Authors : W. Polviset, C. Wachirapakorn, A. Alhaidary, H.E. Mohamed, A.C. Beynen and C. Yuangklang
Abstract: The hypothesis tested was that a high inclusion level of oil seeds in the ration of ruminants does not negatively affect ruminal function. Rumen-fistulated beef steers were fed concentrates containing either cotton seed or sunflower seed, each at two levels so that the crude fat concentrations were 3 and 6%. The ration also contained urea-treated rice straw. When the concentrates with low fat content were supplied, concentrate intake was significantly higher when sunflower seed instead of cotton seed was included. An increase in the inclusion level of cotton seed significantly raised concentrate intake whereas extra sunflower seed significantly lowered concentrate intake. The experimental concentrates did not affect the intake of rice straw. An increase in oil seed intake slightly but systematically reduced the group means of apparent digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fiber by up to 1.2% units. The type of oil seed did not influence ruminal pH but an increased intake caused a significant increase at 3 h post feeding. There were no dietary effects on ruminal concentrations of ammonia and volatile fatty acids and on the number of viable bacteria. It is concluded that the incorporation of extra fat in ruminant rations in the form of oil seed may only have a minor effect on rumen fermentation and macronutrient digestibility but dry matter intake may be influenced by the type of oil seed.
W. Polviset, C. Wachirapakorn, A. Alhaidary, H.E. Mohamed, A.C. Beynen and C. Yuangklang, 2010. Rumen Fermentation and Nutrient Digestibility in Beef Steers Fed Rations Containing Either Cotton Seed or Sunflower Seed. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 5: 204-208.