Theme 09: Forage Quality
Description
The objective of the present study was to asses the value of ramón (Brosimun alicastrum) foliage as a N-source in replacement of soybean-N in lactating dual purpose cows (Bos indicus x B. taurus). Four lactating cows were used in a latin rectangle design. Ramón was included to replace 0, 33, 66 and 100 % of the soybean-N contained in the supplement. Basal diet was fresh “Taiwán” a cultivar of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) fed ad libitum. Basal and total dry matter intake, digestibility (total fecal collection), saleable and calf suckled milk yields, and milk composition (fat, protein and lactose) were measured over 15 d periods. Ramon increased the yield of milk constituents (P< 0.05) over those obtained with Taiwán-grass alone, but was inferior (P< 0.05) when soybean was the N source. Total milk yield was reduced 18% in Ramón supplemented cows compared with those supplemented with soybean. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and fiber was reduced by Ramón inclusion probably due to its higher fiber and ash content as compared with soybean meal. It was concluded that, although animal performance was not achieved as with soybean meal, supplementing with Ramón is a better strategy than relying on grass alone.
Included in
Ramon (Brosimun alicastrum) Foliage as Supplement for Lactating Dual Purpose Cows
The objective of the present study was to asses the value of ramón (Brosimun alicastrum) foliage as a N-source in replacement of soybean-N in lactating dual purpose cows (Bos indicus x B. taurus). Four lactating cows were used in a latin rectangle design. Ramón was included to replace 0, 33, 66 and 100 % of the soybean-N contained in the supplement. Basal diet was fresh “Taiwán” a cultivar of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) fed ad libitum. Basal and total dry matter intake, digestibility (total fecal collection), saleable and calf suckled milk yields, and milk composition (fat, protein and lactose) were measured over 15 d periods. Ramon increased the yield of milk constituents (P< 0.05) over those obtained with Taiwán-grass alone, but was inferior (P< 0.05) when soybean was the N source. Total milk yield was reduced 18% in Ramón supplemented cows compared with those supplemented with soybean. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and fiber was reduced by Ramón inclusion probably due to its higher fiber and ash content as compared with soybean meal. It was concluded that, although animal performance was not achieved as with soybean meal, supplementing with Ramón is a better strategy than relying on grass alone.
