Effect of berseem supplementation to straw diets on nitrogen metabolism and nutrient utilization in cattle

Abstract

Adult non-castrated ruminally fistulaled cattle (4) of about 318±16 kg body weight were randomly distributed into 4 groups in an experiment based on 4 x 4 latin-square design to study the effect of berseem supplementation. Four dietary treatments were wheat straw ad lib. (1), supplemented with either 15% (2), 30% (3) or 45% (4) level of berseem. Straw consumption was 4.17, 4.47, 4.56 and 3.67 kg; berseem consumption was 0.00, 0.93, 1.95, 2.98 kg; total DMI was 4.17, 5.40, 6.51 and 6.65 kg/day in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Straw OM intake increased significantly only up to 30% level of supplementation. Digestibility of DM was 39.85, 45.61, 52.97 and 47.52% and CP was 12.12, 31.30, 45.93% and 56.5% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. While CP digestibility increased linearly with increased level of berseem, digestibility of other component increased significantly (P<0.01) up to 30% level, beyond which no further improvement was observed. Nitrogen balances were -126, -34, 189 and 407 mg/kg Wâ°Ë™â·âµ and NH₃-N concentration was 33.64, 83.61, 113.64 and 132.03 mg/litre in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. It is concluded that 30% level of berseem was optimum for rumen microbial activity which resulted in increased intake and digestion.