Digestibility is a key parameter in the evaluation of feeds; however, the measurements on animals require heavy experimental trials, which are hardly feasible when large numbers of determinations are required - for example, in genetic studies. This experiment aimed at investigating the possibility to predict digestibility from NIRS spectra measured on faeces. A total of 196 samples were availab...

The apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in 15 meat and bone samples was compared in growing broiler chickens and growing laboratory rat. The animals were given a diet containing meat and bone meal as the sole source of protein. All diets contained chromic oxide as the indigestible marker to calculate the digestibility estimates. Comparison of digestibility data shows that, for all dispensab...

Effects of particle size and physical effective fibre (peNDF) of rice straw in diets on chewing activities, feed intake, flow, site and extent of digestion and rumen fermentation in goats were investigated. A 4×4 Latin square design was employed using 4 mature Liuyang black goats fitted with permanent ruminal, duodenal, and terminal ileal fistulae. During each of the 4 periods, goats were offer...

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are minerals that have important physiological functions in the body. For formulation of diets for pigs, it is necessary to consider an appropriate Ca:P ratio for an adequate absorption and utilization of both minerals. Although both minerals are important, much more research has been conducted on P digestibility than on Ca digestibility. Therefore, this review f...

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are minerals that have important physiological functions in the body. For formulation of diets for pigs, it is necessary to consider an appropriate Ca:P ratio for an adequate absorption and utilization of both minerals. Although both minerals are important, much more research has been conducted on P digestibility than on Ca digestibility. Therefore, this review f...

Story in Brief Two levels oflimestone (.7 and 2.0 percent) were fed with two levels of chopped alfalfa hay (10 and 50 percent) to 22 Hereford steers (517 lb). The diet also contained whole shelled corn and supplement. Animals were fed individually at a level equal to 2.5 percent of body weight daily in two equal meals. Organic matter, fiber and nitrogen digestibility were increased with added l...

Phosphorus of plant-based feedstuffs for monogastric animals is mainly in the form of phytic P, which has a very low bioavailability. The nondigested phytic P may contribute to P pollution. Furthermore, phytic acid may reduce digestibility of other minerals and protein. This study evaluated effects of the microbial 6-phytase RONOZYME HiPhos on apparent ileal digestibility of P, phytic acid, Ca,...

The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in 7 feed ingredients was determined using broilers, layers, and roosters. The ingredients included 3 cereals (wheat, sorghum, and corn), 3 oilseed meals (canola, cottonseed, and soybean meals), and 1 animal protein meal (meat and bone meal). Dietary protein in the assay diets was supplied solely by the test ingredient. All diets contained 20 g/kg...

An accurate feed formulation is essential for optimizing feed efficiency and minimizing feed cost for swine and poultry production. Because energy and amino acid (AA) account for the major cost of swine and poultry diets, a precise determination of the availability of energy and AA in feedstuffs is essential for accurate diet formulations. Therefore, the methodology for determining the availabi...

Market availability and price of conventional feedstuffs are variable, making imperative to explore alternative feedstuffs. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a starchy tuber that can be a potential feedstuff for swine. Three sample type (combinations of cassava parts): 100% tubers (T100), 50% tubers and 50% leaves (T50), and 25% tubers and 75% leaves (T25) were ensiled over three periods [fresh (M...