Intake, rumen kinetics and ruminal ecosystem in young bulls fed with either fresh or ensiled sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with either high or low fiber digestibility

Author(s)

Dannylo Oliveira de Sousa

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Pirassununga.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2013-07-05

Examining board members

Luis Felipe Prada e Silva; Ives Cláudio da Silva Bueno; Luiz Gustavo Nussio

• Advisor: Luis Felipe Prada e Silva

Abstract

The quality of fiber is one of the most important factors that regulate dry matter intake of ruminants. The ensiling process affects the nutritional quality of the conserved forage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, kinetics and ruminal ecosystem in young steers fed either fresh or ensiled sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), with either high or low fiber digestibility, on the following parameters: 1) dry matter intake, 2) ruminal NDF digestion and passage rate, 3) ruminal fermentation parameters, and 4) quantification of amylolytic and cellulolytic rumen bacteria. Eight ruminally cannulated Nelore steers (275 ± 22 kg), approximately 18 months old, were used. The experimental diets contained 60% of concentrate on a dry matter basis. The experimental design was a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square. The total digesta and ruminal volume were measured by manual evacuation of digesta. Greater fiber digestibility increased DM intake only when fed as silage, therefore the ensiling process does not alter the effect of high digestibility on DMI. When fed as fresh sugarcane, the treatments (high or low NDFD) had no effect on DMI. High NDFD, or method of conservation, had no effect on rumen digesta, amounts of DM or indigestible NDF (INDF), in the rumen. Low digestibility increased the amount of NDF in the rumen. High NDFD and sugarcane preserved as silage increased ruminal NDF turnover and passage rate. Ensiling sugarcane increased the NDF digestion rate. Fresh sugarcane increased the total of SCFA and molar concentration of propionate in the rumen. Sugarcane silage treatments had a higher rumen pH and molar concentration of acetate. Low NDFD increased the concentration of ruminal ammonia. Fresh sugarcane increased the population of amylolytic and fibrolytic rumen bacteria. The higher NDFD increases the passage rate and consequently the DMI of steers fed sugarcane silage. The ensiling process does not alter the effect that high NDFD has on DMI. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/04982-7 - Intake, rumen kinetics and rumen ecosystem in young bulls fed with either fresh or ensiled sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with either high or low fiber digestibility
• Grantee: Dannylo Oliveira de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master