Performance and In vivo Digestibility of Three Varieties of Napier Grass in Thin-Tailed Sheep

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of grass variety on intake, nutrient digestibility, and performance of thin-tailed sheep. The research was conducted in Suket Ijo Farm, Sanggrahan, Wedomartani, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Twelve female thin-tailed sheep with an average body weight of 15 kg and the age of 8 to 10 months were used in this study. The sheep were given the feed formulation based on dry matter (DM): (67%), water spinach straw (8%), and 25% of either Gamma Umami grass (P1), local Napier grass (P2), or dwarf Napier grass (P3). The variables observed were feed nutrient consumption, nutrient digestibility, and thin-tailed sheep performance. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the treatment feed had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the consumption of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), crude fiber digestibility (CFD), average daily gain (ADG), and ration conversion. However, it had no significant effect (P>0.05) on crude protein (CP) consumption and extract ether digestibility (EED). The highest ADG was in treatment P1, 105.46 g, with a ration conversion of 5.74. Hence, it was concluded that the diet containing Napier grass variety Gamma Umami showed higher feed nutrient digestibility and improved thin-tailed sheep’s performance.

Ovinos OPC alimentados con ensilado de Pennisetum purpureum suplementados con afrecho de yuca

“…Estas diferencias se asocian a la calidad de la dieta. La baja concentración de PC de las dietas experimentales frente a las reportadas en otros estudios (130-172 g kg -1 MS) (10,12,25) puede explicar la baja digestibilidad de la MS. La proteína es una fuente de N para los microorganismos del rumen y afecta su crecimiento; de tal manera, un bajo suministro de proteína limita la población microbiana y la digestibilidad de la dieta (25). El nivel de PC en esta investigación cumple con los requerimientos para mantenimiento (mínimo el 80 g kg -1 MS) (26).…”

“…La digestibilidad aparente de la MO (547.6-616.9 g kg -1 ) es similar a lo reportado en algunos estudios (545-586 g kg -1 , 19) (586.8-629.0 g kg -1 , 12) pero menor a otros (754-767 g kg -1 , 10) (669.1-733.6 g kg -1 , 25). La digestibilidad de la MO se correlaciona con la digestibilidad de la MS (25). En este sentido, la menor digestibilidad de la MO frente a otras investigaciones también puede estar relacionada con la baja concentración de PC de las dietas experimentales como se explicó anteriormente.…”

The Silage Quality of Pennisetum purpureum Cultivar Gamma Umami Mixed with Calliandra calothyrsus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

“…P. purpureum cv. Gamma Umami grass is available throughout the year because of its high tolerance to drought or lack of water sources and even in abundance during the rainy season; however, the nutrient content, especially protein, is relatively low (Sanjaya et al, 2022). To address this problem, especially to meet the adequate protein needs of ruminants, in the context of feeding in the form of a mixture of silage feed, it is necessary to increase the protein content, one of which is supplementation using Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus).…”