IN SITU RUMEN DEGRADATION KINETICS OF FOUR SORGHUM VARIETIES IN NILI RAVI BUFFALOES - H. Nawaz; U. Ashfaq; M. Ali; M. S. Rehman (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2016)
Different sorghum varieties are introduced in practice to ensure the provision of good quality fodder for ruminants. Limited information is available on in situ rumen degradation characteristics of dietary nutrients of sorghum varieties. This study was planned to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ rumen degradation kinetics of four sorghum varieties in Nili Ravi bulls. Four sorghum varieties (Viejin 4003, Viejin 4005, Viejin 4006 and Viejin 4571) were harvested at 80th day after sowing. Samples of fresh fodders were taken and used for the determination of chemical composition. These sorghum varieties were evaluated using in situ nylon bag technique. The fresh samples were filled in nylon bags and incubated in the rumen of four rumen cannulated buffalo bulls for 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. Rumen incubated residues were analyzed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Chemical analysis showed that the crude protein and ADF contents were found higher (P<0.05) for Viejin 4003 compared to other varieties, whereas, the higher values of NDF and hemicellulose contents were found for Viejin 4005. Results showed that significant (P<0.05) higher effective rumen degradation (ED) and extent of degradation of DM were found for Viejin 4571. The extent of degradation and ED of NDF and ADF were found higher (P<0.05) for Viejin 4006 variety compared to other varieties. It is concluded that Viejin 4006 variety has the good nutritive profile and better values for rumen degradation characteristics compared to other varieties.
Keywords: journal article; Sorghum varieties; rumen degradation kinetics; effective rumen degradation; buffalo bulls