bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postnatal thyroxine status of piglets in response to prenatal thyroxine infusion of the sow
Authors: Bate L. A. , Finsten A. , Crossley J. G.
Published: March 2010

Fifteen pregnant primiparous sows were infused intravenously with either 0 (T40), 25 (T425), or 50 (T450) mg thyroxine (T4) d−1 between days 102 and 112 of gestation. Piglets were observed for the birth to suckling interval (BTS) during the first 6 h of life. At 6 h, pre-determined piglets were subjected to a cold challenge, consisting of exposure to an environment of 5 °C for 2 h. Rectal and skin temperatures of piglets were recorded from birth to 8 h of life. Body weights of piglets and their plasma-T4 concentrations were measured until 4 wk of age. Infusion with T4 increased the sow's plasma-T4 levels (P < 0.05) during the entire infusion period. No postnatal differences in piglet plasma-T4 concentrations were observed as a consequence of the prenatal treatment of the sows. BTS was not influenced by treatment. Piglets of all groups had similar rectal temperatures within 2 min of birth (P > 0.05). During cold exposure, the rectal and skin temperatures of all the piglets decreased (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that prenatal priming of sows with T4 does not influence BTS, thermoregulatory capability or subsequent performance of piglets, probably because of low rates of transport of thyroxine across the placenta. Key words: Thyroxine, thermoregulation, temperature, cold, piglet
Effect of enzyme additives on quality of alfalfa/grass silage and dairy cow performance
Authors: Fredeen A. H. , McQueen R. E.
Published: March 2010

First- and second-cut alfalfa/grass forage crops were wilted to approximately 40% dry matter (DM) and ensiled untreated (control) or treated with either of two enzyme additives to determine the effects on silage quality and animal performance of crops that contain different ratios of legume to grass. An alfalfa enzyme mix (Alfa) contained cellulase, amylase and glucose oxidase; a grass enzyme mix (Grass) was similar but contained no amylase. Both additives contained identical inoculants of lactobacillus. Silage was fed to mid-lactation Holstein cows at 60 d (second cut) and 120 d (first cut) postensiling using repeated Latin square designs. Silage samples and animal performance data were collected during the last 7 d of each of three 28-d feeding periods that comprised each Latin square. Colony-forming units of lactic acid bacteria, concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), ammonia N, acid-detergent fiber N and organic acids, pH, DM disappearance, and temperature changes during ensiling were measured to assess silage quality. Six sheep were also used in a repeated Latin square design to determine digestibility of the second-cut silages. First-cut silage, which contained about 50% timothy, and 50% alfalfa was qualitatively similar across treatments except for a lower (P < 0.05) concentration of hemicellulose in Grass-treated silage. The only effect (P < 0.05) on quality of second-cut silage, which contained about 80% alfalfa and 20% timothy, was an increase in estimated DM loss in Grass-treated silage compared with Alfa and the control. Despite the negligible effects on silage quality parameters, Grass slightly depressed (P < 0.10) the yield of fat-corrected milk in cows fed first-cut silage, and DM intake of cows fed second-cut forage was elevated slightly (P < 0.05) and fat percent was depressed (P < 0.05) by Alfa relative to the control. Consequently, although the change was small, enzyme treatment of forages may represent a means of reducing the fat percent of milk. Sheep consumed more (P < 0.05) second-cut silage treated with Alfa, and DM digestibility was higher (P = 0.09) when compared with the control. An enzyme mixture containing amylase may be marginally more effective when forage mixtures contain more alfalfa than timothy. Key words: Silage, enzymes, dairy, cow, digestibility, milk fat
The nutritional value of raw, autoclaved and dehulled peas (Pisum sativum L.) in chicken diets as affected by enzyme supplementation
Authors: Brenes A. , Rotter B. A. , Marquardt R. R. , Guenter W.
Published: March 2010

The effects of added crude enzyme preparations, autoclaving and dehulling on the nutritional value of diets containing a low-tannin (Trapper) and high-tannin (Maple) cultivar of peas (Pisum sativum L.) for chicks were determined in four experiments. The addition of crude enzymes from different sources and at different concentrations to a diet containing 75% of the low-tannin peas did not improve chick performance (exp. 1). Similarly, no improvement in performance was observed when a combination of crude enzymes was added to the diet containing whole or dehulled low-tannin peas, (exp. 2). Autoclaved treatment and enzyme addition to the diet containing the high-tannin Maple peas improved (P < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio but not the weight gain (exp. 3). Autoclaving or dehulling improved the apparent metabolizable energy (21 vs. 30%) and apparent protein digestibility (11 vs. 15%) of the high-tannin peas, respectively, in contrast to the low-tannin peas (experiment 4). Dehulling improved the feed-to-gain ratio of chickens fed both cultivars of peas. In conclusion, the results indicate that addition of crude enzymes to diets containing raw or dehulled low-tannin peas do not improve the chick performance but improve the feed efficiency of chicks when fed with the high-tannin peas. Autoclaving and dehulling improved the apparent metabolizable energy and protein digestibility values of high-tannin Maple peas while dehulling improved the feed-to-gain ratio of both cultivars. Key words: Crude enzyme, peas, chick, metabolizable energy, dehulling, autoclaving
Efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, screening and dilution in reducing the effects of mold contaminated corn in pigs
Authors: Patterson R. , Young L. G.
Published: March 2010

Corn naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) (~ 15 mg DON kg−1 corn) replaced uncontaminated corn in corn-soybean meal diets fed ad libitum to piglets in a series of short-term trials. In a preliminary trial, inclusion of 72% mold-contaminated corn in a diet caused a severe reduction in growth rate. In trial two, 0.5% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) was added to diets containing 50% and 25% contaminated corn. In trial three, 1% HSCAS was added to diets containing 50 and 25% contaminated corn. Trial four involved screening contaminated corn and incorporating the screened corn into a diet. Feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio were not reliable criteria due to excessive feed wastage by some pigs fed diets containing contaminated corn. The addition of HSCAS at either 0.5 or 1% did not influence average daily gain (ADG) of the pigs in these trials (P > 0.05). Screening did not improve ADG (P > 0.05) nor did it appreciably reduce the level of DON. In a sieving study, contaminated corn on the smallest screens had the highest DON levels but these screens removed only a small portion of the initial sample. Decreasing the level of the contaminated corn in the diets from 72 to 25% improved ADG (P < 0.05). Dilution of contaminated corn with uncontaminated corn was the only effective method of reducing the effect of DON in these trials. Key words: Deoxynivalenol, mold-contaminated corn, pigs
Effects of low levels of dietary magnesium silicate supplementation on the performance and carcass characteristics of pigs from 24 to 68 kg body weight
Authors: Tortuero F. , Rioperez J. R.
Published: March 2010

Magnesium silicate (HMS) supplementation at 2.0% of the diet did not influence the growth rate, feed conversion efficiency or carcass characteristics of castrated male growing pigs. However, feeding HMS decreased (P < 0.01) the liver weight and increased (P < 0.07) the cross-sectional area of longissimus muscle in pigs slaughtered at 68 kg body weight. Key words: Magnesium silicate, growth rate, carcass characteristics
Factors influencing pasture productivity in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Papadopoulos Y. A. , Kunelius H. T. , Fredeen A. H.
Published: March 2010

Most pastures in Atlantic Canada are classified as permanent and contain primarily native species. Well-managed native swards have the potential of supporting profitable animal output. Productive cultivars of cool-season perennial grass species such as timothy (Phleum pratense L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and legumes such as white clover can increase pasture productivity in the region and ameliorate seasonal fluctuations in dry matter yield associated with native swards. Improved swards gradually revert to native species, partly because forage cultivars and mixtures are not assessed for persistence under grazing.Soil acidity and deficiencies in soil nutrients were shown to reduce herbage yield, legume content of the grazed swards and mineral content of the herbage, all of which may adversely affect livestock performance. High concentrations of K, observed in swards heavily fertilized with N, are likely to cause problems in the metabolism of Ca and Mg in lactating ruminant livestock grazing such swards.Supplemental pasture crops, including annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and Brassica species, extend the productive grazing season from approximately 4 to 7 mo, and permit the production of large quantities of biomass close to the barn.Rotational grazing and forward creep-grazing techniques at high stocking rates can improve the number of animal grazing days and average daily gains. Previous experience with grazing and exposure to pasture species before and during weaning appear to influence grazing behavior and species preference of newly weaned livestock. The use of previous grazing experience may help create the desired pasture sward or improve the efficiency of sward utilization by the grazing animal. The high rainfall climate of the Atlantic region, which promotes good herbage production, also encourages heavy and prolonged infestations of infective free-living stages of gastrointestinal parasites on pastures. Permanent pasture is the main source of initial herd infection, which then spreads to newly seeded pastures. Strategic treatments of grazing livestock with anthelmintic drugs are recommended to minimize the impact of these parasites on the productivity of grazing livestock in this region. Key words: Pasture, Atlantic Canada, productivity, grazing management, fertility management, Brassica spp., grasses, legumes
Pasture management and animal production in Quebec: A review
Authors: Petit Hélène V.
Published: March 2010

Twenty percent of forage farmland was devoted to seeded and native pastures in 1991. Common white clover is widely found in native pastures but ladino clover is the main legume recommended. Timothy is the most popular grass for seeded pasture and its yield is increased by N fertilization. More than 30% ladino in pasture decreases the N fertilizer requirement. High fertilization of pasture where beef steers are kept at high stocking rates and moderately fertilized pasture where beef steers are kept at low stocking rates result in similar average daily gains. Excessive steer stocking rates can result in decreased herbage production at the end of the growing season which results in decreased weight gain. However, feeding concentrate can compensate for herbage shortage and maintain weight gain of steers with a high stocking rate similar to that of unsupplemented animals on pasture with a low stocking rate. The difference in total beef production per hectare between heavily and moderately fertilized pastures is only 10% higher for the former when herbage surpluses conserved as silage and hay are fed to steers during winter. When herbage allowance is not limiting, there appears to be no advantage in supplementing grazing cattle with concentrate or protein. Key words: Pasture, grazing, dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep
History of grazing research in the Aspen Parkland
Authors: McCartney D. H.
Published: March 2010

The Aspen Parkland of western Canada constitutes a major portion of the agricultural areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, with 86% of the forage production and 66% of the beef cattle herd. Although some areas still exist in the natural state, most of the Parkland has been cleared of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) for farming. Introduced pasture species have been seeded, and bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) and alfalfa (Medicago spp.) have been found to be the most productive. The addition of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer has been shown to nearly triple forage production in the presence of adequate moisture and favorable temperatures. Straight nitrogen has resulted in a reduction of the proportion of alfalfa in a mixed sward. The severity and time of grazing have a marked effect on pasture productivity. Bush pastures can be renovated by using selective herbicides, fire and controlled grazing to manage woody brush regrowth or by sod seeding of alfalfa in the depleted stands. Spring-seeded winter cereals can be grazed throughout the growing season or as part of a grazing rotation with perennial forages by extending the grazing season in the fall. Key words: Aspen Parkland, pasture, forage, research, review
Production characteristics of the mixed prairie: constraints and potential
Authors: Willms W. D. , Jefferson P. G.
Published: March 2010

The mixed prairie represents the most arid region of the Northern Great Plains in Canada. Approximately 6.5 M ha of the original total of 24 M ha have retained their native character. The native prairie supports about 5.3 M animal–unit–months or about 15% of all beef cattle present on the Canadian prairies. A large portion of the area is dominated by either needle-and-thread (Stipa comata Trin. + Rupr.) or western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.), both cool season grasses, and associated with blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud.] a warm season grass. These species define the major plant communities of the mixed prairie and determine their production potential. However, their production is limited by available water during the growing season and by soil nutrients; factors which also influence their species composition. Grazing imposes a significant impact on the grasslands by altering the water and nutrient cycles, through defoliation and reduced plant litter, and eventually by affecting the species composition. Removing litter may reduce forage production by up to 60% and repeated defoliation will favour the more drought tolerant but less productive species. Forage production may be increased by seeding introduced species, which have a greater shoot to root ratio than native grasses, or with fertilizer application. Livestock production may be increased with the use of grazing systems. However, the benefits of each practice on the mixed prairie must be assessed in terms of their cost, their impact on the environment, and the reduced or lost value for other users. Key words: Biomass, above-ground, below-ground, water-use efficiency, reseeding, soil fertility, grazing efficiency
Growth patterns of first-cross and reciprocal backcross beef cows in two environments
Authors: Bailey D. R. C. , Entz T. , Rahnefeld G. W. , McKay R. M. , Fredeen H. T. , Newman J. A. , Weiss G. M.
Published: March 2010

Growth patterns of first-cross (F1) and reciprocal backcross cows, 3–5 yr old, were evaluated under two contrasting environments: extensive range conditions at Manyberries, Alberta, and semi-intensive management at Brandon, Manitoba. Cows resulting from crossing Hereford (H) × Angus (A), Simmental (S) × Shorthorn (N), Charolais (C) × Shorthorn and reciprocal backcrosses from Charolais × Hereford (CH), Charolais × Angus (CA), Charolais × Shorthorn (CN), Simmental × Hereford (SH), Simmental × Angus (SA), and Simmental × Shorthorn (SN) were evaluated at Brandon. At Manyberries, HA, SN and reciprocal backcrosses of SH, SA and SN were evaluated. All cows were bred to Limousin (L) bulls. Cow weights and backfat estimates were recorded at breeding, calving and weaning. The HA cows were the lightest group for all weigh periods at both locations. At all weigh periods, the SSN (3/4 S 1/4 N) dam crosses at Manyberries and the CCN (3/4 C 1/4 N) and CCH (3/4 C 1/4 H) at Brandon were the heaviest. At Brandon, females gained weight during gestation and usually lost weight during summer nursing. Cows at Manyberries usually gained weight during nursing, with significant gestation weight loss. Nursing status of the cow had a significant effect on weight change, with barren status providing an opportunity for large compensatory gains. The CN dams were significantly heavier at all weigh periods than their 1/4 C back-crosses. At Brandon, the SN dam cross weights exceeded those of their reciprocal backcrosses at breeding, calving and weaning and at calving for the 1/4 S dams. At Manyberries, SN weights exceeded those of the 3/4 S crosses at weaning. Over the duration of study, average backfat estimates for cows at Brandon exceeded those at Manyberries (10.8 and 8.6 mm, respectively). Specific dam crosses performed differently at the two locations, and commercial cattlemen need to closely evaluate the F1 and backcross comparisons to determine the optimal level of performance under their particular management and environmental conditions. Key words: Beef cattle, growth, nursing status, crossbreeding, environment
Heritability of chronic interstitial nephropathy and its genetic relationships with laying intensity and body weight in Muscovy ducks
Authors: Beaumont C. , Bihan E. Le , Cherel Y. , Wyers M. , Retailleau B.
Published: March 2010

Heritability of chronic interstitial nephropathy was estimated from analysis of all-or-none traits for 1969 female Muscovy ducks, which were the progeny of 47 sires and 263 dams. Heritability estimates for the sire and dam components were 0.57 and 0.32, respectively. From sire or dam components of variance, genetic correlations with total number of eggs laid were 0.29 and 0.44 and with body weight at 10 wk were 0.18 and 0.08. Existence of a major gene affecting resistance to the disease was suspected. These results suggest that selection for resistance against this disease could be effective without excessive losses in laying intensity or body weight. Key words: Genetic resistance, nephropathy, Muscovy ducks, genetic parameters, laying intensity
Effects of social and physical stressors on growth hormone levels in dairy cows
Authors: Munksgaard Lene , Løvendahl Peter
Published: March 2010

Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) were studied in 40 Friesian cows in a balanced block design. The cows were assigned to four treatments: (1) control, tie stalls; (2) deprivation of lying from 09:00 to 16:00 and from 22:00 to 05:00, tie stalls; (3) social isolation, tie stalls; (4) slatted floor, crowding in box. Plasma GH concentrations were measured after 23 d of treatment during an 8-h serial blood sampling as well as prior to and after a short test. On day 24, GH response was measured in a serial blood sampling for 0.5 h prior to and for 5 h following intravenous administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Deprivation of lying down reduced the level of GH in all sampling series, while no difference was found between treatments 1, 3, and 4. Plasma concentrations of GH prior to and after the test were not different. While concentration of plasma GH of deprived cows did not respond to ACTH challenge, an immediate and transient increase in plasma GH was found in the cows on the other three treatments. Mean plasma concentrations of GH were found to be repeatable between successive days. The results demonstrate that alterations in GH levels, among others, may be a valuable indicator of the biological cost of different environmental challenges. Key words: Dairy cows, stress, ACTH, GH release
Quantification of in vitro and in vivo energy metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract of fed or fasted sheep
Authors: Kelly J. M. , Southorn B. G. , Kelly C. E. , Milligan L. P. , McBride B. W.
Published: March 2010

The effect of level of nutrition on in vitro and in vivo O2 consumption by the gastrointestinal tract in four nonlactating, nonpregnant ewes catheterized in the anterior mesenteric vein, hepatic portal vein and mesenteric artery with duodenal cannulae was investigated. Animals were fed a pelleted ration at maintenance (M) or twice maintenance (2M) or fasted (F) subsequent to the M measurement. Duodenal in vitro O2, ouabain-sensitive O2 (OSO2) and cycloheximide-sensitive O2 (CSO2) consumption was determined polarographically using a YSI O2 monitor; whole-gut O2 consumption was determined as (arterio-venous difference of O2 concentration) × (blood flow through the PV). Whole-body O2 consumption was determined using indirect calorimetry. Ewes fed 2M exhibited higher (P < 0.10) whole-body O2 consumption than either M or F ewes. Ewes fed M and 2M had higher (P < 0.10) duodenal in vitro O2 and ouabain-insensitive O2 (OIO2) consumption than F ewes. Hepatic portal blood flow was directly proportional to level of intake (P < 0.10): it was lowest for F ewes (81.0 L h−1), intermediate for M ewes (97.7 L h−1) and highest for 2M ewes (122.5 L h−1). Ouabain inhibition of O2 consumption by portal-drained viscera (PDV) was highest in M ewes and lowest in 2M ewes (P < 0.10). CSO2 consumption by the entire PDV was not affected by level of intake, corresponding to no change in OIO2 consumption by the PDV. As a proportion of whole-body O2 consumption, total O2, OSO2 and cycloheximide-insensitive O2 consumption by the PDV was higher in F ewes than in 2M ewes (P < 0.10). Fasted ewes expended a greater proportion of whole-body O2 consumption on gastrointestinal energetics than did 2M ewes. Key words: Sheep, gastrointestinal oxygen consumption, sodium–potassium ATPase, protein synthesis
Effect of feeding organic acids on gastrointestinal digesta measurements at various times postweaning in pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Risley C. R. , Kornegay E. T. , Lindemann M. D. , Wood C. M. , Eigel W. N.
Published: March 2010

In Study 1, pigs (n = 54) weaned at 21 ± 2 d were fed a 20% CP corn-soybean meal based diet only (control) or with 1.5% fumaric or 1.5% citric acid. One half of the pigs on each treatment were orally challenged on days 3, 7 or 14 postweaning with 1010E. coli (0157:K88+) to observe the effects on scouring and on intestinal digesta pH, Cl− concentration, VFA and non-volatile acid profiles, and microflora concentrations in the stomach, jejunum, cecum and lower colon when pigs were necropsied 5, 9 or 16 d postweaning. The E. coli challenge increased (P < 0.05) the severity of scouring. Organic acids had no appreciable effects on severity of scouring and intestinal measurements except for fumaric and succinic acid concentrations which were greater in the stomach (P < 0.001) and jejunum (P < 0.05) of pigs fed fumaric acid. The E. coli challenge had no significant effect on pH, Cl− concentration, and lactobacillus or E. coli concentrations, but did increase (P < 0.05) the concentration of lactic acid in the jejunum, and total VFA in the lower colon. From days 5 to 16 postweaning, pH decreased (P < 0.002) in the cecum, Cl− concentration increased (P < 0.03) in the jejunum, lactobacillus counts decreased (P < 0.001) in the jejunum and increased (P < 0.004) in the lower colon, and E. coli counts decreased in the jejunum (P < 0.07), cecum (P < 0.02) and lower colon (P < 0.001). In Study 2, pigs (n = 96) weaned at 21 ± 2 d were similarly fed organic acids as in Study 1 and half of the animals in each treatment were orally challenged with E. coli on day 3 postweaning. During the 15-d experiment, E. coli challenge decreased (P < 0.05) ADG by 20% and increased F:G 19% from 7 to 15 d postweaning and increased (P < 0.001) the severity of scouring between days 4 and 11 postweaning. Feeding organic acids had no measurable effect on growth performance or scouring and did not modify the effects of the postweaning E. coli challenge. Key words: Pigs, pH, organic acids, volatile fatty acids, lactobacillus, Escherichia coli
Magnetic resonance imaging (1H) and spectroscopy (1H, 31P) of growing chicken embryos
Authors: Lirette A. , Liu Z. , Crober D. C. , Towner R. A. , Oehler U. M. , Janzen E. G. , Chambers J. R. , Fairfull R. W. , Etches R. J. , Chu S. , Rath A. , Millam J. , Cutler B.
Published: March 2010

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and spectroscopy techniques were used to observe in vivo anatomical and metabolite changes, respectively, in developing chicken embryos. Proton (1H) NMR images of the eggs revealed major changes in yolk shape from day 2 to day 6. Embryos were visible from day 6 to hatching, and good embryonic anatomical images were obtained. Two peaks were observed from 1H-NMR spectroscopy of fertilized eggs: one for lipid methylene protons, and one for water protons. Water peak to lipid peak ratios did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) from day 2 to day 21 of incubation. Localized 31P-NMR spectra of developing embryos were obtained with either a 31P surface coil or a double-tuned 31P/1H volume coil. The surface-coil method gave a greater signal to noise ratio by a factor of four. The 31P-NMR spectra indicated two peaks at day 2; these were attributed to phosphomonoesters and phosphodiesters. The three peaks characteristic of ATP appeared on day 11 and increased in size until hatching. From day 19, phosphocreatine was detectable. There appeared to be a good correlation between 31P-metabolite changes detected by in vivo 31P-NMR spectroscopy and literature values for biochemical analyses of developing chicken embryos. The advantage in using NMR imaging and spectroscopy techniques is that anatomical and metabolic changes can be obtained in vivo, non-invasively and repeatedly as an embryo develops. Key words: NMR, MRI, embryo, poultry
Evaluation of the bloodless castration procedure for feedlot bulls
Authors: ZoBell D. R. , Goonewardene L. A. , Ziegler K.
Published: March 2010

Studies were undertaken to evaluate bloodless castration (B) based on growth and carcass traits. During the first 28 d, bloodless and surgical (S) castrates showed a 51–53% and 68–73% reduction in average daily gain, respectively, compared with intact bulls (I) (P < 0.05) in two trials. Bulls grew faster than steers overall. Carcass traits and grade were similar for B, S and I (P > 0.05). Key words: Bloodless, surgical, castration, growth, carcass traits
A comparison of methods to evaluate beef cow productivity
Authors: Rahnefeld G. W. , Ward Doug , Weiss G. M.
Published: March 2010

The following were compared as measures of cow productivity: (A) calf weaning weight per mating opportunity; (B) calf weaning weight per mating opportunity with cow weight at weaning as a covariate; (C) calf weaning weight per mating opportunity per unit of cow weight at weaning; and (D) calf weaning weight per mating opportunity per cow metabolic weight (kg0.75) at weaning. Results indicate that the method described under (C) is best at reducing error followed closely by the method described under (D). The least satisfactory measure of cow productivity was (B). Key words: Beef cattle, cow efficiency, productivity
Comparison of the nutrient content and in situ degradability of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and alfalfa hays
Authors: Mir P. S. , Mir Z. , Townley-Smith L.
Published: March 2010

Mature fenugreek and alfalfa were harvested as hay and compared with alfalfa cut at 10% bloom on the basis of proximate and mineral composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in situ degradation characteristics. IVDMD of fenugreek was 73.1%, which was the highest (P < 0.05). The dry matter degradation characteristics in the rumen of fenugreek and alfalfa cut at 10% bloom were similar. These results suggest that mature fenugreek hay was comparable in nutrient content and digestibility to early cut alfalfa. Key words: Fenugreek, alfalfa, in vitro digestibility, in situ rumen degradation, nylon bag
A modified chromic oxide indicator ratio technique for accurate determination of nutrient digestibility
Authors: Saha Dhanonjoy C. , Gilbreath Rex L.
Published: March 2010

A modified method for nutrient digestibility determination is described. The method considers analytical chromium recovery in diets and feces, and fecal recovery of dietary chromium used as an indicator (marker) for determining nutrient digestibilities. This method should provide more reliable estimates of nutrient digestibility. Key words: Chromium, digestibility, indicator, minerals, sows