Relative bioavailability of phosphorus and true amino acid digestibility by poultry as affected by soybean extraction time and use of low-phytate soybeans.

The objectives of this study were to determine if lengthening the time that soybeans (SB) spend in the extractor during preparation of soybean meal (SBM) results in increased relative bioavailability of phosphorus without negatively impacting true amino acid digestibilities, and to compare those modified SBM with that produced from a low-phytate SB. Three SBM were prepared under uniform conditions with the exception of the length of time SB spent in the extractor [45 min (300 rpm), 60 min (225 rpm), or 90 min (150 rpm)]. A SBM prepared from low-phytate SB was obtained for comparison. Relative phosphorus bioavailability in chicks and true amino acid digestibilities by cecectomized roosters were determined. Increasing the length of time that SB spent in the extractor from 45 to 90 min resulted in lower phytate phosphorus and increased phosphorus bioavailability from 34 to 56%. However, this increase came at the expense of available lysine status, with the SBM extracted for 90 min containing less total lysine and less digestible lysine than the SBM extracted for 45 min (traditional extraction time). Phosphorus bioavailability from SBM prepared from low-phytate SB was 1.5 times higher than for SBM extracted for 45 min. Increasing the length of time that SB spend in the extractor led to an increase in bioavailable phosphorus but a decrease in bioavailable lysine, potentially negating the positive effect on phosphorus.

Apparent digestibility and glycaemic responses to an experimental induced viscosity dietary fibre incorporated into an enteral formula fed to dogs cannulated in the ileum.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility and postprandial glycaemic responses of ileal-cannulated dogs when fed an experimental induced viscosity dietary fibre (IVF) incorporated into a liquid enteral formula. Dietary treatments were: (1) control; (2) Glucerna; (3) Glytrol; (4) IVF; and (5) Jevity. Diets varied in concentrations of crude protein (CP), fat, starch and total dietary fibre (TDF). Dry matter and starch intakes by dogs fed the Glucerna and Glytrol treatments were lower (P<0.05) than for those consuming the other diets. However, daily intakes of CP and fat followed a reverse trend. Digestibility of nutrients at the ileum was high (>80%) for all dietary treatments. Mineral absorption proximal to the ileum and from the total tract was not significantly different among treatments. Mean incremental area under the serum glucose response curves for dogs fed Glytrol, Glucerna, and IVF treatments were lower (P<0.05) than the control treatment. Induced viscosity fibre appears to have no negative effects on nutrient digestion throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Its ability to moderate serum glucose concentrations would make it a potentially good choice for a diabetic liquid formula.

Manipulation of amino acid supply to the growing ruminant.

Quality of protein (indicated by amino acid [AA] composition) that enters the small intestine (SI) of growing ruminants is dictated largely by the AA composition of microbial protein. The AA supply is well-balanced and, although individual AA can be experimentally determined to be first- or second-limiting, it seems that several AA (sulfur AA, lysine, histidine, and possibly threonine, valine, and isoleucine) may be colimiting in many circumstances. Quality of the postruminal AA supply can be altered by increasing (maximizing) net microbial protein synthesis, manipulating supplemental protein source, or feeding ruminally protected AA. Defaunating the rumen increases postruminal AA supply by increasing flow of both bacterial and nonbacterial AA. Defaunation has little effect on proportions of individual AA entering the SI. Different feed proteins vary greatly in the quantity of individual AA that they supply for absorption from the SI. Most proteins are a poor source of at least one essential AA; feeding combinations of proteins may be the most practical approach to supplying AA in optimal proportions. Feeding individual ruminally protected AA can alter the profile of AA reaching the SI, but work is needed to identify dietary conditions under which use of such products will be most beneficial.

The effect of abomasal methionine supplementation on nitrogen retention of growing steers postruminally infused with casein or nonsulfur-containing amino acids.

An experiment was conducted to develop a system useful for measuring methionine requirements of growing steers. Seven ruminally cannulated steers (312 kg, gaining .91 kg/d) were fed a diet based on ammoniated corn cobs, corn starch, molasses and urea. Quantities of N and sulfur-containing amino acids disappearing from the small intestine were 96.0 and 14.8 g/d, respectively. Postruminal infusions of Na-caseinate (CAS) resulted in linear (P less than .01) increases in N retention with values increasing from 30.1 g/d with no postruminal CAS infusion to 39.3, 50.8 and 59.2 g/d (averaged across methionine supplementation) when 100, 200 and 300 g/d CAS were infused. Postruminal infusions of a mixture of crystalline L-amino acids (simulating the nonsulfur-containing essential amino acid pattern of casein; SIM) at levels of 100, 200 and 300 g/d also led to linear increases (P less than .01) in N retention with steers retaining 30.9, 38.9 and 50.5 g N/d (averaged across methionine supplementation), respectively. Postruminal infusion of 12 g/d L-methionine across CAS and SIM infusions improved (P less than .01) N retention by 7.6 g/d but infusion of SIM, which is devoid of sulfur amino acids, also increased N retention. Responses to methionine supplementation was greatest when 200 or 300 g/d SIM were abomasally infused. The data are interpreted to demonstrate that, for steers fed a diet containing little true protein, postruminal supplementation with nonsulfur-containing amino acids tended to increase the ability of growing steers to respond to methionine supplementation.

Sulfur-containing amino acid requirement of rapidly growing steers.

Eight ruminally cannulated steers (294 kg, ADG = 1.3 kg/d) were used in a N retention study (8 x 8 latin-square design) to evaluate sulfur-containing (S) amino acid (AA) requirements for growth. Treatments were abomasal infusions of seven levels of L-methionine (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 g/d) and one level of DL-methionine (6 g/d). All steers were fed a semipurified diet based on ammoniated corn cobs (DMI = 6.56 kg/d) and were abomasally infused with 400 g/d dextrose and 296.4 g/d of crystalline AA that simulated the non-S-AA pattern of casein. Infusion of 3 g/d supplemental L-methionine maximized N retention in steers. Intestinal flows of absorbable S-AA were determined to be 1.89 g/kg DMI. Breakpoint analysis of retained N as a function of total absorbable S-AA yielded a total S-AA requirement of 14.7 g/d. Nitrogen retention for DL-methionine (36.4 g/d) was not different (P greater than .05) from that for 6 g/d L-methionine (38.8 g/d), but because this value was not in the linear response range, the efficacy of DL-methionine in meeting S-AA needs could not be evaluated. Plasma methionine concentrations increased linearly (P less than .05) in response to L-methionine infusion and were greater (P less than .05) for steers infused with 6 g/d DL-methionine (45.3 microM) than for steers receiving 6 g/d L-methionine (30.5 microM). Plasma cystine increased when up to 9 g/d L-methionine was infused.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of salinomycin level on nutrient digestibility and ruminal characteristics of sheep and feedlot performance of cattle.

A sheep digestion trial and two feedlot trials with cattle were conducted to study effects of an ionophore, salinomycin, on nutrient digestibility, ruminal metabolism and cattle performance. In trial 1, addition of salinomycin at 5.5, 11 or 22 ppm to 60% concentrate diets fed to ruminal-cannulated rams had no effect (P greater than .05) on apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) or starch in comparison with control diets. Apparent nitrogen (N) digestibility was increased (P less than .05) in animals fed salinomycin. Salinomycin did not affect total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the rumen, but resulted in a linear (P less than .05) increase in molar proportion of propionate and a linear (P less than .05) decrease in molar proportions of acetate and butyrate and in acetate:propionate ratios. Shifts in VFA proportions were fully expressed within 4 d after salinomycin was added to the diet. In trial 2, salinomycin was added at 5.5, 11, 22 or 33 ppm to 85% concentrate diets fed to finishing steers. Salinomycin level had a quadratic effect (P less than .05) on daily weight gain and resulted in a quadratic (P less than .05) decrease in feed intake with a resultant average improvement of 10.3% in feed efficiency. Salinomycin (5.5, 11, 16.5 or 22 ppm) and monensin (22 ppm) were added to 90% concentrate diets in trial 3 and produced increased rates of gain without affecting feed intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid) are not increased in tissue lipids of cattle fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with soybean oil.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid, has many beneficial effects, including decreased tumor growth in animal cancer models. The cis-9, trans-11 isomer of CLA (CLA9,11) can be formed in the rumen as an intermediate in biohydrogenation of linoleic acid. Recent data, however, indicate that tissue desaturation of trans-fatty acids is an important source of CLA9,11 in milk. Our objective was to determine whether supplementing a high-corn diet with soybean oil (SBO; a source of linoleic acid) would increase concentrations of CLA in ruminal contents and tissue lipids. Four ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a Latin square design with 28-d periods. A control diet (80% cracked corn, 2.0% corn steep liquor, 8.0% ground corn cobs, and 10% supplement [soybean meal, ground shelled corn, minerals, and vitamins]) was supplemented with 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5% (DM basis) SBO. Supplemental SBO did not affect ruminal pH or concentrations of the major VFA. The proportion and amount (mg FA/g DM ruminal contents) of CLA9,11 were not increased by increasing dietary SBO. However, the proportion and amount of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer (CLA10,12) in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.006) as dietary SBO increased. Trans-18:1 isomers in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.02) as dietary SBO increased. The proportion of CLA10,12 was correlated positively (P < 0.001) with proportions of trans-C 18:1 isomers in ruminal contents. Conversely, CLA9,11 was correlated negatively (P < 0.05) with the proportions of trans-18:1 in ruminal contents. The same high-corn diet, supplemented with 0 or 5% SBO, was fed to 20 Angus-Wagyu heifers for 102 d in a randomized complete block design to determine the effect of added SBO on tissue deposition of CLA. Supplemental SBO did not affect feed intake, gain:feed, or carcass quality. Tissue samples were obtained from the hindquarter, loin, forequarter, liver, large and small intestine, and subcutaneous, mesenteric, and perirenal adipose depots. The concentration of CLA9,11 was greatest in subcutaneous adipose tissue but was not affected in any tissue by SBO. Supplementing high-corn diets with SBO does not increase CLA9,11 concentrations in tissues of fattening heifers. Research is needed to identify regulatory factors for pathways of biohydrogenation that lead to increased concentrations of CLA10,12 in ruminal contents when high-oil, high-concentrate diets are fed.

Comparison of the effects of three methods of harvesting and storing alfalfa on nutrient digestibility by lambs and feedlot performance of steers.

Two lamb digestion and three steer growth experiments were conducted to study the feeding value of alfalfa harvested as direct-cut silage (DCS) with grain added prior to ensiling or as low-moisture silage (LMS) or hay with grain added at feeding. In all experiments, alfalfa-grain mixtures contained approximately 50% alfalfa and 50% concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis). In Exp. 1, lambs fed DCS alone consumed less DM than lambs fed LMS or hay alone or any of the alfalfa-grain mixtures. Apparent digestibilities of DM and fiber components were higher (P less than .05) for DCS than for LMS or hay. Lambs that were fed LMS digested more (P less than .05) DM and fiber components than lambs fed hay. Addition of grain resulted in increased (P less than .05) DM digestibility and decreased (P less than .05) digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. In Exp. 2, growing steers (271 kg) fed DCS-grain had increased (P less than .05) weight gains compared with steers fed hay-grain. Steers fed any of the alfalfa-grain mixtures gained weight more rapidly (P less than .05) than steers fed corn silage (CS)-based diets. In a third experiment, finishing steers (283 kg) fed DCS-grain, LMS-grain, hay-grain or CS-based diets performed similarly (P greater than .05), although steers fed DCS-grain had higher (P less than .05) dressing percentages and yield grades than steers that were fed the other three diets and were fatter (P less than .05) than those fed LMS-grain or CS. In Exp. 4, lambs fed DCS-grain or LMS-grain had higher (P less than .05) apparent DM and organic matter digestibilities than lambs fed CS-based diets with similar forage:grain proportions. In Exp. 5, finishing steers (326 kg) fed DCS-grain gained similarly (P greater than .05) to steers fed LMS-grain or an 85% concentrate diet based on high-moisture corn. Steers fed CS diets had lower (P less than .05) gains and increased (P less than .05) feed per gain compared with steers fed DCS-grain, LMS-grain or high-moisture corn.

The effect of roasting temperature applied to whole soybeans on site of digestion by steers: I. Organic matter, energy, fiber, and fatty acid digestion.

A 4 x 5 Youden square design was used to determine the effects of form of oil and roasting temperature of soybeans on site and extent of OM, fiber, energy, lipid, and fatty acid digestion and the degree of ruminal biohydrogenation of C18 unsaturated fatty acids. Four steers (373 kg +/- 30.7) with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were fed each of five diets during five periods. Diets contained (percentage of DM) corn silage (50%), alfalfa hay (24%), and a corn-urea concentrate (6%). Cornstarch grits (4%) and whole full-fat soybeans (16% of diet DM), raw or roasted to an exit temperature of 141 degrees, 149 degrees, or 157 degrees C in a commercial roaster, constituted the remainder of the RAW, 141, 149, and 157 treatments. Soybean oil equivalent to the quantity in the whole soybeans (3.4% of diet DM) and corn starch grits (16.6% of diet DM) constituted the basal treatment. Diets provided 6.0% ether extract (EE) and 4.6 Mcal of GE/kg of DM. Flows of nutrients were determined by reference to Cr2O3 as an external marker. Ruminal pH, molar proportions of acetate and butyrate, and total ruminal VFA (mM) were not affected by treatment. Ruminal digestibilities of OM, GE, EE, NDF, and ADF were not different among treatments (average 49.5, 41.7, -3.6, 47.4, and 50.1%, respectively). Small intestinal disappearances of OM, GE, and EE were not different among treatments (average 18.4, 24.8, and 61.6% of intake, respectively). Overall, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 acids averaged 4.4, 25.3, 60.6, and 8.5% of total C18 fatty acids in the diet, respectively; digesta at the duodenum contained 79.0, 16.5, 4.4, and .2%, respectively. The unsaturated C18 fatty acids of soybean oil from whole soybeans, regardless of roasting temperature, were hydrogenated to a similar degree as free soybean oil in the basal diet (average 78.0%). Small intestinal digestibility of total fatty acids was greater (P = .04) for roasted than for raw soybeans (70.9 vs 60.4%). Total tract digestibilities of total C18 fatty acids and total fatty acids were greater (P = .01) for roasted soybeans than for raw soybeans (88.0 vs 82.4 and 86.3 vs 81.0%, respectively). Total tract apparent digestibility of energy was lower (P = .07) for the basal diet than for soybean-containing diets (69.2 vs 70.0%, respectively). Diets containing whole soybeans, regardless of roasting temperature, or free SB oil had similar effects on ruminal characteristics and nutrient digestion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of roasting on site and extent of digestion of soybean meal by sheep: II. Digestion of artifacts of heating.

Six mature wethers (BW 72 kg) with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were fed a basal (no added soybean meal [SBM]) diet or diets containing unheated SBM or SBM roasted at 165 degrees C for 75, 150, 180 or 210 min in a 6 x 6 Latin square experiment. Concentrations of indicators of heat exposure (NDF, ADF, and ADIN) in SBM increased with increasing roasting time. Organic matter digestion characteristics were not affected (P > .05) by supplementation or roasting of SBM. Daily intakes of NDF, ADF, and ADIN were higher (P < .05) when wethers were fed SBM-containing diets than when they were fed the basal diet and also were higher (P < .05) when wethers were fed diets containing roasted SBM than when fed the diet containing unheated SBM. Roasting time of SBM had a quadratic effect (P < .05) on intakes of NDF, ADF, and ADIN, with the lowest intakes observed for diets containing unheated SBM or SBM roasted for 75 min and the highest intakes observed for diets containing SBM roasted for 180 or 210 min. Disappearance of ADF in the stomach (grams per day) was not affected by supplementation or roasting of SBM. Disappearance of NDF and ADIN in the stomach (grams per day) were higher (P < .05) when wethers were fed SBM-containing diets than when they were fed the basal diet and also were higher (P < .05) when wethers were fed diets containing roasted SBM than when they were fed those containing unheated SBM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of forage level and canola seed supplementation on site and extent of digestion of organic matter, carbohydrates, and energy by steers.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fat supplementation from canola seed (CS) on ruminal fermentation and postruminal digestion of OM, carbohydrates, and energy of diets containing different levels of forage. Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (354 kg +/- 18) were given ad libitum access to six isonitrogenous diets that were offered twice daily in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial with two forage levels (70 vs 30% of dietary DM as corn silage) and three forms of CS supplementation including no CS or CS added at 10% of dietary DM as whole CS treated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide or untreated crushed CS. Fat from CS provided 5% of dietary DM. The remaining dietary ingredients were corn, canola meal, molasses, and urea. No interactions (P > .05) between dietary forage level and CS supplementation were observed for ruminal characteristics or digestion of OM, carbohydrates, and energy in the rumen, postruminally, or in the total tract. Fat supplementation from CS did not affect (P > .05) DMI. With few exceptions, fat supplementation did not affect (P > .05) ruminal, postruminal, or total tract digestibilities of OM, structural and nonstructural carbohydrates, and GE. Ruminal disappearance of GE was decreased (P < .05) when diets were supplemented with fat from whole treated CS, and total tract digestibilities of OM and GE were decreased (P < .05) when diets were supplemented with fat from CS in either form. Ruminal pH, concentrations of NH3 N and total VFA, and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were not affected (P > .05) by fat supplementation. Results suggest that fat supplementation from CS (at 5% of dietary DM) as whole treated or untreated crushed had no negative effects on ruminal fermentation of OM, carbohydrates, or energy when steers were given ad libitum access to diets containing high or low forage.

Composition of ruminal bacteria harvested from steers as influenced by dietary forage level and fat supplementation.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary forage level and fat supplementation on the chemical composition of mixed ruminal bacteria (MRB). Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (354 kg +/- 18) were given ad libitum access to six diets (13.2% CP; DM basis) that were offered twice daily in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial with two forage levels (70 vs 30% of dietary DM as corn silage) and three forms of fat supplementation including no canola seed or canola seed added at 10% of dietary DM as whole treated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide or untreated crushed. Canola seed contributed 5% added fat to the total diet. The remaining dietary ingredients were corn, canola meal, molasses, and urea. No interactions (P > .05) between dietary forage level and canola seed supplementation were observed. Concentrations of OM, N, and all amino acids were higher (P < .05) in MRB from steers fed low forage than in MRB from steers fed high forage. Concentrations of purines and GE and the N:purines ratio in MRB were not affected (P > .05) by dietary forage level or canola seed supplementation. Canola seed supplementation did not affect (P > .05) concentrations of OM, N, or most of the amino acids in MRB. Concentrations of four essential amino acids (i.e., isoleucine, leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine) in MRB were decreased (P < .05) due to canola seed supplementation. Dietary forage level did not affect (P > .05) concentrations of long-chain fatty acids in MRB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Digestion responses to low oligosaccharide soybean meal by ileally-cannulated dogs.

We investigated digestion responses to conventional and low oligosaccharide soybean meal (SBM) incorporation into diets for dogs. Five female dogs were fitted with T-type cannulas at the terminal ileum and fed five diets in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Corn grain + poultry meal-based diets containing different levels and types of SBM (0% SBM, 18.55% conventional SBM, 18.55% low oligosaccharide SBM, 37.1% conventional SBM, 37.1% low oligosaccharide SBM) were formulated. Each period consisted of 11 d (7-d diet adaptation; 4-d collection of ileal digesta and feces). Intakes of DM, OM, CP, fat, and GE were not affected (P > .10) by treatment. Higher (P < .01) starch intakes and higher (P < .05) total dietary fiber (TDF) intakes were noted for dogs fed diets with SBM. Digestibilities of CP (P < .04) and starch (P < .002) at the ileum were higher for dogs fed the higher levels of SBM. Ileal digestibilities of most individual amino acids followed the CP response. Total tract digestibility of CP was higher (P < .006) in dogs fed the SBM diets. There were no significant differences in nutrient digestibilities between conventional and low oligosaccharide SBM. Stachyose and raffinose intakes by dogs were decreased dramatically (P < .001) as a result of substituting the low oligosaccharide SBM for conventional SBM at the higher dietary concentration, although sucrose intake by dogs fed low oligosaccharide SBM was higher (P < .001). Galactinol was present in low oligosaccharide SBM but not in conventional SBM. Total tract digestion of all oligosaccharides was near 100%. The low oligosaccharide SBM was digested as extensively, but no better than, conventional SBM.

Current perspective on assessing site of digestion in ruminants.

The site of nutrient digestion in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants affects nutrient availability and the nature of digestive end-products supplied to the host animal. Methods to study site of digestion in vivo provide a tool to obtain data that enhance the ability to interpret or predict animal responses to some feeding practices. Examples are discussed for which site of digestion data provided insights that might not have been evident from other approaches. The use of site of digestion techniques may provide interpretation regarding digestion of N by ruminants different from those derived from measurement of total tract N digestion. Site of digestion measurements have been particularly important in studying effects of heat processing of protein sources and in understanding the nature of digestion of N in high-quality, fresh forages. Moreover, site of digestion techniques have been instrumental in interpreting the influences of supplemental fat sources on ruminal digestion and ruminal biohydrogenation and small intestinal digestion of long-chain fatty acids.

Evaluation of selected mathematical approaches to the kinetics of protein degradation in situ.

A linear model, two mathematical nonlinear models, and a curve-peeling procedure were used to estimate rate and extent of ruminal CP degradation of meat and bone meal (MBM) and soybean meal (SBM) from data obtained using the in situ Dacron polyester bag technique. Most of the values for extent of CP degradation of MBM were lowest when determined using curve peeling or the nonlinear models. In general, rates and extents of CP degradation of MBM estimated using the linear model and including ruminal incubations up to 12 h were greater than those obtained with the linear model and including ruminal incubations up to 24 h or up to 72 h. In addition, the models ranked the MBM samples differently for rate and extent of CP degradation. The results of the lack-of-fit test indicated that the linear model was inappropriate for estimating rate of degradation of MBM. However, CP degradation for SBM could be described by the linear model if long ruminal incubation times (greater than 48 h) were included in the calculations. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate various compositional characteristics as predictors of CP degradation for MBM. Most of the correlation coefficients between CP degradation and the same independent variables were greater when the nonlinear models and curve peeling were used compared with the linear model. In general, the correlation coefficients between extent of CP degradation and the independent variables obtained with the linear model increased as the duration of ruminal incubations included in the model increased. Lysine concentrations, followed by CP solubility and ash content, were the best predictors of ruminal degradation of MBM protein. When using a specific mathematical model to predict CP degradation, analysis of residuals vs fitted and lack-of-fit tests should be performed to assess the validity of the model to describe the degradation patterns of the protein source under consideration. Also, long (at least 48 h) ruminal incubation times may be needed to correctly describe the pattern of CP degradation for MBM.

Supplemental cracked corn for steers fed fresh alfalfa: I. Effects on digestion of organic matter, fiber, and starch.

The effect of supplementation with different levels of cracked corn on the sites of OM, total dietary fiber (TDF), ADF, and starch digestion in steers fed fresh alfalfa indoors was determined. Six Angus steers (338 +/- 19 kg) fitted with cannulas in the rumen, duodenum, and ileum consumed 1) alfalfa (20.4% CP, 41.6% NDF) ad libitum (AALF); 2), 3), and 4) AALF supplemented (S) with .4, .8, or 1.2%, respectively, of BW of corn; or 5) alfalfa restricted at the average level of forage intake of S steers (RALF), in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Total OM intake was lower (P < .01) in steers fed RALF than in those fed AALF but level of forage intake did not affect sites of OM, TDF, or starch digestion (P > .05). Forage OM intake decreased (P < .01) linearly (8,496 to 5,840 g/d) but total OM intake increased (P = .03) linearly (8,496 to 9,344 g/d) as corn increased from .4 to 1.2% BW. Ruminal apparent and true OM disappearance was not affected, but OM disappearing in the small intestine increased (P < .01) linearly with increasing levels of corn. Total tract OM digestibility (71.2 to 76.2%) and the proportion of OM intake that was digested in the small intestine (15.4 to 24.5%) increased (P < .01) linearly as corn increased. The TDF and ADF intakes decreased (P < .01) linearly as level of corn increased. Total tract TDF and ADF digestibilities were not different among treatments (average 62.9 and 57.8%, respectively). Starch intake and starch digested in the rumen and small and large intestine increased (P < .01) linearly with increasing corn level. Ruminal pH and VFA concentrations decreased and increased (P < .01), respectively, with increasing corn. Supplementation with corn increased OM intake, decreased forage OM intake, and increased the proportion of OM that was digested in the small intestine, but fiber digestion was not affected.

Supplemental cracked corn for steers fed fresh alfalfa: II. Protein and amino acid digestion.

The effects of different levels of cracked corn on N intake, ruminal bacterial CP synthesis, and duodenal flows and small intestinal digestion of amino acids (AA) in steers fed fresh alfalfa indoors were determined. Angus steers (n = 6; average BW 338 +/- 19 kg) cannulated in the rumen, duodenum, and ileum were fed each of five diets over five periods in a Latin square design with an extra animal. Steers consumed 1) alfalfa (20.4% CP, 41.6% NDF) ad libitum (AALF); 2), 3), and 4) AALF supplemented (S) with three levels of corn (.4, .8, or 1.2% of BW, respectively), or 5) alfalfa restricted (RALF) to the average forage intake of S steers. Average N intake and duodenal flow of nonammonia N (NAN) were greater (P < .01) in S than in RALF steers. Greater duodenal flows of NAN in S compared with RALF were due to a trend toward higher (P = .06) flows of both bacterial and dietary N. Levels of corn decreased (P < .01) linearly N intake and increased (P < .01) linearly duodenal flow of NAN owing to a numerical linear increase in nonbacterial N (P = .15) with no increase in bacterial N flow. Duodenal NAN flows as percentages of N intake increased (P < .01) linearly (69.3 to 91.0%) as corn increased. Ruminal NH3 N concentration, ruminal CP degradability, and the proportion of bacterial N in duodenal NAN were decreased (P < .01) linearly as corn increased. Efficiency of net microbial CP synthesis was not affected (P > .05) by treatment (average 42.6 and 30.9 g N/kg of OM apparently or truly digested in the rumen, respectively). Small intestinal disappearance of total N and individual AA, except for threonine and lysine, and small intestinal digestibility of N and individual AA, except for methionine, histidine, and proline, increased (P < .01) linearly with level of corn and were greater (P < .01) in S than in RALF steers. Supplementing corn to steers fed fresh alfalfa reduced ruminal N losses and CP degradability and increased the duodenal flow and the small intestinal disappearance and digestibility of total N and total, essential, and nonessential AA.

Fractionation of fiber and crude protein in fresh forages during the spring growth.

The composition of the fiber and CP of alfalfa, bromegrass, and endophyte-free and -infected tall fescue forages was compared during the spring growth from vegetative to reproductive stages. Forages were sampled from April 27 to June 6 in 1994, and from April 27 to June 11 in 1995, with 11 and 12 harvest dates, respectively. Total dietary fiber (TDF) was fractionated into insoluble and soluble fiber (SF). The CP of the forages was fractionated into nonprotein N (A), soluble CP (B1), insoluble CP that was soluble in neutral detergent (B2), CP insoluble in neutral detergent but soluble in acid detergent (B3), and CP insoluble in acid detergent (C). Effects of year, forage species, and harvest dates (day as a covariable) were included in the model. Across harvest dates, alfalfa (A) had lower (P < .01) TDF and higher (P < .01) SF concentrations than grasses (GR) (A: 49.9 and 14.4% and GR: 60.4 and 4.5% [OM basis] for TDF and SF, respectively). Alfalfa had higher (P < .01) CP (20.6% DM) than GR (15.3%). The rate of decrease in CP (% DM) across days was higher (P < .01) for bromegrass (-.4%/d) than for the other forages (-.29%/d). Fraction A (% of CP) was not different (P = .24) among forages (22.5%), but B1 was higher (P < .01) in A (17.1%) than in GR (13.2%). The B2 fraction (% of CP) was higher (P < .01) in A compared with GR (51.6 vs 45.9%, respectively). Alfalfa had lower (P < .01) B3 (3.0% of CP) than bromegrass (18.6%) and tall fescue (13.2%). Fraction C was not different (P = .23) among forages (3.8%). Fractions A, B1, and C (% of CP) did not change (P > .05) across days for all forages. Fraction B2 (% of CP) decreased across days in A (-.21%/d) but was not affected in GR. Fraction B3 (% of CP) increased (P < .05) in A (.1%/d), decreased in endophyte-infected tall fescue (-.20%/d), and did not change (P > .05) in the other forages. Crude protein and fiber composition were affected more by forage species than by maturity. The CP and NDF concentrations were more affected by maturity. Insoluble fractions but not soluble fractions of CP were affected by maturity.

Evaluation of soybean meal, corn gluten meal, blood meal and fish meal as sources of nitrogen and amino acids disappearing from the small intestine of steers.

The value of soybean meal (SBM), corn gluten meal (CGM), blood meal (BM) and fish meal (FM) in supplying N and amino acids (AA) escaping ruminal microbial degradation and disappearing from the small intestine (SI) was studied in steers using a regression approach. Replacement of corn starch in diets with protein sources resulted in decreases (P less than .05) in efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. Ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) had the greatest increase (P less than .05) when SBM was fed; BM supplementation resulted in only nonsignificant increases in ruminal NH3-N (P greater than .05). Soybean meal had the lowest proportion of N escaping ruminal degradation (.21). Corn gluten meal-N (.86) and BM-N (.92) escaped ruminal degradation to the greatest extent, and FM-N was intermediate (.68). Protein sources followed similar trends in providing absorbable nonbacterial N to the SI. Thirteen (+/- 6.2) percent of SBM-N was absorbed from the SI; 69 (+/- 6.2), 68 (+/- 9.1) and 50 (+/- 10.1)% of CGM-N, BM-N and FM-N, respectively, were absorbed from the SI. Values for ruminal escape and SI availability for individual and total AA are presented. Of the essential AA (EAA), threonine, valine and isoleucine were more resistant to ruminal degradation; methionine, cysteine, histidine and arginine were more extensively degraded than the total AA supply. Of the EAA escaping ruminal degradation, cysteine, histidine and threonine tended to be less digestible, whereas arginine was more digestible in the SI than the total AA supply.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate on nitrogen balance, bacterial protein synthesis and sites of nutrient digestion in sheep.

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on nitrogen (N) balance, ruminal N metabolism and site and extent of nutrient digestion in sheep fed 75% concentrate diets. A 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed in both trials with experimental diets balanced for 10.5 or 12.0% crude protein and containing 0 or 3.5% NaHCO3. In experiment 1, 12 lambs were allotted to four diets for two periods in a randomized complete-block design. Dry matter (DM) digestibility was increased (P less than .10) by NaHCO3 supplementation, but organic matter (OM) digestibility was unaffected by treatment. Apparent N digestibility was not affected by NaHCO3 addition but was increased (P less than .0001) at the higher level of protein. Ruminal pH (4 h postfeeding) was increased (P less than .01) by NaHCO3 supplementation. Sodium bicarbonate had no effect on molar proportions of acetate or propionate, but increased molar proportion of butyrate (P less than .10) in ruminal fluid. Mean N retention (g/d) was increased (P less than .05) at the higher protein level, but was not affected by NaHCO3. In experiment 2, four ruminal- and duodenal-cannulated wethers were utilized in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Sodium bicarbonate addition increased ruminal pH (P less than .05) 2 h postfeeding but did not affect ruminal ammonia (NH3) levels, total VFA concentration or ruminal fluid dilution rates. Molar proportion of acetate was increased (P less than .01) by NaHCO3 at the lower protein level. Ruminal particulate dilution rates were increased (P less than .05) by NaHCO3 addition. Ruminal, postruminal and apparent total tract digestibilities of OM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were unaffected by NaHCO3 supplementation. Sodium bicarbonate decreased (P less than .05) ruminal starch digestion at the lower protein level but increased (P less than .05) it at the higher protein level. Bacterial N flow (g/d) at the duodenum and efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis were increased (P less than .10) by NaHCO3 additions.