosphorus (p<0.01) in group III as compared to other two groups. Animals in all the 3 groups showed positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance, though the balances of all the 3 nutrients were significantly higher in group III as compared to other 2 groups. Rumen fermentation study conducted in 3 rumen fistulated buffaloes in $3{\times}3$ latin square design offering the same 3 diets as in group I to III revealed that rumen pH was alike statistically in 3 groups and at various time intervals. The mean ammonia-N concentration was significantly (p<0.01) more in group II and III as compared to group I. The mean TVFA concentration (mM/100 ml SRL) were 6.46, 7.84 and 8.47 in 3 groups respectively and different statistically (p<0.01). Results revealed no significant difference in the activities of carboxy methyl cellulase, urease or protease at both the time of sampling (0 h and 4 h) in all the 3 groups of animals.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.413-419
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• 1994

Mold growth decreased nutritive value of wheat straw (WS). Mold increased DM (94 vs 98%) and ADF (51 vs 56%) contents and had no effect on natural detergent fiber (NDF). Crude protein and N values were decreased in moldy wheat straw, Mold increased insoluble N content of wheat straw (WS) from 21 to 27%. Ammoniation increased the CP of nonmoldy straw from 3.8 to 8.3% and moldy straw from (3.3 to 6.2%). Aspergillus and zygomycetes fungal species were most prevalent and total numbers were higher on moldy straw. Ammoniation decreased total numbers of fungal spores on nonmoldy and moldy WS. Ammoniation of moldy WS increased (p < 0.10) feed in take (1.8%) as compared with nonmoldy, ammoniated, nonmoldy and moldy WS. Steers fed moldy WS had lowest (p < 0.10) feed intake (1.3% of BW daily) compared with other diet. There was little difference (p < 0.10) in intake of nonammoniated vs. ammoniated WS. Steers fed moldy straw lost 6 kg BW. Ammoniated, nonmoldy straw elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) (10.5 mg/dl). Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK) was greater in steers fed moldy VS nonmoldy straw (148 VS 95 U/liter. p < 0.10).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.185-191
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• 2005

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with HCl on blood biochemical profiles in growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Twenty-four growing male buffalo calves (one year of age, 88.54${\pm}$3.81 kg average body weight) were divided into three groups in a completely randomized design on the basis of their body weight. Animals in all the three groups were fed on concentrate mixture. In addition, they were offered wheat straw, ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level) and HCI treated ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level and HCl added to trap 30% of the NH3 evolved) in groups I, II and III, respectively for a period of 180 days, as per Kearl (1982) for body weight gain of 500 g/d. In all diets, concentrate:roughage ratio was fixed at 50:50 and were made isonitrogenous by adjusting CP levels of conc. mixtures. Blood was collected from jugular vein of each buffalo calf at the beginning and subsequently at two months interval of experimental feeding. Due to urea-ammoniation, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96% and addition of HCl along with urea further increased the CP content to 10.09%. In all the three groups, the mean values of plasma glucose (mg %) and serum globulin (g %), showed a decreasing trend, while the mean value of serum TP (g %), serum A:G ratio, serum urea (mg %), serum creatinine (mg %), serum ALP (KA units), SGOT (units/ml.), SGPT (units/ml), serum T$_3$ and T$_4$ (ng/ml) showed an increasing trend with the advancement of feeding period. The cumulative period mean values of serum TP (6.15 to 6.20 g %), serum albumin (3.07 to 3.18, g %), serum globulin (2.98 to 3.09, g %), serum A:G ratio (1.03 to 1.10), serum ALP (23.15 to 23.63, KA units), serum T$_3$ (1.20 to 1.23 ng/ml) and serum T$_4$ (21.33 to 21.88 ng/ml) were comparable among the groups. The cumulative period mean plasma glucose (mg %) in group III (57.28) was similar to groups I (55.31) and II (59.41), however, the cumulative period mean plasma glucose in group II was significantly (p<0.01) higher than group I. The cumulative period mean serum urea (mg %) in group III (47.34) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than group I (38.38) and II (42.24), which were statistically alike. However, the cumulative period mean serum creatinine values (mg %) in groups II (1.43) and III (1.52) were similar and were significantly (p<0.01) higher than group I (1.24). The cumulative period mean SGOT (units/ml) in groups I, II and III was 91.71, 96.04 and 96.64, respectively. Similarly the cumulative period mean SGPT (units/ml) was 19.00, 19.93 and 20.01 in groups I, II and III, respectively. The cumulative period mean values of SGOT (p<0.05) and SGPT (p<0.001) in groups II and III were similar and were significantly higher than group I. The cumulative period mean serum T$_3$ and T$_4$ values in groups I (1.21 and 21.81), II (1.23 and 21.42) and III (1.20 and 21.33) were comparable. From the present study it may be concluded that feeding of AWS treated with and without HCI to growing male buffalo calves for 180 days had no significant adverse effect on blood biochemical profile.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.485-490
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• 2004

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl on meat quality and various sensory attributes of growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Due to urea-ammoniation, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96%. The addition of HCl along with urea during urea-ammoniation further increased the CP content to 10.09%. The proximate composition (% fresh basis) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were comparable among the groups. However, comparatively higher cumulative muscle mean protein and ash percentage and lower moisture percentage in groups II and III in comparison to group I indicated the desirable effect of feeding AWS and HCl-AWS. The cumulative muscle mean pH in group III (5.54) was comparatively lower than group I (5.65) and II (5.62). The cumulative group mean pH and water holding capacity (% water retained) in semitendinosus was comparatively lower than psoas major and longissimus dorsi. The cumulative muscle mean SSP (g%) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in group III (41.78) than group I (42.45). The cumulative group mean cooking loss (%) was significantly (p<0.01) lower in psoas major (31.61) and longissimus dorsi (29.78) than semitendinosus (35.10). The cumulative group mean SFV (kg/$cm^{2}$) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were 6.38, 6.32 and 6.56, respectively, being lowest in psoas major and highest in semitendinosus. However, the cumulative muscle mean SFV (kg/$cm^{2}$) in group I, II and III were 6.53, 6.56 and 6.17, respectively, being lowest in group III and highest in group II. The scores of the cooked (2% common salt) buffen for various sensory attributes viz. appearance, flavour, juiciness, texture, mouth coating and overall palatability were comparable among the groups. Results suggested that feeding of ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl to growing male buffalo calves for 180 days had no adverse effect on the meat quality and various sensory attributes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.421-426
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• 1994

Twelve cross bred cows ($300{\pm}20kg$) were fed a basal ration consisting of 1 kg concentrate and untreated or urea treated rice with or without urea-molasses-wheat bran lick block supplementation. The lick blocks were prepared locally using cement as a binding agent. The experiment lasted for 48 days consisting of a preliminary period of 14 days and a measurement period of 34 days. Daily dry ma tter intake (DMI) of straw and lick block, and daily milk yield were recorded during the measurement period. Intake of lick block when fed with untreated straw (US) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than with urea treated (TS) straw (397 vs 307g $100kg^{-1}$), but lick block supplementation did not significantly affect the in take of US (1.80 vs 1.83kg $100kg^{-1}day^{-1}$) or TS (2.27 vs 2.17kg $100kg^{-1}day^{-1}$). Both urea treatment and lick block supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.01) the milk yield of cows, and the increase due to urea treatment was higher than that due to lick block supplementation. Benefit/cost ratio obtained for feeding US or TS with 1 kg dairy concentrate was similar (5.4), but the marginal return favours TS (5.4:1.0). The benefit/cost ratio for US and TS supplemented with lick block was 3.4 and 3.7. respectively, but the marginal return with US was higher than with TS (1.6:1.0 and 0.9:1.0, respectively).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제19권11호
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• pp.1610-1616
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• 2006

Influence of different levels of corn steep liquor (CSL) on chemical composition of urea treated wheat straw (UTWS), ruminal characteristics, digestion kinetics, nitrogen (N) utilization, and nutrient digestibility by ruminally-cannulated buffalo bulls was studied in a $4{\times}4$ Latin Square Design. The CSL was used to ensile 5% UTWS at the rate of 0, 3, 6, and 9% on a dry matter (DM) basis. Total N and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were increased with increasing level of CSL. Increased NDF content was attributable to increased neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen. Four diets were formulated to contain 20% concentrate and 80% UTWS ensiled with 0, (control), 3 (CSL3), 6 (CSL6), and 9% CSL (CSL9). All diets were mixed daily and fed at 1.5% of body weight twice daily. Ruminal NH3 concentration decreased with level of CSL used to ensile UTWS at 3 and 6 h post prandial, however, at 9 h post parandial it was similar across all diets and at 12 h post prandial was higher with diets containing UTWS ensiled with CSL. Concentrations of total ruminal volatile fatty acid and acetate were increased with the CSL level used to ensile UTWS. Increased rate of disappearance and reduction in lag time of DM and NDF was recorded with diets containing UTWS ensiled with CSL. Dry matter and NDF digestibilities were higher with CSL diets than on the control diet. Buffalo bulls retained more N with diets containing UTWS ensiled with CSL. The present results indicated that UTWS could be ensiled with CSL to improve its nutritive value and N utilization by ruminants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권6호
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• pp.825-829
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• 2004

Influence of different levels of corn steep liquor (CSL) on chemical composition of urea treated wheat straw (UTWS) and its dietary effect on nutrient intake, digestibility, milk yield and its composition were studied. The 5% UTWS was ensiled with 0, 3, 6 and 9% CSL on dry matter (DM) basis. Total nitrogen and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of UTWS ensiled with 0, 3, 6 and 9% CSL increased linearly with the increasing level of CSL. Increase in NDF content was due to increased neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen contents. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 35% UTWS ensiled without CSL (control), 45 (WS45), 55 (WS55) and 65% (WS65) UTWS ensiled with 9% CSL, respectively. Dry matter, NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intakes by lactating buffaloes fed diets containing varying levels of UTWS ensiled with or without CSL remained similar across all treatments. However, DM, NDF and ADF intakes as a percent of body weight and digestible DM, NDF and ADF intakes were higher in animals fed WS65 diet compared to those fed other diets. Apparent DM, crude protein (CP), NDF and ADF digestibilities were higher in diets containing UTWS ensiled with CSL compared to control. These differences may be attributed to higher rates of degradability of UTWS ensiled with 9% CSL than that ensiled without CSL. The 4% fat corrected milk and CP were statistically higher with WS65 diet compared to other diets. Percent milk fat, solid not fat and total solid remained unchanged across all treatments.