Physical characteristics, nutritive value and preference of Zebu heifers for ensiled mixtures of corn cob, cassava peel
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Animal Science - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
In order to improve the feeding quality of corn cob and cassava peel for zebu cattle, a mixture of corn cob-cassava peel was ensiled with 0, 1, 2, and 3% of urea. Physical characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the silage mixtures were determined in a laboratory trial while the preference of cattle for the mixtures was evaluated using twelve Sokoto Gudali heifers in a cafeteria feeding trial. The experimental design adopted was the completely randomized design. Silage colour changed from white to yellow; smell from very pleasant to pungent; and texture from very firm to firm as the level of urea in the silage increased. The pH increased from 3.80 to 6.00 as level of urea in the mixture increased. Crude protein (CP) content of silage increased from 8.50 to 17.52% while acid detergent fibre (ADF) decreased from 34.13 to 30.90% as level of urea in the silage mixture increased. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) varied from 55.44 – 60.45%, and increased with addition of urea. Preference of zebu heifers for corn cob-cassava peel silage varied from 13.81 – 38.87%. Acceptability of silage reduced significantly as level of urea increased. Addition of urea to corn cob-cassava peel silage enhanced CP content and digestibility but physical attributes and acceptability of silage by cattle were adversely affected.
Authors and Affiliations
O. A. Olorunnisomo *| Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria., T. O. Ososanya| Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Evaluation of egg quality traits among different breeds/strains of chicken locally available in Pakistan
Appreciated for their versatile nutritive value and functionalproperties, eggs are considered as an important item in human diet. Eggs areone of the most common foods available worldwide as they play an important rolei...
Effects of grass and concentrate feed on growth performances of rumbi lamb and meat fat composition
This study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of grass and standard feed on lamb zoo technical parameters and meat fatty acid (FA) composition. 36 lambs of Rumbi breed were used in this trial, of which 24 lambs we...
Some major factors affecting carcass composition in goats
This review article looks at some major factors that influence carcass composition in goats. The resultant carcass composition of various animal species differs considerably depending on several environmental factors and...
Fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation of lamb meat reared in arid area indoors and grazing outdoors in south west of Algeria
The aim of this study is to compare the fatty acid profile and flavor of lamb meats originating from grazing (A) and concentrate (C) diets. Twenty four lambs of Rumbi breed were used. One hundred and five days after rear...
Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Mekelle, Ethiopia
The study was conducted on 252 Holstein-Friesian (HF) crossbred cows maintained under farmer’s management system in and around Mekelle (Ethiopia). A total of 72 small-scale dairy farm owners were randomly selected and...