Authors : R. Foroughbakhch , J.L. Hernandez-Pinero , M.A. Alvarado , Vazquez , A. Rocha Estrada and O.A. Gonzalez De Leon
Abstract: Information on nutritional complementation for cattle is necessary for the implementation of feed management systems capable to maintain or improve yield production. In order to determine the effectiveness of the use of Gleditsia seeds as feed complement a group of 6 castrated Merino sheeps were employed to measure the in vivo seed digestibility from 4 varieties: Milaud (MIL), Total (TOT), Super-M (SUM) and Voié-Ferré-Merchandise (VFM). Daily records of the amount of distributed, ingested, digested and rejected seeds as well as urine and feces were obtained for the calculation of the dry and organic matter balance, digested seeds balance, nitrogen balance and the coefficient of digestive utilization. The mean daily ingestion value per animal varied between 57-80 g of the dry matter of seeds/live weight0.75; the digestibility values varied considerably between individuals (33-99% of the DM; average 76%). The animals with a higher ingestion rate had a lesser digestion (CDU = 57.3%) than others with lesser ingestion (CDU = 67%). The nutrient content and digestion parameters of honeylocust seeds varied among sheep and varieties, being MIL and TOT higher in protein content than SUM and VFM. The animal weight gain was higher during the consumption period in the variety VFM (128 g day 1) compared to the SUM variety (96 g day 1). The seeds of honeylocust should be considered as different entities than other ingredients of the traditional diets when characterizing nutrient quality.
R. Foroughbakhch , J.L. Hernandez-Pinero , M.A. Alvarado , Vazquez , A. Rocha Estrada and O.A. Gonzalez De Leon , 2007. In vivo Digestibility of Honey-Locust Seeds (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) Administered as a Dietary Complement to Ruminants and their Effects on Weight Gain. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 285-289.