• 농업과학연구
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.123-129
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• 2013

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen supplementation through urea-molasses multinutrient block (UMMB) on the performance of dairy cows fed good quality forage based diets with rice straw as a night feeding. A total of 10 multiparous crossbred dairy cows in their early lactation were grouped into two categories based on their breed, parity, body weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein contents and daily fed a chopped CO-3 grass (Pennisetum purpureum ${\times}$ Pennisetum americanum; hybrid Napier) ad-libitum, 1 kg of dairy cow concentrate feed during the day time and 5 kg of rice straw (dry matter basis) at night as the basal diet (control) for 5 wk. In addition to the basal diet, the treatment group received 300 g of crushed UMMB daily throughout the experimental period. Cows were milked twice daily and the milk yields were recorded. Milk and feed samples were collected weekly for chemical analysis. Supplementation of UMMB had no significant effects (p>0.05) on straw intake, daily milk yield, contents and yields of milk constituents such as milk fat, protein, lactose and solids-non-fat. In addition, milk urea nitrogen content were not affected (p>0.05) by UMMB supplementation. However, numerical increments in all the parameters measured were observed during the study in cows fed diets supplemented with UMMB. It can be concluded that nitrogen supplied through UMMB had no effects on production performances of dairy cows in this study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.818-822
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• 2003

In order to investigate the effect of different sources of energy on intake and nutrient utilization from urea molasses mineral block (UMMB), rumen fermentation pattern and blood biochemical constituents, 18 intact and 9 rumen fistulated male Murrah buffaloes aged about 3 years and average weight 310.8 kg were randomly allocated into three groups of 9 animals in each, thus each group having 6 intact and three rumen fistulated buffaloes. All animals were fed individually for 90 days. All buffaloes were offered wheat straw as basal roughage and urea molasses mineral block for free choice of licking. Three different energy sources viz., barley grain, (group I), maize grain (group II) and jowar green (group III) were offered to meet their nutrient requirement as per Kearl (1982). At the end of feeding trial, a metabolism trial of 7 days duration was carried out on intact animals to determine the digestibility of nutrients. Rumen fermentation studies were carried out on rumen fistulated animals. After the metabolism trial blood was collected from intact animals to estimate the nitrogen constituents in blood serum of animals fed on different sources of energy. Results revealed no significant difference in the intake of UMMB in three groups. Similarly, the intake of DM (kg), DCP (g) and TDN (kg) per day was similar in three groups statistically. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) was significantly (p<0.05) more in group II than group III, whereas the digestibility of DM, OM and NFE was similar in group I and II. The digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and all the fiber fractions i.e. NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose was alike in 3 groups. Nitrogen balance (g/d) was significantly (p<0.05) more in group III as compared to group I and II, which were alike statistically, though the N intake (g/d) was similar in 3 groups but N balance (g/d) was significantly (p<0.05) less in group III as compared to other 2 groups. Significantly (p<0.05) higher concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), total nitrogen (TN) and its fractions were observed in group I and II as compared to group III. There was no effect on rumen pH, rumen volume and digesta flow rate due to different sources of energy in 3 groups. Similarly the blood serum biochemical parameters (NH3-N, urea-N and total protein) were statistically identical in 3 groups.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제6권3호
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• pp.377-381
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• 1993

Twenty male crossbred ($Sahiwal{\times}HF$) calves of about 6-9 months of age were divided into four groups of five animals each. All the animals were offered wheat straw ad lib. As the basal feed. However, animals in group I were fed concentrate mixture while the animals in groups II, III and IV had free access to urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) lick (I), (II) and (III) respectively as a partial substitute of concentrate mixture. The average concentrate offered (kg/day) to the animals was significantly (p<0.01) higher in group I ($2.69{\pm}0.18$) compared to groups II ($1.76{\pm}0.15$), III ($1.70{\pm}0.06$) and IV ($1.65{\pm}0.12$). The UMMB lick consumed was non-significantly different amongst groups I ($535.40{\pm}38.14$), II ($525.60{\pm}31.82$), III ($551.00{\pm}38.49$) and IV ($548.80{\pm}45.46$). Except ether extract, the digestibility coefficients of CP, ADF and NDF were non-significantly different in different groups. Similarly, N balance (g/day) and percent N retention of intake was not affected in different groups on supplementation of UMMB lick. Body composition of animals was similar in different groups supplemented with either concentrate mixture or concentrate mixture and UMMB licks. It may be concluded from these studies that UMMB lick can partially replace the concentrate mixture in the diet of growing calves without affecting the growth rate, nutrient utilization and body composition. The UMMB lick, thus, can form a part of the ration economically in the diet of growing ruminants especially in developing countries.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제5권3호
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• pp.533-539
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• 1992

Sixteen crossbred (Sahiwal $\times$ Holstein) male rumen fistulated calves of 18 to 24 months of age were randomly divided into four groups of four animal, each. Animals in all the groups were fed wheat straw ad lib as basal roughage. However, the animals in group I were fed concentrate mixture at maintenance level, whereas, the animals in groups II, III and IV had free access to existing, modified (A) and modified (B) urea molasses mineral block licks respectively. Daily wheat straw intake (kg) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in groups II ($4.20{\pm}0.13$), III ($4.07{\pm}0.16$) and IV ($4.22{\pm}0.20$) as compared to group I ($3.21{\pm}0.14$). Total N and TCA precistrained rumen liquor) was significantly higher in groups II ($22.36{\pm}0.25$), III ($21.63{\pm}0.25$) and IV ($21.77{\pm}0.55$) as compared to group I ($18.31{\pm}0.41$). Bacterial production rate (g/day and g/kg digestible organic matter intake) were non-significantly different amongst groups I ($214.4{\pm}13.28;\;85.38{\pm}3.69$); II ($198.7{\pm}5.70;\;86.17{\pm}3.53$); III ($214.4{\pm}8.19;\;96.15{\pm}2.16$) and IV ($218.2{\pm}10.62;\;94.44{\pm}5.52$). Similarly, percent efficiency of N incorporation into bacterial protein was not found significantly different amongst groups I, II, III and IV. These studies indicate that when concentrate mixture (upto maintenance level) in the diet of ruminants was replaced with UMMB licks, various N fraction in SRL and efficiency of bacterial production rates in the rumen were not affected.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.47-53
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• 1997

Appropriation of partial substitution of concentrate mixture by urea-molasses-mineral block (UMMB) lick supplements for 20 lactating crossbred cows in 2nd and 3nd lactation was studied. Animals fed on wheat straw ad lib. and Berseem (Trifolium alaxandrium) fodder @ 1.5 kg/d on dry matter basis. Animals of control group were given concentrate supplement, while in treatment groups 10% of the concentrate requirement was substituted with 3 different types of UMMB lick type A ($T_1$), type B ($T_2$) and type C ($T_3$). CP content of the ration was 15%. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was about 1.0 kg/kg of fat corrected milk (FCM) yield and was not significantly different between control and treatment groups. Digestibility of neither proximate principles nor cell wall constituents were deviated on UMMB licks partial supplementation. FCM yield was increased by 140, 410 and 460 g/d, in $T_1$, $T_2$ and $T_3$, respectively, in comparison to control group but differences were statistically invalid. Though fat per cent was reduced, fat yields were remain constant among treatments. Milk composition was unaltered except significant difference (p < 0.01) in non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content. Gross-N and digestible-N conversion was significantly higher (p < 0.01) with $T_1$, $T_2$ and $T_3$ than control group. Energy utilization efficiency for milk production was only 36%. Result demonstrated that UMMB licks could be partial supplemented up to 10% of the concentrate requirement of crossbred cows yielding on an average 14kg/d without any adverse effect on feed intake, nutrient utilization and mild production. Comparatively, UMMB lick type B and C was proved better than type A and also economically viable.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.107-112
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• 1992

Feeding of bypass protein to lactating animals have been suggested by many research scientists as a way to increase the nutrient supply at the intestinal level thereby enhance animal production in ruminant animals. A feeding trial with a formulated bypass protein feed on straw based ration was carried out by using lactating cross bred cows at the stage of 4th month of their lactation. Bypass protein feed was fed at 5 different levels. Urea Molasses Block was used as a nitrogen source to the rumen microflora. In order to reduce the heat increment straw intake was restricted to all the animals. Urea Molasses Block intake was noticed varying in proportion with the bypass protein feed intake. Milk production was observed increasing in accordance with the level of bypass protein feed intake. However, the maximum response was noticed in cows that were fed 3 kg bypass protein feed. The nutrient availability at this stage was below the NRC (1988) requirements. Other remarkable finding was that the cows maintained the persistency of milk production even after 3rd month of lactation when the ambient temperature was $40^{\circ}C$.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.343-350
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• 2015

Cocoa pod is among the by-products of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) plantations. The aim of this study was to apply a number of treatments in order to improve nutritional quality of cocoa pod for feeding of ruminants. Cocoa pod was subjected to different treatments, i.e. C (cocoa pod without any treatment or control), CAm (cocoa pod+1.5% urea), CMo (cocoa pod+3% molasses), CRu (cocoa pod+3% rumen content) and CPh (cocoa pod+3% molasses+Phanerochaete chrysosporium inoculum). Analysis of proximate and Van Soest's fiber fraction were performed on the respective treatments. The pods were then subjected to an in vitro digestibility evaluation by incubation in rumen fluid-buffer medium, employing a randomized complete block design (n = 3 replicates). Further, an in vivo evaluation of the pods (35% inclusion level in total mixed ration) was conducted by feeding to young Holstein steers (average body weight of $145{\pm}3.6kg$) with a $5{\times}5$ latin square design arrangement (n = 5 replicates). Each experimental period lasted for 30 d; the first 20 d was for feed adaptation, the next 3 d was for sampling of rumen liquid, and the last 7 d was for measurements of digestibility and N balance. Results revealed that lignin content was reduced significantly when cocoa pod was treated with urea, molasses, rumen content or P. chrysosporium (p<0.01) with the following order of effectiveness: CPh>CAm>CRu>CMo. Among all treatments, CAm and CPh treatments significantly improved the in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (p<0.05) of cocoa pod. Average daily gain of steers receiving CAm or CPh treatment was significantly higher than that of control (p<0.01) with an increase of 105% and 92%, respectively. Such higher daily gain was concomitant with higher N retention and proportion of N retention to N intake in CAm and CPh treatments than those of control (p<0.05). It can be concluded from this study that treatment with either urea or P. chrysosporium is effective in improving the nutritive value of cocoa pod.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.852-862
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• 2003

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of ionophore enriched cold processed mineral block supplemented with urea molasses on microbial growth and rumen fermentation. Twelve adult male crossbred cattle were divided into four groups on body weight basis. Animals were given wheat straw as a basal diet. The animals of group I and II were supplemented with concentrate mixture and animals of group III and IV were supplemented with cold processed urea molasses mineral block (UMMB). Thirty mg monensin/day/animal were supplemented to the animals of group II and 35 ppm monensin were incorporated in the UMMB supplemented to the animals of group IV. Dry matter (DM) intake did not differ significantly among groups. Mean rumen pH was higher in UMMB fed animals. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration (mmole/L strained rumen liquor (SRL) in group III (113.19) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of group I (105.83) and II (108.74) but similar to group IV (109.34). TVFA production (mole/day) was similar in all the groups. The molar proportion of acetate was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group I (59.56) than those of group II (51.73) and IV (55.91) but similar to group III (57.12). The molar proportion of propionate was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the monensin treated groups i.e. group II (38.38) and IV (36.26) than those of group I (27.78) and III (33.06). Butyrate molar percent was significantly (p<0.01) higher in group I (12.65) than those of group II (10.19), group III (9.83) and IV (7.84). The reduction of acetate and butyrate was due to UMMB and monensin resulted in lower A:P ratio. Average bacterial pool and bacterial production rate did not differ significantly among groups. Total N concentration (mg/100 ml SRL) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group I (55.30) and III (57.70) as compared to the group II (47.97) and IV (47.59). Ammonia-N concentration (mg/100 ml SRL) of group III (34.99) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the group I (25.76) which was again significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the group II (20.79) and IV (19.83) indicating slower release of ammonia due to monensin in diet. Total bacterial, cellulolytic, proteolytic bacterial and fungal count at 4 h post feeding did not differ significantly (p<0.05) among treatment groups. However, methanogenic bacterial count was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group I (11.80) compared to the group II (8.43) which was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the group III (4.70) and IV (2.90). Average protozoal population was affected by both treatments. Thus feeding of UMMB and monensin in diet affected the rumen fermentation pattern towards propionate production, slower release of ammonia and reduction in methanogenic bacteria in the rumen.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권11호
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• pp.1579-1584
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• 2002

Twelve adult male crossbred (Sahiwal${\times}$Holstein Friesian) cattle were distributed into four groups of three each on body weight basis. Animals were given wheat straw as a basal diet. The animals of group I and II were supplemented with concentrate mixture and animals of group III and IV were supplemented with cold processed urea molasses mineral block (UMMB). Thirty mg monensin/day/animal was supplemented to the animals of group II and 35 ppm monensin were incorporated in the UMMB supplemented to the animals of group IV. Vit.A and D mixture was given to all the animals once a week. Dry matter (DM) intake (kg/d) through wheat straw was 19.0 percent higher in the UMMB (without monensin) supplemented group (group III) than those of the concentrate mixture (without monensin) supplemented group i.e. group I. Total DM intake (kg/d) was lower in the monensin supplemented groups than those of non-supplemented groups though differences were not statistically significant. Digestible dry matter, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake were similar in all the groups. Average block consumption for 45 d period in the group III (0.95 kg/d) and group IV (0.84 kg/d) did not differ significantly. DM digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group II (58.9) as compared to the group I (52.7) and group III (54.0) but similar to the group IV (57.2). OM digestibility was also significantly (p<0.05) higher in the group II (63.2) as compared to that of the group I (54.9) but similar to the group III (57.8) and IV (59.2). Ether extract (EE) digestibility was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group I (76.9) and II (80.3) as compared to the group III (59.87) and IV (55.77). Nitrogen free extract (NFE) digestibility was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the group II (62.38) as compared to that of the other groups. Crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) digestibilities were not affected either due to UMMB or monensin. Nitrogen balance did also not differ significantly among the groups. However, Ca and P balance (g/d) in the group III (3.1, 1.3) and IV (3.0, 1.4) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than those of the group I (0.6, 0.2) and II (0.4, 0.3). Blood glucose (mg/100ml) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the group II (65.2) and IV (65.2) as compared to the group I (55.2) and group III (53.9). Plasma urea-N level (mg/100 ml) in the group III (19.0) and IV (17.8) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the group I (10.5) and II (12.3). So, monensin supplementation either with cold process UMMB or concentrate mixture did not show any additional effect on feed intake and digestibility but increases blood glucose level in adult cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.195-204
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of three categories of supplements on intake and diet induced difference on degradation of straw substrates. Sixteen crossbred cattle fitted with rumen cannula were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Animals were fed on wheat straw ad libitum without any supplement except mineral mixture (control; $T_1$) or supplemented with concentrate mixture (CS; $T_2$) or green Lucerne (GLS; $T_3$) or urea-molasses block lick (ULS; $T_4$). Total dry matter intake in $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ was increased by 70, 54 and 49%, respectively compared to $T_1$ which was only 1.55 kg/100 kg B.Wt. Other than control animals, straw intake was less on $T_3$ than $T_2$ or $T_4$. In Sacco degradation of untreated and urea treated wheat or paddy straw in different treatments indicated that the supplements had a significant (p<0.01) impact on rapidly soluble (A) and insoluble but potentially degradable (B) fractions of straw. Urea treatment increased fraction-A but, provision of supplement improved fraction-B also. Effective degradation (ED) of OM was better on $T_2$. Rate of degradation (C) of OM and CWC was dependent on diet and type of straw but hemicellulose and cellulose were related to latter factor only. ED of cell wall carbohydrates (CWC) was similar in $T_2$ and $T_4$ but higher than $T_3$. CS was more effective in improving the degradation of both untreated and urea treated straw while ULS was effective on the former only. CS had more impact on superior quality straw while contrary was true with ULS. Although GLS improved intake and degradability of untreated and urea treated straws, its bulkiness affected the straw intake compared to other supplements.