|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
ISSN: 1119-8362
Vol. 12, Num. 2, 2008, pp. 103-106
|
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 12, No.
2, 2008, pp. 103-106
Nutritive Value and Digestion Kinetics of Manure Ensiled
Wheat Straw Treated
with Varying Levels of Urea and Corn Grains
MUHAMMAD JAMSHED KHAN*; ºSALEEM QADIR
Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production & Technology,
UVAS, Lahore.
º
Department of animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, U.A. Faisalabad
Jim_saba@yahoo.com, khanbzu@live.com*
* Corresponding author: Muhammad Jamshed Khan
Code Number: ja08036
ABSTRACT
The aim of this was to study the nutritive value of urea and corn
grain treated wheat straw ensiled with cattle manure. The different levels
of urea (0, 2 and 4%) and corn grain (2 and 4%) were used to treat wheat
straw. The urea-corn grain treated wheat straw was mixed with cattle manure
in the
ratio of 70:30. The silages were fermented in laboratory silos for 20, 30
and 40 days. After the completion of ensilation period, the samples of ensiled
wheat straw were analyzed for pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), true
protein (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), neutral detergent fiber
(NDF) and acid
detergent fiber (ADF). The result showed that pH, NDF and ADF were decreased
at 40 days ensilation period, 4% corn grains (CG) and urea levels each. Dry
matter, CP, TP and NH3-N were increased at 40 days of ensilation
period, 4% CG and urea level each. On the findings of this result, wheat
straw was
ensiled
with manure for 40 days and 4% level of CG and urea each. Then in situ digestion
kinetics of untreated and ensiled wheat straw was determined by using fistulated
buffalo bulls. The results of the present study showed that dry matter digestibility
(DMD) of manure ensiled wheat straw (EWS) were higher than untreated wheat
straw (UWS) that was 15.43 and 13.71 respectively. Similarly, neutral detergent
fiber digestibility of EWS was higher than UWS that was 57.60 and 41.43 respectively.
Livestock in Pakistan is facing feed shortage. Currently, 121.1 million heads
of animals annually require about 10.9 and 90.36 million tons of crude protein
(CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), respectively. Whilst the availability
of these nutrients is 6.7 and 69.0 million tons only, causing a deficiency
of 38.10% CP and 24.02% TDN (Sarwar et al., 2002). Green and dry roughages
form the bulk of livestock feed in developing countries. Crop residues generally
in the form of straws and stovers are receiving considerable attention due
to scarcity of green fodder. However, efficient utilization of these crop residues
by ruminants is hardly possible because these are high in fiber and low in
protein. Thus effective and economical sources of energy and nitrogen (N) are
needed to supplements low quality roughages diets for ruminants. Oil seed meals
and cereal grains are effective supplements, but are very expensive and our
farmer community cannot afford the use of these feed ingredients in ruminant
diets. Chemical treatment of crop residues with various alkalis, ammonia (NH3)
compounds, peroxides and other chemicals has increased digestibility and animal
performance (Sarwar et al., 2004). Among various chemicals, urea is the best
for chemical treatment and molasses helped in fixing urea-N in fiber for maximum
microbial protein production (Sarwar et al., 2004).
Traditionally, animal waste is applied to farmland as a fertilizer. It can
also be more valuable and economical as a feed for ruminants (Hadjitanayiotou
et al., 1993). Because cattle/buffalo dung contains 8-18% CP and 23-52% crude
fiber on dry matter basis. The sufficient quantities of fermentable carbohydrates
and N source before ensilation could ensure better fermentation of wheat
straw. Manure and wheat straw both are deficient in fermentable carbohydrates.
Therefore,
supplementation of urea and corn grain can improve the fermentation process.
However, the scientific evidence on manure treated wheat straw ensiled with
urea and corn grain is limited. This study was carried out to evaluate the
nutritive value of manure ensiled wheat straw treated with CG and urea and
its influence on digestion kinetics in ruminally fistulated buffalo bulls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Laboratory Trial
Ground wheat straw was treated with different levels of urea (0, 2 and 4%)
and corn grain (2 and 4%). The cattle manure was added to the urea-corn
grain treated wheat straw in the ratio of 30:70. The moisture level was maintained
at 50% at the time of ensiling. This material was ensiled in laboratory
silos
for 20, 30 and 40 days and stored in the incubator at 40 C. After the completion
of ensilation period, the sample of silages was analyzed for pH, DM, CP,
true protein (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N; AOAC, 1990), NDF and acid
detergent fiber (ADF; Van Soest et al., 1990).
In Situ Trial
Two adult rumen fistulated buffalo bulls were used to evaluate in situ digestion
kinetics of untreated and ensiled wheat straw. The animals were fed the same
diet as will be incubated in the rumen. This was done to avoid the effect
of diet on the ruminal fermentation of the feed stuffs (Clark and David,
1990). Nylon bags measuring 13 x 21 cm, with an average pore size of 50 µm,
were used to determine the rate and extent of DM and NDF disappearance. For
each time point, 5g of sample were weighed into bags, in triplicate. Two
bags were used to determine DM and NDF disappearance and the third bag was
serve as blank. The bags were closed and tied with braided nylon fishing
line. To remove soluble and or 50-µm filterable materials, the bags
were soaked in specific amount of tap water for 15 minutes, just before the
ruminal incubation. Weight loss due to soaking was expressed as pre ruminal
dry matter disappearance. On day 11 of each experiment, the untreated and
ensiled wheat straw samples were incubated in the rumen for, 1, 2, 6, 12,
24, 36, 48, and 96 hours, in reverse order and were removed all at the same
time. After removal from the rumen, bags were washed in running tap water
until the rinse is clear. The bags were then dried in a forced air oven at
55° C for 48 hours. After equilibration with air for 8 hours, the bags
were be weighed back and the residues were transferred to 100 ml cups and
stored
for later DM and NDF analysis. Digestion coefficient of DM and NDF was calculated
at 48 hours of incubation. Disappearance rates of DM and NDF from all feed
samples were determined by the methods described by Sarwar et al. (1991).
Statistical Analysis
The data generated in laboratory silos was analyzed for analysis of variance
using 3x2x3 factorial arrangement in completely randomized design. The differences
in mean were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range test (Steel and
Torrie, 1984). in situ digestion kinetics data was also analyzed by
t-test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Nutritive value
pH: The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of pH of manure ensiled wheat straw at different storage periods by Duncan’s
Multiple Range test revealed that pH significantly decreased when the length
of ensilation period increased and this is in close agreement with the results
reported by Similar results were also found by Reddy and Reddy (1989) who observed
rice straw treated with cattle manure for 45 days had low pH as compared to
untreated rice straw. The results also indicated that 2% urea produced maximum
pH as compared to 0% and 4% level. Similarly corn grains produced maximum pH
at 2% level than 4% level.
DM: The comparison means of DM of manure ensiled wheat straw at different
storage periods revealed that DM significantly increased when the length of
ensilation period decreased. It decreased significantly when the storage time
increased to 40 days. In contrast to this, Parthasarathy and Pradhan (1982)
who reported control green sorghum fodder and green sorghum fodder ensiled
with wheat straw poultry litter had 28.7 and 34.5% DM, respectively. The results
also indicated that 4% urea produced maximum DM as compared to 0% and 2% level.
Similarly corn grains produced maximum DM at 4% level than 2% level.
CP: The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of CP revealed that CP significantly increased when the length of ensilation
period increased to 40 days. It decreased significantly when the storage time
decreased to 20 days. Minimum loss of CP during ensiling was due to low pH
and higher lactic acid values, which is good indication of well-preserved silage.
Similar results had been reported by Daniels et al. (1983) who ensiled maize
with broiler litter for 6 weeks and found that CP was increased. The results
indicated that 4% urea produced maximum CP as compared to 0% and 2% level.
Similarly corn grains produced maximum CP at 4% level than 2% level.
Total Nitrogen
The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of total N of manure ensiled wheat straw at different storage periods
revealed that total N significantly increased when the length of ensilation
period increased to 40 days. It decreased significantly when the storage
time decreased to 20 days. A factor probably contributing to the low N
content was the high crude fiber value. When litter was incorporated into rations
for cattle and sheep, it contributed appreciable amounts of Nitrogen. Rankins
et al. (1993) reported that addition of litter resulted in an overall increase
in dietary Nitrogen. The results indicated that 4% urea produced maximum
total N as compared to 0% and 2% level. Similarly corn grains produced
maximum
total N at 4% level than 2% level.
True Protein-Nitrogen
The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of true protein-N of manure ensiled wheat straw revealed that true
protein-N significantly increased when the length of ensilation period
increased to 40 days. It decreased significantly when the storage time decreased
to
20 days. The results indicated that 4% urea produced maximum true protein-N
as compared to 0% and 2% level. Similarly corn grains produced maximum
true protein-N at 4% level than 2% level.
True Protein
The comparison means of TP of manure ensiled wheat straw revealed that TP
significantly increased when the length of ensilation period increased to 40
days. This
may be attributed to the promotion of silage fermentation. It decreased
significantly when the storage time decreased to 20 days. The results indicated
that 4%
urea produced maximum TP as compared to 0% and 2% level. Similarly corn
grains produced maximum TP at 4% level than 2% level.
Ammonia Nitrogen
The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of ammonia –N of manure ensiled wheat straw revealed that ammonia –N
significantly increased when the length of ensilation period decreased to
20 days. However, the differences in ammonia –N of manure ensiled wheat
straw for 30 and 40 days were non-significant statistically. These results
are also in close agreement with the earlier findings of Parthasarathy and
Pradhan (1982). The results indicated that 4% urea produced maximum ammonia-N
as compared to 0% and 2% level. Similarly corn grains produced maximum ammonia-
N at 4% level than 2% level.
Neutral Detergent Fiber
The results show significant differences among all treatments. The comparison
means of NDF of manure ensiled wheat straw revealed that NDF significantly
decreased when the length of ensilation period of manure and wheat straw
increased to 40 days as compared to 20 or 30 days. The results indicated
that 0 and 4% urea produced maximum NDF as compared to 2% level. Similarly
corn grains produced maximum NDF at 2% level than 4% level.
Acid Detergent Fiber
The comparison means of ADF of manure ensiled wheat straw at different storage
periods revealed that ADF significantly decreased when the length of ensilation
period increased to 40 days as compared to 20 and 30 days. This is in close
agreement with the ADF value 25.7% obtained by Ko et al. (2001) when they
prepared silage by mixing poultry litter with whole crop corn in a ratio
of 30:70. The results indicated that 0 and 4% urea produced maximum ADF
as compared to 2% level. Similarly corn grains produced maximum ADF at 2% level
than 4% level.
Digestion Kinetics
The results of the present study showed that dry matter digestibility (DMD)
of manure ensiled wheat straw (EWS) were higher than untreated wheat straw
(UWS) that was 15.43 and 13.71 respectively. Similarly, neutral detergent
fiber digestibility of EWS was higher than UWS that was 57.60 and 41.43
respectively. Our results are supported by Park et al. (1995) and Prakash et
al. (1996).
REFERENCES
- A.O.A.C. (1990). Official Methods of Analysis. Association of Analytical
Chemists. 15th ed. Arlington Virginia, USA.
- Clark, JH; CL. David. (1990). Some aspects of feeding high producing dairy
cows. J. Dairy Sci. 68:873.
- Daniels, LB; M. J. Smith, OT Stallcup; JM Rakes. (1983). Nutritive value
of ensiled broiler litter for cattle. J. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 8: 19-24.
- Hadijipanayiotou, M.; LM. Labban; AR. Kronfoleh; L. Verhaeghe; T. Naigm,
M. Al-Wadi; M. Amin. (1993). Studies on the use of dried poultry manure in
ruminant
diets in Syria. Livestock Research for rural development
- Ko, Y. D., J. H. Kim and C. H. Kim. (2001). Influence of whole crop corn
silage ensiled with poultry manure on the performance and carcass quality
of Hanwoo steers. Asian-Austr. J. Anim. Sci. 14:1133-1137
- Park, K. K.; A. L. Goetsch, A. R.; Patil, B. Kouakou; Z. B. Johnson. (1995).
Composition and in vitro digestibility of fibrous substrates placed in
deep-stacked broiler litter. J. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 54: 159-174.
- Parthasarathy, M.; K. Pradhan. (1982). Fermentation characteristics and
feeding value of ensiled poultry litter containing wheat straw, bagasse or
sawdust.
J. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 7:341-349.
- Prakash, P.; D. V. Reddy; R. Ramachandra Reddy; N. Krishna. (1996). The
catalytic effect of supplementation of protein meals on utilization of rice
straw-poultry
droppings-rice bran diet in buffaloes. J. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol.63: 229-243.
- Rankins, DL.; JT. Eason; TA. McCaskey; AH. Stephenson; JG. Floyd, Jr. (1993).
Nutritional and toxicological evaluation of three deep-stacking methods
for the processing of broiler litter as a foodstuff for beef cattle. British
Society
of Animal Production. 56:321-326. (Abstr.).
- Reddy, G.V. K; Reddy, M. R. (1989). Nutritive value of rice straw (Oryza
sativa) ensiled with animal excreta and rumen digesta. J. Anim. Feed Sci.
Technol.
24: 69-81.
- Sarwar, M.; MA. Khan; I. Zafar. (2002). Feed resources for livestock in
Pakistan. Inter. J. Agri. Biol.1, 186-191.
- Sarwar, M.; M. A. Khan; M. Nisa. (2004). Effect of urea treated wheat straw
ensiled with organic acids or fermentable carbohydrates on ruminal parameters,
digestion kinetics, digestibility and nitrogen metabolism in Nili Ravi
buffalo bulls fed restricted diets. Austr.J.Agric. Research.1: 87.
- Steel, R. G. D., Torrie, J. H. 1984. Principles and procedures of statistics.
2nd ed. Mc Graw- Hill Book Co. Inc., New York, USA.
- Van Soest, P. J., H. B. Robertson and B. A. Lewis. 1991. Methods of dietary
fiber, NDF and non-starch polysaccharides in relation to animal material.
J. Dairy Sci. 74: 3583.
Copyright 2008 - Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management
|