Intake and rumen degradation in cattle fed napier grass iPennisetum purpureum) supplemented with various levels of Desmodium intortum and Ipomoea batatus vines
Date
2001Author
Kariuki, J N
Tamminga, S
Gachuiri, C K
Gitau, G K
Muia, J M K
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study was conducted to assess the effect of greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) and
sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatus) supplementation of napier grass on dry matter intake, degradation and
rumen fermentation in Friesian steers. Four fistulated steers were offered napier grass diets containing 0, 10,20
or 30% desmodium or sweet potato vine in two 4 x 4 latin squares. Organic matter intake per kg metabolic
body weight increased linearly with increasing inclusion level of desmodium (74-90 g/ kgo.75 ) and sweet potato
vine (78-94 gjkgO.75). Crude protein intake also increased linearly with the increase in inclusion level of
desmodium (7.6-13.0 gjkgO.75) and sweet potato vine (7.9-12.9 gjkgO.75). Supplementation improved DM
degradation but did not change rumen pH. Rumen fermentable organic matter increased by up to 52% and 43%
for desmodium and sweet potato vine respectively at the highest levels of supplementation. Ammonia nitrogen
concentrations increased with increasing level of desmodium (130-214 mg/l) and sweet potato vine (139-235
mg/l). Inclusion of desmodium and sweet potato vine led to small increases in concentrations of total and
individual volatile fatty acids. It was concluded that the two forage supplements could play an important role in
improving animal performance when napier grass is fed as the basal diet.
Citation
South African Journal of Animal Science 2001,31(3)Publisher
South African Society of Animal Science Department of Animal Production