Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Ruminants Feeding and feeds'

The effect of treatment with 3% aqueous ammonia and 5.3% urea plus jackbean meal on the nutritive value of wheat straw was investigated. The moisture content of the straw was raised to 40% by addition of water. Crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility were highest for the bottom layers, which had the highest moisture. The mean temperature during the first 4 wk post treatment was 11.2 C. Four diets were fed to sheep: untreated straw 1) alone or 2) with 20 g/d urea at feeding time 3) ammonia-treated straw, and 4) urea-treated straw. All diets contained 80 g of liquid molasses, 10 g of NaCl and 6 g of Na 2 S04, and were calculated to be isonitrogenous except the control diet (untreated straw without urea supplementation). Straw was chopped prior to feeding. Crude protein content in wheat straw was tripled by ammonia and urea treatment. Dry matter digestibility in vivo and in vitro was enhanced by ammonia and urea treatment, and the effect was higher for ammonia treatment. Digestibilities of cell wall constituents were higher (P<.05) for ammonia treated straw, compared to urea-treated straw. Urinary N excretion was considerably lower (P<.01) and N retention was higher (P<.01) for lambs fed treated straws, compared to those fed urea at feeding time. Ruminal NH3-N and blood urea concentrations were higher (P<.01) for the lambs fed urea at feeding time, compared to lambs fed the others diets.
M.S.

A replicated 3 x 3 latin square design (3 periods and 6 rumen fistulated steers) was utilized to investigate the effect of dietary concentrate levels (30, 60 and 90%) on the in situ disappearance of dry matter (ISDMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and kinetics of fiber digestion of alfalfa hay, wheat straw and steam processed and flaked milo (SPFM). Concentrate levels of 30 and 60% did not affect (P > .05) ISDMD or NDF disappearance from any of the substrates. However, ISDMD and NDF disappearance of all substrates were depressed (P < .05) by the 90% concentrate diet. The degradation of the potentially digestible fiber in these substrates followed first order kinetics at all concentrate levels. Fiber digestion kinetics were not affected (P > .05) by dietary concentrate levels of 30 or 60%. Incubation of substrates in animals receiving the 90% concentrate diet resulted in lower potential extent of digestion (P > .05) and decreased rate of degradation (P > .05) for all substrates. However, digestion was not complete even after incubations of 168-h, and thus, it is possible that the potential extent of digestion was underestimated. For all substrates lag time of digestion appeared to increase in the 90% concentrate diet. However, influx of NDF-like material into the bag during incubation makes the validity of the lag times obtained in situ questionable. Ruminal pH was depressed in animals consuming the 90% concentrate diet and could be at least one of the factors responsible for the decreased (P > .05) fiber digestibility in this diet. Mean ruminal pH of 6.5 (30 and 60% concentrate diets) did not depress (P > .05) fiber digestibility while a mean pH of 6.2 resulted in a lower (P > .05) fiber digestibility in the rumen.

Linseed meal (LSM) was fed to ovariectomized ewes exposed to estradiol 17-? (E2) implants over time, and LSM was supplemented to beef cows during late gestation and early lactation to evaluate the estrogenic potential of the phytoestrogen secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in LSM. Forty-eight ovariectomized ewes were fed a diet containing 12.5% LSM for 0, 1, 7, or 14 d and implanted with estradiol-17? (E2) for 0, 6, or 24 h before tissue collection. Uterine cellular proliferation, vascularity, and the expression of the angiogenic factors and their receptors were recorded. There was an interaction of LSM and E2 on uterine mass (P = 0.05). At 24 h of E2 exposure, proliferation was reduced (P < 0.001) when ewes were fed for 14 d compared to being fed 0 or 1 days. There was a LSM x E2 interaction (P ? 0.03) on VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) and hasicfihrohlast growth factor receptor (FGFR2) decreasing by 24 h E2 exposure. Exposure of LSM and E2 may impact the estrogenic response of sensitive tissue. Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of supplementing beef cows with LSM during late gestation or early lactation on calf growth and development. In Experiment 1, multiparous cows received either LSM or a control (CON) supplement (approximately 10% diet dry matter) for the last 60 d of gestation. Offspring weights, ADG, heifer age at puberty, conception percentage and steer carcass characteristics were recorded. In Experiment 2, multiparous cows received LSM or CON supplements (approximately 10% diet dry matter) during the first 60 d of lactation, and only heifer calf development performance was observed and recorded. Heifer calf weight, average daily gain, and attainment of puberty were assessed. For both experiments, birth weight, weaning weight and ADG were not affected (P > 0.31) by LSM supplementation. While final body weights were heavier (P = 0.04) for steer calves in Experiment 1, there was no effect (P = 0.09) of supplementation on carcass characteristics. In Experiment 1 and 2, attainment of puberty in heifer calves was not influenced (P > 0.58) by supplement type. Linseed meal supplementation during late gestation or early lactation does not appear to have a negative impact on calf growth, onset of puberty in heifer calves, or steer carcass quality, implicating that it may make a good supplement choice in cattle.

Copies of the author's previously published articles inserted. Bibliography: leaves 142-159. Provides information on the significance of pea straw as a ruminant feed and the potential of two biological techniques for improving its feeding value.

Bibliography: leaves 102-114. This study evaluates the difference in the nutritive value of rice straw varieties using chemical composition and digestibility measurements. It assesses several methods for improving the nutritive value of rice straw and the effect of urea treatment and rice straw quality on the colonisation of ruminal fungi and the characteristics of stem tissue structure.

Lupin seed has the potential to be used as a protein supplement in ruminant rations, but its usage is restricted by the presence of alkaloids. Experiments were conducted with the aim of determining whether the removal of specific toxic alkaloids, lupanine and 13-hydroxylupanine, from crushed lupin seed (CLS) would improve the organic matter intake (OMI) and average daily gains (ADG) in lambs, and also improve the lactation performance in dairy cows. Effects on liver function in lambs were also investigated. An additional study on the effects of the detoxification of CLS on the degradation of protein was conducted. In Experiment 1, 30 growing Corriedale lambs were fed five diets for 105 d according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six blocks. Two diets contained intact CLS at 15% (LUI-15) or 30% (LUI-30) of DM; two other diets contained detoxified CLS at 15% (LUD-15) or 30% (LUD-30) and the control (CON) diet was supplemented with crushed sunflower seed, which was locally prepared, on-farm. All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (16% CP). The alkaloid content (lupanine and 13-OH lupanine) of the diets was.31,.70,.21 and.52% for LUI-15, LUI-30, LUD-15 and LUD-30, respectively. Thus, diets containing detoxified CLS contained approximately 30% less alkaloids than those with intact CLS. Estimates of ADG of lambs fed diets containing detoxified CLS was higher (P $<$.01) (120 g.d$ sp{-1}$) than that of lambs fed intact CLS (76 g.d$ sp{-1}$). The OMI (73 g/Wkg$ sp{0.75}$) was also higher, although not significantly, for lambs fed diets containing detoxified CLS. Feed conversion efficiency was increased (P $<$.05) by the detoxification of CLS. Lambs fed diets containing intact CLS consumed more OMI as time progressed, suggesting that adaptation to CLS might have occurred. Lambs fed diets containing intact CLS demonstrated increased trends in the activity in plasma of the enzymes glutamic oxaloacetic transferase (GOT) and $ gamma$-glutamyl transfer

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da carne de cordeiros mestiços Santa Inês alimentados com levedura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inativa da cana-de-açúcar em substituição ao farelo de soja. Foram ofertadas dietas com quatro níveis de substituição (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de levedura aos animais que foram abatidos com 35 kg de peso vivo. Foram realizadas as análises físicas e a determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas, gordura e colesterol no músculo Longissimus dorsi. Os níveis de substituição de 33 e 100% influenciaram a composição protéica da carne e os valores de lipídio não apresentaram diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). O teor de colesterol foi menor para os animais que receberam dietas contendo levedura. O índice de fragmentação miofibrilar apresentou diferença entre os níveis de substituição. A maciez, quando analisado pelo método físico, foi satisfatória em carnes do tratamento 33% de substituição
This study aimed to evaluate Santa Inês lambs meat wich was fed with inactive yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) instead of soy meal. The treatments offer were four levels (0, 33, 66 e 100%) of yeast to animals until the weight average 35 kg and they were slaughtered. The analyses were physical and humidity determination, protein, ash, fat cholesterol and in Longissimus dorsi muscle. The inclusion levels influenced in the protein composition of meat. The lipid values were similar (p> 0,05) between the treatments. The values of the tenderness fragmentation index showed variation between treatments. When the softness was analyzed by a physical method it confirmed that the meat has a satisfactory level of tenderness and cholesterol is similar to animals fed with yeast

Orientador: André Mendes Jorge
Coorientador: José Teodorico de Araújo Filho
Banca: Cledson Augusto Garcia
Banca: Paulo Roberto Meirelles
Banca: Cristiana Andrighetto
Banca: Janaina Haddich Conte
Resumo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da carne de cordeiros mestiços Santa Inês alimentados com levedura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inativa da cana-de-açúcar em substituição ao farelo de soja. Foram ofertadas dietas com quatro níveis de substituição (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de levedura aos animais que foram abatidos com 35 kg de peso vivo. Foram realizadas as análises físicas e a determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas, gordura e colesterol no músculo Longissimus dorsi. Os níveis de substituição de 33 e 100% influenciaram a composição protéica da carne e os valores de lipídio não apresentaram diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). O teor de colesterol foi menor para os animais que receberam dietas contendo levedura. O índice de fragmentação miofibrilar apresentou diferença entre os níveis de substituição. A maciez, quando analisado pelo método físico, foi satisfatória em carnes do tratamento 33% de substituição
Abstract : This study aimed to evaluate Santa Inês lambs meat wich was fed with inactive yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) instead of soy meal. The treatments offer were four levels (0, 33, 66 e 100%) of yeast to animals until the weight average 35 kg and they were slaughtered. The analyses were physical and humidity determination, protein, ash, fat cholesterol and in Longissimus dorsi muscle. The inclusion levels influenced in the protein composition of meat. The lipid values were similar (p> 0,05) between the treatments. The values of the tenderness fragmentation index showed variation between treatments. When the softness was analyzed by a physical method it confirmed that the meat has a satisfactory level of tenderness and cholesterol is similar to animals fed with yeast
Doutor

Thesis (MScAgric) -- Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ruminant has the ability to utilize forages more efficiently than any other production animal. The utilization of forage fibre is an important aspect of ruminant production systems, as this is the main source of energy available to the animal. The availability of high-fibre forage nutrients is, however, restricted by cell wall degradability, and since low quality forages contribute a great deal to ruminant production systems worldwide, the improvement of this degradation process is of major economic importance. The use of exogenous fibre degrading enzymes has been proposed as a means of enhancing this process, with positive results being obtained from in vitro studies incorporating exogenous enzyme preparations. Positive in vivo results with regard to forage digestibility and other animal production parameters have consequently also been obtained following the addition of exogenous fibre-degrading enzyme preparations to the ruminant diet. Two initial screening experiments were undertaken in order to identify fungal enzyme preparations that may have a positive effect on in vitro fibre degradability. The initial screening employed an in vitro organic matter digestibility technique, and was successful in identifying at least six enzyme preparations displaying enhanced digestibility results that were statistically significant. A second in vitro gas production procedure was used to confirm results obtained from organic matter digestibility assays, as well as to increase screening capacity in order to evaluate new enzyme preparations more time-efficiently. Statistical analysis of results obtained from the secondary screening identified various enzyme candidates producing promising results. Only one of these, Abo 374, proved to be statistically superior to the control and other enzyme preparations. A growth trial was subsequently conducted to assess the performance of this enzyme in vivo. The trial involved individual feeding of 32 Dohne Merino ram lambs grouped according to weights into four groups consisting of 8 lambs each. Each group represented a specific application level of enzyme to the wheat straw component of a high fibre diet, amounting to 10, 5, or 1 ml enzyme supematant/kg straw. The enzyme was diluted with water at appropriate rates to obtain an application rate of 300ml/kg straw. The fourth (control) group was treated with water at the same application rate. The trial was conducted over a period of six weeks, during which feed intakes, weekly weight gains, as well as feed conversion efficiencies were recorded. Results suggested significant weight gains in the high (10ml/kg) and medium (5ml/kg) treatment groups, indicated by a P-value of 0.04. Similarly, feed conversion efficiencies were improved for above-mentioned groups (P=0.05), while feed intakes did not differ significantly between the four experimental groups.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die herkouer besit die vermoee om ruvoere beter as enige ander produksiedier te kan benut. Die gebruik van ruvoervesel is 'n belangrike aspek van herkouer produksiesisteme, aangesien ruvoere die hoof bron van energie aan die herkouer verskaf. Die beskikbaarheid van hoe-vesel ruvoer nutriente word egter beperk deur die degradeerbaarheid van die selwand, en aangesien lae kwaliteit ruvoere 'n groot bydrae tot wereldwye herkouer-produksiesisteme maak, is die moontlike verbetering van hierdie degraderingsproses van groot ekonomiese belang. In 'n poging om hierdie verteringsproses te help bevoordeel, is die gebruik van eksogene veselverterende ensieme ondersoek, en positiewe resultate is verkry wanneer hierdie ensieme in in vitro studies gebruik is. Goeie verbeterings ten opsigte van ruvoer verteerbaarheid en ander diereproduksie parameters is ook verkry deur middel van in vivo studies waar eksogene ensieme by die ruvoer van herkouers gevoeg IS. Twee eksperimente is ondemeem in 'n poging om ensiempreparate wat 'n moontlike positiewe effek op in vitro veselvertering mag he, te identifiseer. Die eerste, 'n in vitro organiese materiaal verteerbaarheid tegniek, was suksesvol in die identifisering van minstens ses ensiem preparate wat statisties betekenisvolle verbeterings ten opsigte van verteringsresultate geproduseer het. 'n Tweede in vitro gasproduksie prosedure is vervolgens gebruik om resultate verkry vanaf die eerste tegniek, te bevestig, asook om evalueringskapasiteit te vergroot en sodoende, nuwe ensiempreparate meer tydseffektief te evalueer. Statistiese evaluering van resultate verkry uit die tweede in vitro tegniek het 'n reeks ensieme met positiewe resultate opgelewer. Een van hierdie, Ab0374, het statisties betekenisvolle resultate ten opsigte van die kontrole, sowel as ander ensieme getoon. In 'n volgende eksperiment is 'n groeiproef gedoen om die effektiwiteit van hierdie ensiem in vivo te toets. In die proef is 32 Dohne Merino ramlammers op grond van hul gewig in vier groepe van agt skape elk verdeel, en individueel gevoer. Die groepe het verskillende toedieningsvlakke van die toetsensiem, toegedien tot die koringstrooi komponent van 'n hoe-vesel dieet, ontvang. Toedieningsvlakke was 10, 5, of lml ensiemkonsentraat/kg strooi. Elke groep se ensiemkonsentraat is verdun met die toepaslike hoeveelheid water om 'n toedieningsvlak van 300ml ensiemoplossing/kg koringstrooi te verkry. 'n Vierde groep is behandel slegs met water teen dieselfde toedieningsvlak, en het gedien as 'n kontrole. Die eksperiment is oor 'n periode van 6 weke uitgevoer. Tydens die proeftydperk is voerinnames, weeklikse gewigstoenames, sowel as voeromsetverhoudings, gedokumenteer. Resultate het betekenisvolle gewigstoenames in die hoe (lOml/kg) en medium (5ml/kg) groepe opgelewer, aangedui deur 'n P-waarde van 0.04. Voeromsetverhoudinge het ook verbeteringe getoon vir bogenoemde twee groepe (P=0.05), terwyl voerinnames nie merkbaar tussen die vier groepe verskil het nie.

A series of studies was conducted using SEM in conjunction with chemical analysis, in situ and in vitro digestion techniques, to characterize the anatomical components from barley, corn, sorghum and wheat grains which constitute "fiber" and investigate their susceptibility to rumen microbial digestion. Fractured grains were used to identify anatomical features and cell types prior to and after extraction or digestion. Certain anatomical features, including pericarp tissue, aleurone cells, endosperm cell walls, corneous and floury endosperm tissue and lemma and palea from barley, were easily identifiable in fractured and ground grains, and in neutral detergent extracted or digested residues. In situ and in vitro incubation conditions were varied to assess the effect of concentrate and/or reduction of pH on the disappearance of identifiable grain fractions. In situ incubations were conducted using steers adapted to 0-, 30- and 90% concentrate diets. In vitro inoculum buffered at pH 7 or 6 was provided by a steer fed 0- or 90% concentrate. Tissues resistant to rumen microbial digestion during extended (144-h) in situ incubations and shorter term (12- to 48-h) in vitro incubations were primarily those identified in NDF, and included pericarp, lemma and palea, and small amounts of corneous endosperm. Remaining tissues identified included barley lemma, palea and pericarp; corn pericarp, tip cap and small amounts of corneous endosperm; sorghum pericarp and corneous endosperm with matrix and protein bodies; and wheat pericarp. In vitro disappearance of isolated NDF after 48-h ranged from 43% for barley to 89% for corn. Labile structures included embryonic tissue and portions of endosperm cell walls, protein matrix and residual starch. Resistant tissues included pericarp, aleurone cell walls, tip cap and portions of the corneous endosperm. Relative rankings of NDF digestibility under all conditions studied were similar (corn > sorghum > wheat > barley) whether determined using isolated NDF or calculated from TIVDMD residues. Neither concentrate level fed to the host animal nor pH of the in vitro incubation flask affected rankings among grains, although increasing concentrate level and/or reducing pH appeared to reduce in vitro NDF disappearance. Evaluation of electron micrographs of fractured grains suggested that similar anatomical structures in the various grains differed in their resistance to microbial digestion. For example, pericarp from barley and wheat appeared to be more resistant than that from corn or sorghum. Endosperm of barley was less resistant than that of sorghum.

Thirty six: Holstein bull calves were assigned to a 3X3 factorial design with ration physical forms of chopped hay (CH), ground hay (GR) and all concentrate (CONC) and rumen degradable nitrogen (RDN) of 30, 45 and 60%. Metabolic body weight, liver weight and blood glucose were greatest in CONC-fed calves. Neither dry matter nor ash content of liver tissue was affected by either physical form or RDN. Within physical form, protein content was highest and fat lowest in livers of CH-fed caIves. Within RDN, livers of calves feel 30% RDN rations had lowest protein and highest fat content. RDN percent had no effect on carbon dioxide production. Livers from CONC-fed calves produced significantly· (P<.05) more carbon dioxide from [1⁻¹⁴C}propionate and [U⁻¹⁴C}lactate.Glucose production from propionate and lactate was greatest for CONC-fed and 60% RDN-fed calves, although significant only from lactate within physical form. Interaction between ration physical form and RDN makes interpretation of propionate data difficult. In 30% RDN-fed calves both lactate and propionate metabolism was similar for GR- and CONC-fed animals. At 45 and 60% RDN rations, CONC- and CH-fed calves had similar gluconeogenic rates from propionate but glucose from lactate was significantly greater in livers of CONC-fed calves compared to GR- and CH-feet animals. Ten lactating and five dry Holstein cows were liver biopsied at various stages of lactation (30,60,90,120,180 days postpartum and dry) and when fed two rations, control ( 18% CF) or high concentrate (HI CONC, 10.5% CF). Lactating cows at 30 and 60 days and dry cows were fed the control ration. After 60 days half the cows remained on the control ration and half the lactating cows were changed to the HI CONC ration. Milk fat percent was depressed in cows fed HI CONC ration. Milk fat percent was depressed in cows fed HI COCC ration. HI CONC cows consumed more dry matter and due to the higher energy content reached a positive energy balance before control cows. Rumen fluid volatile fatty acid production was not affected by stage of Lactation or ration fed. Both plasma glucose and plasma insulin nonsignificantly increased as lactation progressed. Liver tissue protein did not change over lactation but increased when HI CONC ration was fed. Stage of lactation affected (P<.0002) propionate metabolism to carbon dioxide with higher production at 120 days compared to 180 days. By ration, HI CONC cows' livers produced more carbon dioxide than control cows’ livers. Feeding the HI CONC ration significantly increased labelled glucose production. Increased production of both labeled carbon dioxide and glucose by liver from cows fed HI CONC ration was nonsignificant when based on liver protein content. Carbon dioxide/glucose ratio was similar for lactating (>60 days) and dry cows. Cows early in lactation (30 days) had significantly lower carbon dioxide/glucose ratios, indicating a higher glucose production. Ration and stage of lactation are important factors in ruminant metabolism.. Gluconeogenesis, a pathway especially important in ruminants, is affected by both factors. In calves and cows, concentrate rations increased glucose production. Ration RDN, studied in calves, affected lactate metabolism to glucose. The liver of lactating cows showed a greater response (increase in glucose production) to stage of lactation than ration fed demonstrating the importance of energy balance on ruminant metabolism.
Ph. D.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 1999.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The rate of hydrolysis of urea in the rumen of animals is a major limitation when considering the substitution of natural protein with urea in the formulation of rations. The aim of this study was to evaluate polymer coated urea prills with variable coating thickness and evaluate its potential as a slow-release NPN compound. A new slowrelease urea compound, made by coating prilled feedgrade urea with a co-polymer of urea-formaldehyde resin and a castor-coconut alkyd was initially evaluated for urea-nitrogen concentration in distilled water in order to evaluate its potential as a slow-release urea product for ruminants. Amino/alkyd or polyester blends are among the cheapest of the modern synthetic systems and are considered because it is non-toxic, low-cost, biodegradable and easy to manufacture. A 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used and 16 individual products were made and evaluated. The Wurster method was used to encapsulate urea prills. The slopes of the urea release curves represented the release rate of the encapsulated products and were compared to identify the process variables, which had an effect on release rate. Two of the coating variables, coating weight and alkyd: resin ratio, had a major effect (P = 0.0001) on the release rate of urea. The crushing strength of encapsulated products was significantly (P = 0.0001) higher than that of untreated urea. Results motivated the evaluation of the products in the rumen of sheep in terms of rumen ammonia and blood urea N concentrations. Four slow-release products were made after interpreting results from the first study, and differed on account of the coating weight and the composition of the co-polymer. Fifteen fistulated wethers were randomly allotted into 5 groups and intraruminally received an equivalent of 15g urea. Rumen ammonia and blood ammonia were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36 and 48 h after administration of the various treatments. Slow release urea (SRU) resulted in significantly lower rumen ammonia peaks (P = 0.0001) than untreated urea, while the peaks were also significantly delayed. Untreated urea resulted in the maximum concentration at two hours after administration of the urea (P = 0.0685) while the SRU's reached a maximum at six hours after administration in the rumen. No significant differences between the four different SRU types were found. Responses in blood urea-N was similar to that observed for rumen ammonia nitrogen. The encapsulation was effective in decreasing the rate of ammonia release from the urea for up to six hours after administration. In a third trial four Dehne Merino wethers were used in a 2 x 2 Latin square design. They received a SRU product equivalent to 0.4 g urea per kg body weight orally. Rumen liquor and blood samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36 and 48 h after intake. Difficulty was initially experienced with ingestion and palatability of the SRU products due to the strong formaldehyde and butanone odour present in the coating. The maximum rumen ammonia (NH3) concentration for the SRU were lower than that of untreated urea (17.5 mg N/dl vs. 66.9 mg N/dl). The time to reach blood urea levels also differed considerably (6 h vs. 24 h for blood urea nitrogen) between treatments. The encapsulation of urea prills shows potential solutions to reduce the solubility of urea and also reduce the hygroscopic nature of urea and improve the palatability and storage characteristics thereof. Keywords: Slow-release urea, encapsulate, copolymer, urea formaldehyde rumen ammonia, blood urea nitrogen, solubility, palatability, storage characteristics.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vinnige tempo waarteen ureum in die rumen na ammoniak omgesit word, is die grootste beperking in die optimale benutting van ureum, as vervanging van natuurlike protein in herkouerrantsoene. Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n stadig vrystellende ureumproduk te ontwikkel wat die rumenammoniakvlak gedurende 'n aansienlike periode van die dag bokant 'n sekere vlak kan hou. 'n Nuwe stadig vrystellende ureumproduk, vervaardig deur ureumkorrels met 'n kopolimeer van ureum-formaldehiedhars en 'n kastor-en klapperalkied te bedek, is geevalueer om die potentiaal as stadig vrystellende nie-protein stikstof (NPN)-produk vir herkouers te ondersoek. Die veiligheid, biodegradeerbaarheid, lae koste en maklike vervaardiging van amino/alkied-kopolimere maak dit een van die goedkoopste sintetiese sisteme om vir stadig vrystellende sisteme te oorweeg. 'n 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 Faktoriale antwerp is gebruik om 16 individuele produkte te vervaardig. Die Wurster-metode is gebruik om individuele korrels te enkapsuleer met die polimeer en die potentiaal van die produkte is aanvanklik geevalueer deur die ureumstikstofvrystelling in gedistilleerde water te meet. Die hellings van die vrystellingsgrafieke is vergelyk om die veranderlikes te bepaal wat die grootste invloed op die vrystellingstempo van ureum uit die ge·inkapsuleerde produkte het. Resultate dui dat twee verandelikes 'n betekenisvolle effek het op die vrystellingstempo, nl. dikte van die omhulsel, en die samestelling van die kopolimeer (P = 0.0001 en P = 0.0135, onderskeidelik) het. Die samedrukbaarheid van die ge ·lnkapsuleerde produkte was ook betekenisvol hoer (P = 0.0001) as die van onbehandelde ureumkorrels, wat lei tot verbeterde bergings- en hanteringseienskappe. lnterpetering van resultate lei tot die vorming van vier stadig vrystellende produkte. Vyf groepe van 3 volwasse rumengefistuleerde Dohnemerinohamels is in 'n proef gebruik om die potentiaal van die produkte verder te ondersoek. 'n Ekwivalent van 15 g ureum is direk in die rumen van elke dier geplaas en ammoniak-en bloed monsters is 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36 & 48 ure na dosering geneem. Die stadig vrystellende ureumprodukte het 'n betekenisvol laer maksimum waardes vir beide ammoniak-en bloedstikstofureum getoon (P = 0.0001 ). Onbehandelde ureum het 'n maksimum rumenammoniakstikstof konsentrasie reeds twee ure na toediening bereik in vergelyking met ses ure vir die stadig vrysellende produkte. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in hierdie parameters is tussen die ge·lnkapsuleerde produkte gevind nie, terwyl geen interaksie is tussen hoofeffekte voorgekom het nie. In 'n derde proef is vier Dohnemerinohamels gebruik om die vrystellingstempos, in terme van rumenammoniak-en bloedureumstikstof te bepaal waar die stadig vrystellende produk en onbehandelde ureum direk aan die diere gevoer is . 'n Ekwivalent van 0.4 g ureum/kg liggaamsmassa is gevoer. Aanvanklik is inname- en smaakliksheidprobleme ondervind, moontlik as gevolg van die sterk butanoon-en formaldehiedreuk van die omhulsel. Die rumenammoniakstikstof het 'n laer maksimum (17.5 vs. 66.9 mg N/1 00 ml) as die van onbehandelde ureum gehad terwyl die tyd wanneer maksimum konsentrasie bereik word ook aansienlik later was. Die polimeer inkapsulering van ureumkorrels toon potensiaal as 'n stadig vrystellende ureumproduk deurdat dit die oplosbaarheid van ureum in die rumen verlaag. Bykomende voordele is dat die omhulsel die higroskopisiteit verlaag en die samedrukbaarheid verhoog, beide eienskappe wat die hantering-en bergingseienskappe bevorder. Sleutelwoorde: Stadig vrystellende ureum, enkapsulering, kopolimeer, ureumformaldehied, rumenammoniak, bloed ureum stikstof, oplosbaarheid, smaaklikheid, bergingseienskappe.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of fungal enzymes as ruminant feed digestibility enhancers was investigated. Currently, ruminants may not digest 38 to 80 % of fibrous forages' content. A renewed interest in the potential of feed enzymes for ruminants was prompted by the high costs of livestock production, together with the availability of newer enzyme preparations. Direct application of enzyme preparations can improve in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradation, indicating that direct-fed fibrolytic enzymes may be effective in enhancing in vivo digestion of forages. Two commercial enzyme products, Fibrozyme and Celluclast, and fungal extracellular enzyme extracts from Aureobasidium pullulans, Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus aculeatus, and Thermomyces lanuginosus were evaluated for enhancing in vitro feed digestibility. Fibrozyme addition to both wheat straw and lucerne hay did not improve their in vitro digestibilities, even after a two hour pre-incubation period. The four fungal enzyme extracts did not enhance wheat straw's digestibility, but marginal increases were evident for lucerne hay. Celluclast addition resulted in marginal increases in the digestibility of both oat hay and oat silage, with no enhanced effect on lucerne hay and NaOH-treated wheat straw. No relationship could be found between the level of enzyme activity and the degree of feed digestion in the in vitro assay. Enzyme hydrolysis with Celluclast, in the absence of rumen fluid, gave more conclusive results. All the feed samples tested showed a positive response to Celluclast addition, even the less digestible feeds, namely sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw. In vitro results show that the assays were unsuccessful, because almost all of the experiments conducted showed inconclusive results. Alternative feed evaluation assays, which include the in vivo, in sacco and in situ methods of analysis, as well as gas production measurement and in vitro analysis with the DAISyII system, should be evaluated. A more detailed study of feed digestibility should be motivated by determining which feeds are hydrolysable, their chemical composition, i.e. how accessible the feeds are, and also evaluation of feed mixtures. The enzyme supplements also need to be evaluated for optimum temperature and pH, as well as the compilation of enzyme cocktails.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van swamensieme om die verteerbaarheid van herkouervoere te verhoog, is ondersoek. Tussen 38 en 80 % van veselagtige voere se inhoud is tans onverteerbaar. 'n Hernieude belangstelling in die potensiaal van voerensieme vir herkouers word deur die hoë koste van veeproduksie, asook die beskikbaarheid van nuwe ensiempreparate gedryf Direkte byvoeging van ensiempreparate kan die in vitro droëmateriaal (DM) en neutrale onoplosbare vesel (NOV) vertering verbeter, wat daarop dui dat fibrolitiese ensieme wat direk gevoer word, effektief mag wees tydens die in vivo vertering van voer. Twee kommersiële ensiemprodukte, Fibrozyme en Celluclast, en die vier ekstrasellulêre ensieme van vier swamme, naamlik Aureobasidium pullulans, Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus aculeatus, en Thermomyces lanuginosus is vir hul vermoë om die in vitro verteerbaarheid van voere te verbeter getoets. Byvoeging van Fibrozyme by beide koringstrooi en lusernhooi het geen verbetering in hulonderskeie in vitro verteerbaarheid tot gevolg gehad nie, selfs nie eens na 'n twee uur vooraf inkubasieperiode nie. Koringstrooi se verteerbaarheid is nie verbeter deur die byvoeging van die vier swam-ensiempreparate nie, maar 'n minimale verbetering is wel waargeneem in die verteerbaarheid van lusernhooi. Byvoeging van Celluclast het 'n minimale verbetering in beide hawerhooi en hawerkuilvoer se verteerbaarheid tot gevolg gehad, maar geen effek op lusernhooi of NaOH-behandelde koringstrooi se verteerbaarheid nie. Geen verwantskap is tussen die vlak van ensiemaktiwiteit en die mate van vertering tydens die in vitro toets gevind nie. Ensiematiese afbraak met Celluclast, in die afwesigheid van rumenvloeistof, het meer konkrete resultate gelewer. Al die voermonsters het 'n positiewe respons op die byvoeging van Celluclast getoon, selfs ook die minder verteerbare voere, nl. suikerrietbagasse en koringstrooi. In die wyer konteks was die resulate van die in vitro verteringstoetse egter onbeduidend as gevolg van groot variasie in die metings. Alternatiewe voerontledingstoetse, wat moontlik beter resultate mag lewer, sluit in in vivo, in sacco en in situ analises, asook die meting van gasproduksie en in vitro analise met die DAISyII sisteem. 'n Meer uitgebreide studie van voerverteerbaarheid wat die bepaling van die afbraak van voere, hul chemiese samestelling, met ander woorde toeganklikheid van voere, en die ondersoek van voermengsels behels, behoort aandag te geniet. Die ensiemmengsels behoort ook ten opsigte van samestelling, optimum temperatuur en pH ondersoek teword.

Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
Includes bibliography.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Forages are the main feed components in ruminant production systems for the reason that they are often the major source of energy available to the animal. However, only 10 to 35% of energy intake is available as net energy because the digestion of plant cell walls is not complete. This can significantly affect livestock performance and profits in production systems that use forages as a major source of nutrients of the diet. As a result of low and variable nutritive values of forage feedstuffs, attempts to improve ruminal fibre degradability have been an ongoing research topic. The use of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) has been proposed as means to improve forage digestibility. Positive results with regard to rumen forage digestibility and other animal production traits have consequently been obtained due to increased rumen microbial activity following EFE addition in ruminant diets. Two EFE (Abo 374 and EFE 2) and one commercial yeast preparation were firstly identified and selected for their potential to improve the cumulative gas production (GP) at 24 hours of a range of feed substrates using the in vitro GP system as a screening step to identify the superior EFE products. The different feed substrates were lucerne hay, wheat straw, wheat straw treated with urea and a commercial concentrate diet. An in vitro experiment was undertaken on these four different substrates in order to evaluate the two EFE and the yeast preparation. This was to identify the most promising EFE capable of producing a significant effect on feed digestibility using organic matter digestibility (in vitro true digestibility) and fermentation characteristics (in vitro GP system). Results from the in vitro evaluation showed that EFE significantly enhanced in vitro DM degradability and GP profiles (P < 0.05). Abo 374 enzyme showed potential to increase in vitro microbial protein synthesis (MPS) of GP residues of the concentrate diet. In addition, no correlation was found between the in vitro MPS and the 48 hours cumulative GP of all the tested substrates (P < 0.05; R2 < 0.30). Treatments were found to increase in vitro MPS, feed degradability and the cumulative GP of different quality forages and the concentrate diet, with Abo 374 being the best treatment (P < 0.05). However in vitro responses of EFE were variable depending on the energy concentration and chemical composition of different substrates. Variation in MPS was mostly due to the low recovery of purine derivates with the purine laboratory analysis. On the basis of these results, Abo 374 was selected and consequently further tested in another in vitro and in situ trial using a mixed substrate of lucerne hay and wheat straw. Abo 374 significantly improved the cumulative GP, in vitro DM and NDF disappearance of the mixed substrate (P < 0.05). In addition, no correlation was found between the in vitro MPS and the cumulative GP at 48 hours (P = 0.68; R2 < 0.25). The in situ disappearance of feed nutrients (DM, NDF and CP) with Abo 374 was similar to the control. The lack of significance of disappearance was probably due to the small number of sheep used in the study and the relatively high coefficient of variation associated with measuring ruminal digestion. Abo 374 significantly increased the in situ MPS (P = 0.0088) of the mixed substrate of lucerne hay and wheat straw. Evidence of the increased MPS and both in vitro and in situ disappearance of DM and NDF resulted from the Abo 374 activity during either the pre-treatment or the digestion process. The addition of Abo 374 to the mixed substrate of lucerne hay and wheat straw appeared to have been beneficial for microbial colonization of feed particles as a result of the increased rumen activity. It could be speculated that the primary microbial colonization was thus initiated, leading to the release of digestion products that attract in return additional bacteria to the site of digestion. This EFE may be efficient to produce some beneficial depolymerisations of the surface structure of the plant material and the hydrolytic capacity of the rumen to improve microbial attachment and the feed digestibility thereafter. Therefore, the mechanism of action by which Abo 374 improved the feed digestion can be attributed to the increased microbial attachment, stimulation of the rumen microbial population and synergistic effects with hydrolases of ruminal micro-organisms. With regard to these findings, the addition of EFE in ruminant systems can improve the ruminal digestion of DM, NDF and CP to subsequently enhance the supply of the metabolizable protein to the small intestine. Key words: crude protein (CP), exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE), dry matter (DM), gas production (GP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), microbial protein synthesis (MPS).
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ruvoere is die hoof-voerkomponent in herkouer produksiesisteme aangesien dit dikwels die vernaamstebron van energie aan herkouer is. Slegs 10 tot 35% van die energie-inname is beskikbaar as netto-enrgie, omdat die vertering van selwande onvolledig is. Dit kan die prestasie en profyt in produksiesisteme drasties beïnvloed waar ruvoere as ’n hoofbron van nutriënte in die dieet gebruik word. Aangesien die nutriëntwaarde van ruvoere laag is en baie varieer, is navorsing vir verbeterde ruminale veselvertering steeds ’n voorgesette onderwerp. Dit is voorgestel dat eksogeniese fibrolitese ensieme (EFE) gebruik kan word vir verbeterde ruvoervertering. Positiewe resultate in ruminale ruvoerverterig en ander diereproduksie-eienskappe, is verkry as gevolg van toenemende rumen mikrobiese aktiwiteit na EFE aanvulling in herkouerdiëte. Twee EFE’s (Abo 374 en EFE 2) en `n gisproduk is geïdentifiseer en geselekteer vir hul potensiaal om die kumulatiewe gasproduksie (GP) na 24 uur met ’n reeks voersubstrate te verbeter met die gebruik van die in vitro GP sisteem as seleksiemetode om die superieure EFE produkte te identifiseer. Die verskillende ruvoersubstrate was lusernhooi, koringstrooi, ureumbehandelde koringstrooi en ’n kommersiële konsentraatdieet. ’n In vitro eksperiment was onderneem om die vier verskillende substrate te gebruik om die twee EFE’s en gisproduk te evalueer. Hierdeur sou die belowendste EFE’s identifiseer kon word wat ’n betekenisvolle effek op ruvoervertering het. Die vertering van ruvoer sal bepaal word deur organiese materiaal vertering (in vitro ware vertering), asook fermentasie-eienskappe (in vitro GP sisteem). Resultate van die in vitro evaluering het getoon dat EFE’s in vitro DM degradering en GP profiele verbeter. Dit blyk dat die Abo 374 ensiem ’n potensiële toemame in in vitro mikrobiese proteïensintese (MPS), soos bepaal deur die GP oorblyfsels van konsentraat diëte, tot gevolg gehad het. Daar was geen korrelasie tussen die in vitro GP en MPS van al die proefsubstrate nie. Dit blyk dat die behandelings ’n toename in in vitro GP, MPS en ruvoerdegradeerbaarheid van lae kwaliteit ruvoer- en konsentraatdiëte gehad het, waar Abo 374 die beste behandeling was. Die in vitro reaksies van die EFE’s was egter wisselend, afhangende van die energiekonsentrasie en die chemiese samestelling van die verskillende substrate. Variasie van MPS was meestal as gevolg van die lae herwinning van purienderivate tydens die purienanalise. Op grond van dié resultate, is Abo 374 geselekteer om verdere toetse in ander in vitro en in situ proewe te doen. Die substraat wat gebruik is, was ’n 1:1 mengsel van lusernhooi en koringstrooi. Abo 374 het die kumulatiewe RP, in vitro DM en NBV verdwyning van die gemengde substraat verbeter. Boonop is geen korrelasie tussen die MPS en in vitro GP gevind nie. In situ verdwyning van DM, NBV en RP was hoër vir Abo 374, maar nie betekenisvol nie. Die gebrek aan betekenisvolle verdwynings mag die gevolg wees van die klein hoeveelheid skape wat in die proef gebruik is, asook die relatiewe hoë koëffisient van variasie wat gepaard gaan met die bepaling van ruminale vertering. Abo 374 het die in situ MPS betekenisvol verhoog. Verhoogde MPS en in vitro en in situ verdwyning van DM en NBV is waargeneemwaarskynlik as gevolg van die aktiwiteit van Abo 374 gedurende die voorafbehandeling óf die verterings proses. Die byvoeging van Abo 374 tot die gemengde substraat van lusernhooi en koringstrooi blyk om voordelig te wees vir mikrobiese kolonisering van voerpartikels as gevolg van ’n toename in rumenaktiwiteit. Die primêre mikrobiese kolonisering het waaarskynlik gelei tot die vrystelling van verteringsprodukte wat addisionele bakterieë na die plek van vertering lok. Die EFE mag geskik wees vir voordelige depolimerisasie op die oppervlakstruktuur van die plantmateriaal, asook verbeterde hidrolitiese kapasiteit van die rumen om sodoende mikrobiese aanhegting, asook ruvoervertering te verbeter. Dus, Abo 374 se meganisme van aksie wat verbeterde ruvoervertering tot gevolg het, kan toegeskryf word aan `n verhoogde mikrobiese aanhegting, stimulering van die rumen mikrobiese populasie en die sinergistiese effek met hidrolases van rumen mikroörganismes. Ten opsigte van die bevindings, kan die byvoeging van EFE in herkouersisteme ruminale vertering van DM, NBV en RP verbeter, wat dan daaropvolgend die dunderm met meer metaboliseerbare proteïn sal voorsien. Sleutelwoorde: eksogene fibrolitiese ensieme (EFE), droëmaterial (DM), ruproteïen (RP), neutraal bestande vesel (NBV), mikrobiese proteïensintese (MPS), gasproduksie (GP).

Four studies were conducted to determine the effect of synchronization of protein and starch degradation on nutrient utilization, microbial protein synthesis and milk production in dairy cows. In Experiment 1, five cereal grains and five protein supplements were compared for extent of solubility and degradability of their starch and nitrogen fractions. Results indicated large differences which permitted their ranking from high to low degradability as follows: grains, oats > wheat > barley > corn > milo protein supplements, soybean meal > cottonseed meal, (CSM) > corn gluten meal > brewers dried grains, (BDG) > blood meal. In Experiment 2, the five grains were incubated for varying times in vitro (with added amylase) or in situ to determine rate and extent of degradation of dry matter, crude protein and starch. Results showed that rate of starch degradation followed a similar, but slightly different trend than in trial 1 (wheat > barley > oats > corn > milo). Rates for DM and CP degradation were similar than those for starch. In Experiment 3, high (barley, HS) and low (milo, LS) degradable starch sources were combined with a high (CSM, HP) and a low (BDG, LP) degradable protein sources to formulate four diets; HSHP, HSLP, LSHP and LSLP. Diets were fed to 32 cows, starting two to four weeks postpartum, for a 60-d milk production and digestibility study. Apparent digestibility was calculated using chromium oxide. Organic matter digestibility was higher (P < .05) was found in nutrient output to the small intestine among diets and microbial CP synthesis was higher (P > .05) for barley diets.

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of feeding lasalocid and monensin upon mineral status of ruminants, changes in digestive and renal physiology which bring about altered mineral status, and the effects of dietary K upon the actions of ionophores. Two 84-d grazing trials were conducted with steers fed no ionophore, 200 mg lasalocid, or 150 mg monensin. Monensin tended to increase gain of steers, but lasalocid had no effect. Feeding supplemental lasalocid and monensin altered Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Fe and Zn status of grazing steers, but effects were not consistent. Twenty-four crossbred steers were individually fed in a 147-d finishing trial to study a possible K x monensin interaction. Steers were fed diets ad libitum containing .4% or 2.3% K, with or without 23 ppm monensin, dry basis. Feeding monensin with low K increased serum Na, Mg, inorganic P, Cu and Zn, but monensin fed with high K had no effect or decreased these serum minerals. Fifteen wethers, fitted with abomasal and ileal cannulae, were fed a basal diet alone or supplemented with 23 ppm lasalocid or monensin; Apparent absorption of Mg, K and Fe increased when ionophores were fed. Magnesium flow through the small and large intestines was decreased by lasalocid and monensin. Effects of lasalocid and monensin differed for metabolism, digestive tract flow and (or) partial absorption of Ca, P, Cu, Fe and Zn. Twelve ewe lambs were used in a renal clearance experiment. Lambs were fed a basal diet with no ionophore, 23 ppm lasalocid, or 23 ppm monensin, dry basis. Ionophores were fed starting on d 1 of the experimental period. Serial collections of blood and urine were made during d 1 and d 5 of the experimental period. Monensin reduced urine flow rate at d 1 and d 5. Feeding monensin lowered serum clearance and urinary excretion rates of Na and K at d 5. Serum clearance and urinary excretion rates of Ca were lower in sheep fed ionophores at d 1. Feeding monensin decreased serum clearance and urinary excretion rates of Cu at d 1. At d 5, urinary excretion rates of Zn were greater when lasalocid was fed, and lower when monensin was fed, compared to feeding no ionophore. These studies indicate that dietary lasalocid and monensin can alter mineral status of ruminants, although their effects may differ. The effects of ionophores may be dependent upon dietary K levels.
Ph. D.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-220) Studies the growth, body composition, feed intake of grazing animals, the use of anabolic agents, fatty acid composition of ruminants fats; and, the effect of saturated fat on human health.

Attempts to improve upon the crude protein feeding system have strived to characterize feedstuffs with respect to ruminal protein degradability. In vitro an in situ procedures fall short of this goal by not accounting for ruminal turnover. Six lactating cows, fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae, were utilized for in vivo determination of protein degradability by employing a double-marker system. Treatments were corn silage-based diets supplemented with 2:1 soybean meal:fish meal nitrogen (SF) or 1:2 soybean meal:fish meal nitrogen (FS) at levels of 15. 9 and 16.0 percent protein. Ruminal cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CoEDTA) infusions marked liquid phase (LP) digesta and Yb-soaked hay was used as a solid phase (SP) marker. Duodenal digesta was separated into SP and LP at 3000xg. Least squares means of LP flows did not differ for total, precipitable protein, or microbial nitrogen, for SF and FS. Total solid phase flow of dry matter was higher for FS (9.06 kg/d) than for SF (7.97 kg/d), although intakes did not differ. Milk composition and yield did not differ for FS and SF. Average daily gain was 0.12 kg/d for SF and 1:26 kg/d for FS. Whole-tract digestibilties were not different although rumen digestibility of dry matter was 24.9% for FS and 35.7% for SF, and duodenal recovery of N was 93.8% for SF and 107.5% for FS. Inclusion of a higher level of fish meal in the diet increased the proportion of feed proteins delivered to the small intestine, increasing weight gain while having no effect on milk production.
Master of Science

Thesis (MScAgric) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Low quality roughage is often used in the Western Cape as the only source of roughage for the young growing ruminant. Production levels of these animals is unsatisfactory and therefore supplementation is required. It is necessary when small grains are fed to also include protein sources in the diets. For high production, these protein sources must also be protected against rumen degradation. Good results are reported with the treatment of sunflower oilcakemeal (SFOCM) with formaldehyde (0.86 g formaldehyde per 100 g protein). Protecting methionine with 2-methyl maleic anhydride results in an increase in wool production. This study looked at the effect on dry matter intake (DM-intake), wool production and live weight change with supplementing a low quality diet with urea, SFOCM and formaldehyde protected SFOCM (FSFOCM). These diets where also supplemented with no methionine, methionine and 2-methyl maleyl methionine (MMM). The DM-intake of total diet are increased (P<0.05) with the supplementing of oats straw and barley (1.1% of live weight) diet with SFOCM and FSFOCM (949 & 935 vs 848 gis/d). Supplementing MMM decreased (P<0.05) the DM-intake with 9 %. Supplementing FSFOCM increased (P<0.05) live weight change from 19 to 44 gis/d. Wool production are increased (P<0.05) with 38 % with supplementation of MMM. The apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) of the urea diet are increased (P<0.05) by supplementing methionine when compared with no methionine supplementation (67.28 vs. 71.23 %). The apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) of the SFOCM diet (63.71 and 64.96 vs. 70.15 %) and FSFOCM diet (66.39 and 66.26 vs. 70.89 %) are increased (P<0.05) by supplementing MMM when compared with no methionine and methionine supplementation. The apparent digestibility of fat of the SFOCM diet (61.01 and 65.65 vs. 48.33 %) and FSFOCM diet (60.93 and 63.83 vs. 38.14 %) are decreased (P<0.05) by supplementing MMM when compared with no methionine and methionine supplementation. The apparent nitrogen balance of the SFOCM diet (-0.15 and 5.41 vs. 4.62 gis/d) and FSFOCM diet (2.93 and 5.60 vs. 6.02 gis/d) are increased (P<0.05) by supplementing MMM when compared with no methionine and methionine supplementation. The DM- and CP-degradability of barley and DM-degradability of oats straw did not differ (P<0.05) between different protein treatments. The higher production with the supplementation of amino acids and proteins can be associated with more amino acids available in the lower digestibility tract and not as a result of better rumen function.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die benutting van strooi as 'n laegraadse ruvoer deur die jong groeiende herkouer is 'n algemene praktyk wat in die Weskaap toegepas word. Produksie is egter laag en aanvulling van beperkende voedingstowwe is dus noodsaaklik. Saam met kleingrane word proteïenbronne meestal as aanvulling gebruik. Vir hoë produksie is dit dikwels nodig om proteïen aan te vul wat teen ruminale afbraak beskerm word. Die formaldehiedbehandeling (0.86 g formaldehied per 100 g proteïen) van sonneblomoliekoekmeel (SBOKM) is alreeds baie suksesvol toegepas vir die beskerming van proteïen teen ruminale afbraak. Deur metionien met dimetielmaleïelsuuranhidried te beskerm, is wolproduksie verhoog. Die studie het die effek van aanvulling van ureum, SBOKM en formaldehiedbehandelde SBOKM (FSBOKM) saam met geen metionien, metionien en 2,3 - dimetielmaleïelmetionien (MMM) op droëmateriaal (DM) -inname, wolproduksie en liggaamsmassaverandering ondersoek. Die DM-inname van jong Merinohamels op 'n hawerstrooi en gars (1.1% van liggaamsmassa) dieet is verhoog (P<0.05) deur die aanvulling van SBOKM en FSBOKM (949 & 935 vs 848 g/s/d). Die DM-inname is egter met 9 % verlaag (P<0.05) deur aanvulling van MMM. Die aanvulling van FSBOKM het die liggaamsmassatoename verhoog (P<0.05) van 19 na 44 gIs/d. Wolproduksie is met 38% (P<0.05) deur MMM-aanvulling verhoog. Die skynbare verteerbaarheid van ruproteïen (RP) by die ureumbehandeling is verhoog (P<0.05) met metionienaanvulling teenoor geen metionienaanvulling (67.28 vs. 71.23%). By SBOKM (63.71 en 64.96 vs. 70.15%) en FSBOKM-behandelings (66.39 en 66.26 vs. 70.89%) is skynbare verteerbaarheid van RP verhoog (P<0.05) met MMM-aanvulling teenoor metionien- of geen-metionienaanvulling. By SBOKM (61.01 en 65.65 vs. 48.33%) en FSBOKM-behandelings (60.93 en 63.83 vs. 38.14%) is skynbare verteerbaarheid van vet verlaag (P<0.05) met MMM-aanvulling teenoor metionien- of geen metionienaanvulling. By SBOKM (-0.15 en 5.41 vs. 4.62 gIs/d) en FSBOKM-bahandelings (2.93 en 5.60 vs. 6.02 gIs/d) is skynbare N-balans verlaag (P<0.05) met MMM-aanvulling teenoor metionien- of geen-metionienaanvulling. Die effektiewe verteerbaarheid van DM en RP van gars en effektiewe verteerbaarheid van DM van strooi is nie beïnvloed (P>0.05) deur die aanvulling van proteïen nie. Die verhoogde produksie kan dus geassosieer word met 'n verhoogde voorsienning van aminosure in die SVK deur aanvulling en nie weens verbetering in die rumenfunksie nie.

Bibliography: leaves 107-130. This study evaluates quality of fermentation of the silage and also its nutritive value to ruminants on the basis of "in vitro" and "in sacco" digestability. Animal response to the silage is also evaluated in an "in vivo" digestability and nitrogen balance trial with Australian Merino sheep. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the opportunities for utilising citrus pulp and poultry litter to improve the nutritive value of wheat straw.

CNPq; CAPES
Este trabalho consistiu em avaliar a composição química e a cinética de degradação ruminal da Aveia branca (Avena sativa L.) cv. URS Guapa submetida a diferentes níveis de adubação nitrogenada: 0, 60, 120 e 240 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, em dois anos consecutivos, 2013 e 2014. Os dados obtidos das análises bromatológicas e os valores estimados para os parâmetros do modelo de cinética de degradação foram transformados pelo método de Box-Cox. O modelo estatístico foi ajustado por meio do PROC MIXED do SAS (versão 9.4) usando a máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) e as variáveis com efeito significativo comparadas através do teste de Tukey-Kramer. Não houve efeito da adubação nitrogenada em nenhum dos anos de cultivo. Os valores observados para as variáveis bromatológicas da cultivar no ano de 2013 foram superiores (p<0,001) para Proteína Bruta (PB), Matéria Mineral (MM), Proteína Insolúvel em Detergente Ácido (PIDA), Carboidratos Solúveis (CHOs) e Carboidratos Não Fibrosos (CNF) em comparação com o ano de 2014. A composição da cultivar em 2014 tendeu a maiores teores de Fibra Insolúvel em Detergente Neutro (FDN), Lignina e Carboidratos Totais (CT). Não houve efeito significativo para os teores de Matéria Seca (MS) e Extrato Etéreo (EE) entre os anos de cultivo. Para os parâmetros da cinética de produção de gás in vitro, a cultivar no ano de 2013 apresentou os valores observados para o volume máximo de gás produzido pela degradação da fração solúvel de rápida digestão (Vf1) e para a taxa específica de produção de gás pela degradação da fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável de digestão lenta (k2) maiores (p<0,001) que 2014. Em 2014 foram observados valores superiores para o volume máximo de gás produzido pela degradação da fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável de digestão lenta (Vf2) e para a latência (L). O parâmetro k1, referente a taxa específica de produção de gás pela degradação da fração solúvel de rápida digestão não foi significativo em nenhum dos períodos experimentais avaliados. A cultivar, especialmente no ano de 2013, apresentou uma elevada qualidade nutricional evidenciada pelos teores de CNF e PB e pelos menores valores de FDN, o que torna o cultivo uma excelente opção para compor pastagens hibernais.
This work consisted in evaluating the chemical composition and kinetics of ruminal degradation of white oats (Avena sativa L.) cv. URS Guapa submitted to different levels of nitrogen fertilization: 0, 60, 120 and 240 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, in two consecutive years, 2013 and 2014. The data obtained from the bromatological analyzes and the estimated values for the parameters of the kinetic model of degradation were transformed by the Box-Cox method. The statistical model was adjusted using the PROC MIXED of the SAS (version 9.4) using the maximum restricted likelihood (REML) and the variables with significant effect compared through the Tukey-Kramer test. There was no effect of nitrogen fertilization in any of the growing years. The values observed for the bromatological variables of the cultivar in the year 2013 were higher (P <0.001) for Crude Protein (PB), Mineral Matter (MM), Insoluble Protein Acid Detergent (PIDA), Soluble Carbohydrates (CHOs) Fibrous (CNF) compared to the year 2014. The composition of the cultivar in 2014 tended to higher levels of Insoluble Fiber in Neutral Detergent (NDF), Lignin and Total Carbohydrate (CT). There was no significant effect on the contents of dry matter (DM) and ethereal extract (EE) between the years of cultivation. For the parameters of the in vitro gas production kinetics, the cultivar in the year 2013 presented the values observed for the maximum volume of gas produced by the degradation of the soluble fraction of fast digestion (Vf1) and for the specific rate of gas production by Degradability of the slow degradable fraction of slow digestion (k2) greater than that of 2014. In 2014 higher values were observed for the maximum volume of gas produced by the degradation of the insoluble fraction potentially degradable of slow digestion (Vf2) and for the Latency (L). The parameter k1, referring to the specific rate of gas production by the degradation of the soluble fraction of fast digestion was not significant in any of the evaluated experimental periods. The cultivar, especially in the year 2013, presented a high nutritional quality evidenced by the CNF and CP levels and the lower values of NDF, which makes the crop an excellent option to compose winter pastures.

Thesis (MScAgric) -- Stellenbosch University, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ruminants have a compound stomach system that enables them to utilize forages more efficiently than monogastric animals. However, forages alone do not contain sufficient nutrients to meet the requirements of high producing dairy cows. Forages are high in fibre and their nutrient availability depends on the degree of cell wall degradability. Improvements in forage fermentation would increase energy intake and subsequently milk production and performance by dairy cows. It is therefore important to find ways to improve forage degradation and utilization in the rumen. The use of different non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) sources has different effects on animal performance. Supplementing forage based diets with energy sources containing sugar, starch or pectin results in variation in performance measurements such as milk yield, milk composition and dry matter intake (DMI). This thesis reports on two studies in which the effect of energy supplementation on forage fermentation and digestion parameters was investigated. In the first study an in vitro gas production protocol was used to determine the effect of sugar (molasses), starch (maize meal) and pectin (citrus pulp) on total gas production and rate of gas production of different forages. The forage substrates included wheat straw (WS), oat hay, (OH) lucerne hay (LUC), ryegrass (RYE) and kikuyu grass (KIK). The three energy sources, as well as a control (no energy source) were incubated in vitro with each of the above mentioned forages. Rumen fluid was collected from two lactating Holstein cows receiving a diet consisting of oat hay, lucerne, wheat straw and a concentrate mix. Forages alone (0.25 g DM) and/or together (0.125 g DM) with either molasses (0.1412 g DM), citrus pulp (0.1425 g DM) or maize meal (0.125 g DM) were weighed into glass vials and incubated for 72 hours. The weights of the energy sources were calculated on an energy equivalent basis. Blank vials, that contained no substrates, were included to correct for gas production from rumen fluid alone. The substrates were incubated in 40 ml buffered medium, 2 ml of reducing solution and 10 ml rumen fluid. Gas pressure was recorded automatically every five minutes using a pressure transducer system and the method based on the Reading Pressure Technique (Mauricio et al., 1999). Gas pressure was converted to gas volume using a predetermined regression equation. In the first gas production trial, the gas production included gas produced by the energy sources, while in the second gas production trial, the energy source gas production was deducted from the total gas production to determine the effect of energy source on gas production of respective forage substrates per se. Data were fitted to two non-linear models adapted from Ørskov and McDonald (1979). Significant forage x energy interactions were observed for the non-linear parameter gas production (b) in Model 1 and for b and lag phase (L) in Model 2 in both trials. In the first gas production trial, the higher fermentability of the energy sources supplemented to forage substrates, increased b (Model 1 & 2) of the LUC and WS. The gas production rate was affected in different ways for different forages, with the most noticeable effect on WS when it was supplemented with energy sources. All the energy sources increased c of WS irrespective of the model used. Energy sources had no effect on the L of LUC, OH or RYE, but decreased the L of WS and KIK. In the second trial, maize meal had no effect on b for any of the forages (Model 1 & 2), while molasses (Model 1 & 2) decreased b for all forage substrates, and citrus pulp (Model 1 & 2) decreased b of OH and RYE, to lower values than those of the control treatments. Gas production rate was not affected by molasses for any of the forage substrates, while citrus pulp (Model 1 & 2) increased c of OH and maize meal increased c of OH and KIK. Lag phase was only affected by energy sources in WS and KIK, where all the energy sources had lower L values than the control treatment. It was concluded that forage fermentability is affected differently by different energy sources. These observations may have important implications, in practice, on rumen health and milk production, and the data obtained can potentially be used as guidelines in feed formulations. In the second study, in vitro digestibility trials were undertaken to determine the effect of sugar (molasses and sucrose), starch (maize meal and maize starch) and pectin (citrus pulp and citrus pectin) on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and dry matter (DM) degradability of forages. Forage substrates used included wheat straw, oat hay, lucerne hay, ryegrass and kikuyu grass. Rumen fluid was collected from two lactating Holstein cows receiving a diet consisting of oat hay, wheat straw and a concentrate mix. In vitro degradability was done with an ANKOM Daisy II incubator and forage substrates were incubated with or without the respective energy sources for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The substrates were incubated in 1076 ml buffered medium, 54 ml of reducing solution and 270 ml rumen fluid. The residues were washed, dried and analyzed for NDF. In the study with the applied energy sources (molasses, maize meal and citrus pulp) there were a forage x energy source interactions. Supplementation with the applied energy sources all improved dry matter degradability (DMD) of forages (24 and 72 hours), when compared to the control treatment, except for RYE supplemented with maize meal and citrus pulp at 24 hours. Molasses seemed to have had the biggest effect on DMD in all forage substrates. Supplementation with maize meal had no effect on neutral detergent fibre degradability (NDFD) of any forage substrate, except for an improvement in NDFD of LUC at 72 hours. Molasses improved NDFD of LUC at 24h, but had no effect on the other forage substrates. Citrus pulp improved NDFD of OH (72 hours), as well as LUC and WS (24 and 72 hours). It is postulated that the NDF of the energy sources was more digestible than that of the respective forages, and that the improved NDFD values could be ascribed to the contribution of the energy source NDFD. Overall, pasture grasses had a higher NDFD than the hays and straw, and appear to be more readily fermentable by rumen microbes than the low quality hays and straw explaining the higher NDFD. In the study involving the purified energy sources (sucrose, maize starch and citrus pectin), forage x energy source interactions were observed. In general, supplementation with these energy sources improved DMD at 24 and 72 hours except for RYE and KIK (72 hours). Pasture grasses (RYE and KIK) had a higher NDFD than LUC, OH and WS. At 72 hours, NDFD was 37.1% for LUC, 42.5% for OH and 40.3% for WS, compared to 70.5% for KIK and 64.9% for RYE. A possible explanation is that KIK and RYE samples came from freshly cut material, harvested after a 28d re-growth period. In general, sucrose (24 and 72 hours) and citrus pectin (72 hours) had no effect on NDFD of forage substrates. However, supplementing oat hay (24 hours) with starch and citrus pectin, and wheat straw (24 and 72 hours) with starch lowered NDFD, when compared to the control treatment. It is hypothesized that microbes fermented the easily fermentable energy sources first, before attacking forage NDF. The study suggested that forage NDFD values are not fixed, and may be altered by type of energy supplementation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die meervoudige maagsisteem van herkouers stel hulle in staat om ruvoer meer effektief te benut as enkelmaagdiere. Ruvoere alleen bevat egter nie genoeg voedingstowwe om die behoeftes van hoogproduserende melkbeeste te bevredig nie. Ruvoere is ryk aan vesel en hul voedingstofbeskikbaarheid word bepaal deur die graad van selwand degradeerbaarheid. ‘n Verhoging in ruvoerfermentasie sal energieinname verhoog en gevolglik ook melkproduksie en prestasie. Dit is dus belangrik om maniere te vind om ruvoerdegradeerbaarheid en -verbruik in die rumen te verbeter. Die gebruik van verskillende nie-vesel koolhidraat (NFC) bronne het verskillende uitwerkings op die prestasie van diere. Energie-aanvullings soos suiker, stysel en pektien tot ruvoer-gebasseerde diëte, beïnvloed prestasiemaatstawwe soos melkproduksie, melksamestelling en droëmateriaalinname (DMI) op verskillende maniere. Hierdie tesis lewer verslag oor twee studies waar die invloed van energie-aanvullings op ruvoerfermentasie en verteringsmaatstawwe ondersoek is. In die eerste studie is ‘n in vitro gasproduksieprotokol gebruik om die invloed van suiker (melasse), stysel (mieliemeel) en pektien (sitruspulp) op totale gasproduksie (b) en tempo van gasproduksie (c) van verskillende ruvoersubstrate te bepaal. Ruvoersubstrate wat gebruik is, was koringstrooi (WS), hawerhooi (OH), lusernhooi (LUC), raaigras (RYE) en kikuyugras (KIK). Die drie energiebronne, sowel as ‘n kontrole (geen energiebron), is in vitro geïnkubeer saam met elk van die genoemde ruvoere. Rumenvloeistof is verkry van twee lakterende Holsteinkoeie, wat ‘n dieet ontvang het bestaande uit hawerhooi, koringstrooi en ‘n kragvoermengsel. Ruvoere is alleen en/of in kombinasie met melasse (0.1412 g DM), sitruspulp (0.1425 g DM) of mieliemeel (0.125 g DM) in glasbottels afgeweeg en vir 72 uur geïnkubeer. Die massas van die energiebronne is op ‘n energie-ekwivalente basis bereken. Leë bottels wat geen substraat bevat het nie, is ingesluit om te korrigeer vir gasproduksie afkomstig vanaf rumenvloeistof alleen. Substrate is in 40 ml van ‘n buffermedium, 2 ml reduserende oplossing en 10ml rumenvloeistof geïnkubeer. Gasdruk is elke vyf minute outomaties aangeteken deur gebruik te maak van ‘n drukmetersisteem en die metode is gebasseer op die Reading gasdruktegniek. Gasdruk is omgeskakel na gasvolume deur gebruik te maak van ‘n voorafbepaalde regressievergelyking. In die eerste proef het totale gasproduksie die gas wat deur die onderskeie energiebronne geproduseer is, ingesluit. In die tweede proef is gasproduksie afkomstig van die energiebronne afgetrek van totale gasproduksie, om sodoende die invloed van die energiebronne per se op die gasproduksie van die onderskeie ruvoersubstrate, te bepaal. Data is met behulp van twee nie-liniëre modelle gepas. Betekenisvolle ruvoer x energie-interaksies is in albei proewe waargeneem vir die nie-liniëre parameter b (gasproduksie) in Model 1, en vir b en L (sloerfase) in Model 2. In die eerste proef het die energiebronne se hoë fermentasie gelei to ‘n verhoging in b (Model 1 & 2) van LUC en WS. Energie-aanvullings het die c-waarde van die onderskeie ruvoere verskillend beïnvloed, met WS wat die mees opvallende effek gehad het. Al die energiebronne het die c-waarde van WS verhoog, ongeag watter model gebruik is. Energiebronne het geen invloed op die L-waarde van LUC, OH of RYE gehad nie, maar het wel die L-waarde van WS en KIK verlaag. In die tweede proef het mieliemeel geen invloed op die b-waarde van enige van die ruvoere gehad nie (Model 1 & 2), terwyl melasse (Model 1 & 2) die b-waarde van alle ruvoere verlaag het, en sitruspulp (Model 1 & 2) OH en RYE se b waardes verlaag het tot laer as die kontroles. Melasse het geen invloed op die c-waarde van die onderskeie ruvoersubstrate gehad nie, terwyl sitruspulp (Model 1 & 2) die c-waarde van OH, en mieliemeel die c-waarde van OH en KIK, verhoog het. Energiebronne het slegs ‘n invloed op die sloerfase in WS en KIK gehad, waar dit L verlaag het tot laer waardes as dié van die kontroles. Daar is gevind dat ruvoer-fermenteerbaarheid verskillend beïnvloed word deur verskillende energiebronne. Bogenoemde resultate kan in die praktyk betekenisvolle invloede hê op rumengesondheid en melkproduksie en die data wat verkry is, kan potensieël gebruik word as riglyne in voerformulerings. In die tweede studie is in vitro verteerbaarheidsproewe gedoen om die effek van suiker (molasse en sukrose), stysel (mieliemeel en mieliestysel) en pektien (sitruspulp en sitrus-pektien) op neutraalonoplosbare vesel (NDF) en droë materiaal (DM) degradeerbaarheid van ruvoere, te bepaal. Ruvoersubstrate wat gebruik is, was WS, OH, LUC, RYE en KIK. Rumen vloeistof is verkry van twee lakterende Holstein koeie, wat ‘n dieet ontvang het bestaande uit hawerhooi, koringstrooi en ‘n konsentraat mengsel. Die in vitro degradeerbaarheidsproef is gedoen met ‘n ANKOM Daisy II inkubator. Ruvoersubstrate is geïnkubeer met of sonder die onderskeie energiebronne vir 24, 48 en 72 uur. Die substrate is geïnkubeer in 1076 ml buffer medium, 54 ml reduserende oplossing en 270 ml rumen vloeistof. Residue is gewas, gedroog en geanaliseer vir NDF. In die proef met toegepaste energiebronne (molasse, mieliemeel en sitruspulp), was daar ruvoer x energiebron interaksies. Toegepaste energiebron aanvullings het almal DMD van ruvoersubstrate (24 en 72 uur) verbeter, uitsluitend vir RYE wat aangevul is met mieliemeel (24 uur) en sitruspulp (24 uur). Van al die ruvoersubstrate het molasse die grootste effek gehad op DMD. Mieliemeel aanvullings het geen effek gehad op neutraal-onoplosbare vesel degradeerbaarheid (NDFD) van ruvoersubstrate nie, behalwe vir ‘n verbetering in NDFD van LUC by 72 uur. Molasse het NDFD van lucern by 24 uur verbeter, maar geen effek gehad op ander ruvoersubstrate nie. Sitruspulp het NDFD van OH (72 uur), asook LUC en WS (24 & 72 uur) verbeter. Daar word beweer dat die NDF van energiebronne meer verteerbaar is as die van ruvoersubstrate, en dat die verbetering in NDFD waardes toegeskryf kan word aan die bydraes van energiebronne se NDFD. Weidingsgrasse (RYE & KIK) het oor die algemeen ‘n hoër NDFD as hooie en strooi gehad. Rumen mikrobes blyk ook om dié grasse vinniger te verteer as lae kwaliteit hooie en strooi, wat gevolglik die hoër NDFD verduidelik. In die proef met suiwer energiebronne (sukrose, mieliestysel en sitrus-pektien) is ruvoer x energiebron interaksies waargeneem. Energiebronaanvullings het DMD by 24 en 72 uur verbeter, buiten vir RYE en KIK (72 uur). Weidingsgrasse het hoër NDFD as LUC, OH en WS. By 72 uur was die NDFD van LUC 37.1%, OH 42.5%, WS 40.3%, in vergelyking met 70.5% vir KIK en 64.9% vir RYE. ‘n Moontlike verklaring vir die hoër NDFD van KIK en RYE, is omdat dit vars gesnyde material is, geoes na slegs 28 dae hergroei. Oor die algemeen het sukrose (24 & 72 uur) en sitrus-pektien (72 uur) geen effek gehad op NDFD van ruvoersubstrate nie, terwyl stysel en pektien aanvullings tot OH (24 uur), en stysel aanvullings tot WS (24 & 72 uur) NDFD verlaag het. Daar word hipotetieseer dat mikrobes eers die vinnig fermenteerbare energiebronne fermenteer, voordat hulle ruvoer NDF aanval. Hierdie studie beweer dat ruvoer NDFD waardes nie vas is nie, en dat dié waardes beïnvloed mag word deur energiebron aanvullings.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Statistical analysis was conducted on data from two Elsenburg herds, containing 105 Jersey and 232 Holstein cows. The data was examined for external factors which may affect milk yield and milk composition. The data consisted of 337 first lactation records, taken over a 20 year time period. Breed of cow had an effect on milk yield, butterfat and protein production, as did the year in which the cows were born and the age of the heifer at first calving. There was a significant interaction between the breed and year of birth. There are other external factors, which are difficult to quantify, which may have an effect on production. In the following trials, eight ruminally cannulated dairy cows (four Jerseys and four Holsteins) were used to determine the effect of breed on forage digestibility in the rumen. All cows received a high concentrate mixed ration, with supplementary wheat straw. An in situ rumen degradability trial was conducted with three different forages, viz. lucerne, wheat straw and NaOH-treated wheat straw. The bags were incubated in the rumen for time intervals of 2,4, 8, 12, 16,20,24, 36,48, 72 and 96 hours and samples were analysed for dry matter (DM) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF). Higher rumen degradability values (P<0.01) ofDM and NDF were observed in Jerseys for all three forages. Differences were more apparent for wheat straw and treated wheat straw than for lucerne. The rate of passage of digesta from the rumen was measured in both breeds by a chromium mordanted wheat straw marker. The Holsteins manifested a higher rate of passage (P<0.05) than the Jerseys, while daily feed intakes were also higher (PAFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Statistiese analises is op data van twee kuddes te Elsenburg uitgevoer, bestaande uit 105 Jersey- en 232 Holsteinkoeie. Die data is ondersoek vir eksterne faktore wat melkproduksie en melksamestelling kan beinvloed. Die data het uit 337 eerste-laktasierekords bestaan, wat oor 'n periode van 20 jaar ingesamel is. Ras van die koei, sowel as die jaar van geboorte en ouderdom met eerste kalwing het 'n invloed op melkproduksie, bottervet- en proteienopbrengs gehad. 'n Betekenisvolle interaksie is tussen ras en jaar van geboorte waargeneem. Ander moeilik kwantifiseerbare faktore mag ook 'n invloed op melkproduksie he. In daaropvolgende proewe is agt rumen-gekannuleerde melkkoeie (vier Jerseys en vier Holsteins) gebruik om die invloed van ras op ruvoerverteerbaarheid in die rumen te bepaal. Al die koeie het 'n hoe-kragvoerdieet ontvang, aangevul met koringstrooi. 'n In situ rumendegradeerbaarheidstudie is met drie verskillende ruvoere, naamlik lusernhooi, koringstrooi en NaOH-behandelde koringstrooi uitgevoer. Die ruvoere is vir tye van 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72 en 96 ure in die rumen geinkubeer en monsters is ontleed vir droemateriaal (DM) en neutraal-bestande vesel (NDF). Hoer rumen-degradeerbaarheidswaardes (P