Effects of different levels of distillers dried grains on nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in sheep

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of distillers dried corn [DDG] on nutritive value and rumen fermentation of sheep. Fifteen barki sheep [with average of 45 kg live body weight] were assigned randomly into 5 similar groups of 3 each to determine the digestibility coefficients and nutritive values. They were fed on of the following experimental diets, control diet with [0% DDG] or diets formulated with 10% CP, 20% CP, 30% CP, and 40% CP from DDG, [which CP is the crude protein]. Results of digestibility trials indicated that sheep which fed 40% CP from DDG had significantly lowest digestibility coefficients, nutritive values and nitrogen utilization compared with other diets [at p<0.05]. Rumen liquor parameter indicated that, no significantly [at p<0.05] differences among diets in ammonia- N concentration and pH, while total VFA's [volatile fatty acids] and microbial protein synthesis had significantly [at p<0.05] higher values for 20% CP and 30% CP from DDG. Insignificant differences were observed among all experimental diets in daily feed intake and feed conversion. Lambs were weighed at the beginning of experimental period then at two weeks intervals. At the end of the experimental period which extended 120 days, six animals were used to determine the weight performance. Blood sample were taken in the final day of the experimental from the jugular vein before feeding, all plasma constituents were insignificantly increased by feeding diets containing different DDG levels. Relative economic efficiency was better for 20% CP and 30% CP from DDG compared with the other diets