| Popis: |
The effects of copra expeller pellet (CEP) supplementation on nutrient flow, the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis and degradability of CEP-nitrogen (N) in the rumen of sheep fed chopped pangola hay, were determined. Six sheep fitted with rumen and abomasal cannulae were given three diets; A (pangola hay ad libitum), B (A + CEP at 0.5% BW) and C (A + CEP at 1.0% BW) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment. CEP supplementation did not affect intake of pangola hay when given at 0.5% BW, but was reduced (P × 0.05) when CEP supplementation was increased to 1.0% BW. Apparent DMD of the total diet was increased (P < 0.05) with CEP supplementation. Intake and digestibility of OM, DOM intake (DOMI), OM apparently digested in the rumen (ADOMR), OM truly digested in the rumen (TDOMR) and OM flow to the small intestines of sheep were not significantly affected by CEP supplementation. However, CEP supplementation increased (P < 0.01) total N intake, digestibility and flows of total non-ammonia N (NAN), microbial NAN and feed NAN to the small intestines of sheep. Degradabilities of CEP-N in the rumen of sheep fed CEP at 0.5% BW and 1.0% BW were 22% and 19%, respectively. Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (g microbial NAN/kg ADOMR and TDOMR) in the rumen of sheep was increased (P < 0.01) with each increase in level of CEP supplementation. Mean values were 20.3, 29.9 and 37.1 g/kg ADOMR, 15.7, 21.3 and 26.0 g/kg TDOMR for diets A, B and C, respectively. It was concluded that CEP could be a suitable supplement for ruminants consuming tropical pastures. |
